According to a recent meta-analysis published in the journal Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, use of contraceptive irrespective of its duration and type does not have a negative influence on the ability of women to conceive after termination of use and does not substantially delay fertility.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 22 studies (n=14,884) identified through a literature search on the PubMed/Medline, Global Health Database, Embase, Cochrane Library and African Index Medicus databases.
In a random effect model, the pooled estimated pregnancy rate within 12 months of contraceptive discontinuation was 83.1% (95% CI, 78.2%-88.0%). There was no significant difference in return of fertility at the first year for hormonal methods and intrauterine device users. The return of fertility was not influenced by type of progesterone used in contraception and duration of oral-contraceptive use. There was no conclusive evidence regarding the effect of parity in the resumption of pregnancy after contraceptive cessation.
"It is important to counsel women that prior contraceptive use regardless of its duration and type does not have a negative effect on subsequent fertility, so that they can choose and use the duration they want," the authors said.
