Does Taking Menstrual Delay Medication Affect Fertility? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Do contraceptive pills affect fertility?


Hello doctor, my menstrual period used to be around the 19th of each month.
Last December, due to some circumstances, I started taking medication to delay my period from December 16, 2019, to January 1, 2020.
I stopped taking the medication on January 1 after noticing a little bit of bleeding, and my period came (from January 1 to January 9).
After my period, I did not use any contraception (having sexual intercourse almost every day), but my period came as usual on February 1 and ended on February 8.
Could it be that taking the medication to delay my period has affected my ability to conceive? How long might it take to successfully conceive? I'm feeling quite anxious.
Thank you.

Tina, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/08

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, taking extended-release contraceptive pills is unrelated to conception.
If you have not become pregnant after more than a year of not using contraception, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/02/08

More Info


Taking menstrual delay medication, such as Nordron S.C. Tab or other progestins, can raise concerns about its impact on fertility, especially for individuals trying to conceive. It’s important to understand how these medications work and their potential effects on the menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health.

Menstrual delay medications are typically used to manipulate the menstrual cycle for various reasons, such as travel, events, or medical conditions. These medications work by altering hormone levels to delay the onset of menstruation. In your case, you took the medication from December 16 to January 1, and after stopping, your menstrual cycle resumed as expected.

The good news is that taking menstrual delay medication for a short period, as you did, generally does not have a long-term negative impact on fertility. The body usually returns to its normal hormonal balance relatively quickly after discontinuing the medication. Since you experienced a regular menstrual cycle following the cessation of the medication, it indicates that your body is functioning normally.

Regarding your concern about whether the use of menstrual delay medication has affected your ability to conceive, it is unlikely that it has had a lasting effect. Fertility can be influenced by numerous factors, including age, overall health, stress levels, and frequency of intercourse. Since you mentioned that you have been engaging in unprotected intercourse regularly after your period, it is essential to consider that conception can take time, even for couples without fertility issues.
On average, it can take healthy couples several months to conceive. Factors such as timing of intercourse in relation to ovulation, sperm health, and egg quality all play significant roles in the conception process. If you are concerned about your fertility, it may be beneficial to track your ovulation cycle using methods such as ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature monitoring, or fertility apps. This can help you identify your most fertile days and increase your chances of conception.

If you find that you are not able to conceive after several months of trying, it may be wise to consult with a healthcare provider or a fertility specialist. They can conduct a thorough evaluation to rule out any underlying issues that may be affecting your fertility.

In summary, taking menstrual delay medication for a short duration is unlikely to have a significant impact on your fertility. Your body appears to have returned to its normal cycle, and with regular unprotected intercourse, you have a good chance of conceiving. However, if you have ongoing concerns or if conception does not occur within a reasonable timeframe, seeking medical advice would be a prudent step. Remember to take care of your overall health, manage stress, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, as these factors can also influence fertility.

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