For many of us, the birth control pill has been a constant companion through various stages of life. It may have been there to help manage painful periods in our teens, provide peace of mind through our twenties, or help treat conditions like endometriosis or PCOS. Yet, despite how common it is, the pill remains surrounded by a cloud of myths that can cause real anxiety when you start thinking about your future fertility.
At TRIO, we often hear from patients who worry that their past choices might be impacting their present ability to conceive. It is completely understandable to feel protective of your reproductive health. Our goal is to clear away the noise with evidence-based facts, helping you feel empowered rather than worried about the years you spent on the pill. Let’s look at the most common birth control myths and facts to help you navigate your journey with “grounded hope.”
1) The Birth Control Pill Can Cause Infertility
This is perhaps the most persistent fear we encounter: can birth control cause infertility? Many people worry that by “shutting down” their system for years, they might have caused permanent damage. We want to be very clear: the answer to “can the pill make you infertile?” is a definitive no.
The pill works by temporarily pausing ovulation, not by depleting your egg reserve or damaging your reproductive organs. When you stop taking it, the synthetic hormones leave your system quickly—usually within a few days. While it might take a few months for your natural cycle to find its rhythm again, long-term use of oral contraceptives and fertility are not negatively linked.
Often, the pill actually masks underlying issues rather than causing them. If someone had irregular cycles before starting the pill, those irregularities will likely return once they stop. It isn’t that the pill caused the problem; it simply provided a steady hormonal baseline that made the symptoms less visible.
2) You Shouldn’t Use Birth Control Pills Long-term
You might have heard a friend or a family member ask, “how long should you be on birth control pills?” with the implication that there is a “safety limit” before you need to give your body a break.
From a clinical perspective, there is no medical requirement to take a “cleansing break” from the pill. Your body does not store up these hormones over time. Whether you have been on it for two years or twelve, the way your body processes and clears the medication remains the same.
The decision regarding how long you should be on birth control pills is entirely personal and should be based on your current lifestyle, health goals, and whether you are ready to conceive. For many, the benefits of long-term use—such as reduced menstrual cramps, predictable cycles, and management of hormonal acne—far outweigh any reason to stop before they are ready to start a family.
3) Birth Control Causes Weight Changes
If you search the internet for side effects, you will see thousands of stories about weight gain on birth control. Conversely, some people ask, “Does birth control cause weight loss?” The truth is that clinical studies have struggled to find a consistent, direct link between the combined oral contraceptive pill and significant weight changes.
For most people, weight gain on birth control is often related to initial water retention or a slight increase in appetite during the first few months as the body adjusts. It is rarely a permanent change in body composition. On the flip side, while some people hope for it, the pill does not typically cause weight loss either.
Everybody is unique, and how you react to a specific formulation of hormones is personal. If you feel like your current pill is affecting your metabolism or how you feel in your clothes, it is worth discussing a different brand or dosage with your doctor rather than assuming all hormonal options will have the same effect.
4) The Contraceptive Pill Increases Your Risk of Cancer
The conversation around the contraceptive pill and cancer risk is often one-sided, focusing only on potential risks while ignoring the significant protective benefits. It is true that some studies have shown a very slight, temporary increase in the risk of breast and cervical cancers while using the pill. However, this risk is small and tends to decrease back to baseline after you stop taking it.
What is often left out of the headlines is that the pill significantly lowers the risk of several other cancers. Long-term use is associated with a much lower risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers. In fact, the protective effect against ovarian and endometrial cancer can last for decades after you stop taking the pill. When looking at the contraceptive pill and cancer risk as a whole, the net effect is often seen as a health benefit for many women.
5) The Pill Negatively Impacts Sex Drive
“Does birth control affect sex drive?” is a question that touches on both our biology and our relationships. Because the pill changes your hormonal landscape—specifically by lowering free testosterone levels—some people do experience a decrease in libido.
However, this is not a universal experience. For some, the peace of mind that comes with effective contraception actually improves their sex drive by removing the anxiety of an unplanned pregnancy. Others find that because the pill reduces painful symptoms like endometriosis or heavy bleeding, they feel much more comfortable and interested in intimacy.
If you feel a noticeable dip in your desire after starting a new prescription, don’t feel like you have to just live with it. There are many different types of progestins and estrogen levels available, and often a simple switch to a different formulation can make a world of difference in how you feel.
Finding the Right Birth Control for You
Choosing a contraceptive is about more than just preventing pregnancy; it is about finding a tool that supports your quality of life today while protecting your dreams for tomorrow. Whether you are currently on the pill or thinking about stopping to start your fertility journey, remember that your history with birth control is a chapter of your health story, not a barrier to your future.
Clinical Note: The Post-Pill Transition
While most people resume ovulation within one to three months of stopping the pill, it is normal for the first few periods to be slightly heavier or more irregular than what you experienced while on medication. If your period hasn’t returned after three months, it is a good idea to reach out to a specialist to ensure your hormones are transitioning smoothly.
At TRIO, we are here to help you understand the “why” behind your cycle. If you have concerns about your past contraceptive use or are ready to take the next step toward pregnancy, our team is ready to provide the clarity and support you deserve. You don’t have to navigate these myths alone.
Speak with a TRIO care coordinator today.
References
Girum T, Wasie A. Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Contraception and Reproductive Medicine (2018). PubMed Central
Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer. Type and timing of menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk: individual participant meta-analysis of the worldwide epidemiological evidence. The Lancet (2019). The Lancet
Yland JJ, et al. Pregravid contraceptive use and fecundability: prospective cohort study. BMJ (2020). BMJ
