Pill 'could delay conception'

13 Aug 2007

Growing numbers of women who take the contraceptive pill long-term are experiencing effects on their fertility after coming off the Pill to try for a baby, according to new reports.

More women are finding that menstruation does not return to normal for longer than expected when they stop taking the Pill. Termed lack of ovulation, this is a less familiar side-effect that only manifests itself once women discontinue with the Pill.

Dr Marilyn Glenville, author of Natural Solutions to Infertility, told the Telegraph: "I have seen cases where women in their 30s have not ovulated for two or three years after taking the contraceptive pill."

She explains: "The Pill artificially suppresses your hormones, effectively making your ovaries dormant. Sometimes it can make the reproductive system go into hibernation."

However, oral contraception has many well documented benefits, including its reliability and protective properties against ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs and reflexology have been reported to be effective in increasing ovarian blood flow and have proved to be successful for some women experiencing fertility problems when trying to conceive.

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