Does taking contraceptive pills cause infertility?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 07, 2025
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Contraceptives are categorized into short-acting, long-acting, or emergency contraceptives. Commonly, long-acting contraceptives, such as those taken orally once a month, have significant side effects. Prolonged use can lead to menstrual irregularities, facial pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and amenorrhea. Therefore, long-term use of long-acting contraceptives may result in decreased ovarian function, leading to infertility. Generally, emergency contraceptives and short-acting contraceptives have relatively minor side effects. Occasional use does not have a significant impact, but prolonged use can cause menstrual disorders and hormonal imbalances, which in turn can lead to infertility. Thus, contraceptives are not suitable for everyone, and it is not recommended for women who have never given birth to use oral contraceptives for contraception.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
1min 13sec home-news-image

Can infertility ovulate?

I would like to discuss the causes of female infertility. The main causes of female infertility are ovulatory disorders and fallopian tube factors. If infertility is primarily due to fallopian tube factors, the patient does not have ovulatory disorders and can ovulate normally. Many cases of infertility are due to ovulatory disorders, which may be caused by ovarian dysfunction leading to persistent anovulation. Some are due to ovarian diseases, underdeveloped ovaries, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, and functional ovarian tumors. Or it could be due to dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis causing anovulation. It could also be due to endocrine metabolic diseases, such as hyperfunction or hypofunction of the thyroid or adrenal cortex, which can lead to anovulation. Therefore, in women with infertility caused by fallopian tube factors, ovulation can occur; if it is caused by ovulatory disorders, it involves ineffective ovulation or an inability to ovulate.

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Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
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Is Chinese herbal medicine effective for infertility?

Is Chinese herbal medicine effective for infertility? My answer is definitely yes. Traditional Chinese medicine is a national treasure in our country, and it has good effects on chronic conditions, such as infertility. The main causes of infertility include liver stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm dampness, kidney deficiency, and so on. It’s not only drinking herbal medicine that proves useful for infertility patients. Traditional Chinese medicine also includes other treatments like topical applications, herbal enemas, and hot compresses, providing various effective methods to help patients conceive more quickly. It is important for patients to seek treatment at specialized or official hospitals for effective treatment.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can menstrual irregularity lead to infertility?

Menstrual irregularity simply indicates that ovulation is abnormal, and it does not necessarily mean that there is no ovulation. If ovulation occurs, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Therefore, having irregular periods does not mean pregnancy is impossible, although the chances of conception may be lower. Normally, a woman ovulates once within a month, but if her periods are irregular, it is difficult to pinpoint when ovulation occurs. Generally, about 14 days after ovulation, a normal menstrual period should occur. If there is an extended absence of menstruation, it usually suggests that ovulation has not occurred. If there is a desire for childbirth, treatment to regulate menstruation and promote ovulation may be necessary, as it would be quite difficult to conceive otherwise.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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What should an infertile man check?

The definitive diagnosis of male infertility requires determination based on professional examination procedures. Common examinations include the following: First, it is crucial to conduct a medical history interview. The patient should actively cooperate and honestly report their conditions, such as whether they have had mumps, any unsafe sexual behaviors, and what their occupation is. Second, a physical examination, including a general body and reproductive organ examination, is necessary. Special attention should be given to the patient's developmental, nutritional, and mental status, with a focus on the development of the reproductive organs. Third, laboratory tests. The most common is semen analysis. Other tests may be selected based on specific conditions, such as X-ray examinations to determine the location of any blockage in the vas deferens. Techniques such as vasography, epididymography, vas deferens and seminal vesicle radiography, or urethrography can be used. Testicular exams are also performed to assess the condition of the testicles. Additionally, immunological tests, including sperm agglutination and immobilization tests, are used to detect sperm agglutination antibodies or immobilization antibodies in serum or seminal plasma, which help assess the immune status.

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Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
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Where to apply moxibustion for infertility?

The principle of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for infertility mainly involves nourishing kidney qi, benefiting essence and blood, nurturing the Conception and Thoroughfare Vessels, and regulating menstruation as the general principle, through which syndrome differentiation and treatment are applied to treat the condition accordingly. For infertility moxibustion, the following acupuncture points can be selected: The first one is the Guanyuan point, also known as Dantian, located 3 inches below the navel. The second is the Qihai point, located on the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 1.5 inches below the center of the navel. The third is the Uterus point, located on the lower abdomen, 4 inches below the center of the navel and 3 inches aside from the midline. The fourth is the Sanyinjiao point, located on the inner side of the lower leg, 3 inches above the tip of the medial malleolus. The fifth is the Zusanli point, located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the knee. These are the main acupuncture points.