The use of birth control or contraceptives is prevalent in Kenya with women as young as eighteen years using them to prevent pregnancy. Majority of these women go ahead to conceive immediately after coming off birth control whether hormonal or non-hormonal. However, some women face fertility challenges that can be attributed to the use of hormonal based contraceptives as well as an overall change in lifestyle. Some of the most common fertility problems women in Kenya face in connection to birth control include:
- Disruption of the menstrual cycle
Regular intake of hormonal based contraceptives can negatively affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. Women that previously had regular periods may begin to have irregular ones making it hard to track their cycle. For some, the periods may last longer than usual and become much heavier and can affect their fertility over time. In some cases, reversing the effects of birth control on the menstrual cycle may take time even after discontinuing their intake.
- Unsystematic ovulation
Majority of the hormones released by contraceptives are meant to stop ovulation over time thus preventing pregnancy. As these hormones are released on a regular basis, the natural menstrual cycle is disrupted and so is the release of matured eggs from the ovaries. Over time, this disruption begins to become normal for the ovaries making it hard for them to start producing the much-needed eggs when one gets off birth control. It is for this reason that some women have a hard time getting pregnant as soon as they stop using their preferred contraceptives.
- Imbalance of hormones
Hormonal imbalance is a common challenge for women that use birth control regularly as the introduction of hormones changes the environment in the uterus and whole body. The hormones can at times overload the existing ones resulting in fertility issues that build up over time. To avoid aggravating hormonal imbalance, it is advisable to meet with your doctor before taking any hormonal based contraceptives to avoid such imbalances which may negatively affect fertility in the future.
- Unhealthy uterine lining
Some birth control methods such as the Pill make it impossible for the fertilised egg to implant itself in the lining of the uterus. It does this by taking control of the levels of oestrogen as well as progesterone making the lining unreceptive. The longer this process takes place, the more the lining changes making it harder for implantation to take place when stops using the pill. This fertility issue may result in delayed conception for a woman seeking to get pregnant.
To minimise the chances of fertility challenges in women that opt for hormonal birth control methods, it is advisable to seek medical advice beforehand. Most medical personnel will take you through tests to help determine the best contraceptive for your unique situation. In most cases, they will take you through the pros and cons of various birth control methods to help you make the best decision that will not bring about fertility problems in the future.
