Expert: Brigid Kowalczyk - 7/7/2006

Question
Hello,

I am currently 28 years old and have been on the birth control pill for almost 11 years. My husband and I would like to start a family next year but i'm concerned that since i've been on the pill for such a long time I will have a problem conceiving. Since i've been on the pill for so long, does the side effects of taking the pill increase? and will it harm by body? If so when would you recommend me getting off due to health concerns and wanting to start a family?

Answer
The older you are and the longer you have taken the pill can result in decreased fertility.  But there is no way to tell if you are fertile until you stop taking the pill and start trying.  

The best thing to do is to stop taking it and to do all the things you need to do to be healthy:  eat right, get enough sleep, exercise and take your vitamins.  Sunlight is a good thing, too.  It is always a good idea to start your family when you are younger rather than older but there is no guarantee.  Some women do not concieve when they are young but later on in their late 30's and 40's they are fertile  =- and vice versa.  

Fertility is fragile for some women and for others it can't be stopped!!  Enjoy yourself and your process of building a family.  It's a wonderful thing.