This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Concerns About Fertility After Stopping Contraceptives ¶
At 38 years old and with two children, a woman's concern about her fertility after stopping the use of Depo Provera, a reversible contraceptive, is understandable.
Published on July 2, 2020, Dr. Alfred Murage, a Consultant Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist, addresses this concern in a recent article.
According to Dr. Murage, reversible contraceptives only interfere with conception when in active use. Once use of a reversible contraceptive has been discontinued, fertility resumes promptly.
Depo Provera, a highly effective and reversible contraceptive, mainly works by interfering with ovulation. Some women using Depo Provera may notice prolonged absences of monthly periods, but once discontinued, resumption of ovulation is indicated by regular periods, with consequent return to fertility.
However, if a year or more elapses without conception, a gynecological assessment is usually required. Initial fertility evaluation includes sperm analysis, a confirmatory test for ovulation, and a check for the function of fallopian tubes.
At the age of 38 and following three years of failure to conceive, referral to a fertility specialist is the best strategy. The fertility expert should review all the results and recommend if additional evaluations will be necessary.
Most infertile women at the age of 38 and above will unfortunately not conceive with simple treatments. In-vitro fertilization (IVF), commonly referred to as test-tube babies, may be the best chance of achieving a pregnancy.
Dr. Alfred Murage is a Consultant Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist.
