Abstract
Background
Fear of adverse effects on subsequent fertility following reversible contraceptive
use is an important concern for some women.
Study Design
We undertook a comprehensive and objective review of the literature for prospective
studies reporting pregnancy rates in women following contraceptive cessation. One-year
pregnancy rates and pregnancy outcomes are summarized.
Results
We identified and analyzed 17 studies according to preset criteria. Typical 1-year
pregnancy rates following cessation of oral contraceptives or the levonorgestrel-releasing
intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) ranged between about 79% and 96% and those for copper
intrauterine devices (IUDs) were almost as high, ranging between about 71% and 91%.
One-year pregnancy rates following cessation of contraceptive implants were between
77% and 86%, with one study showing a rate lower than 50%. For injectable contraceptives
[(a) norethisterone enanthate and (b) 5 mg estradiol cypionate and 25 mg medroxyprogesterone
(Cyclofem)], only two studies were reported, with 1-year pregnancy rates following
cessation of 73% and 83%, respectively. There was no evidence of increased pregnancy
complications or adverse fetal outcomes following cessation of any of the reversible
methods reported.
Conclusions
Overall, 1-year pregnancy rates following cessation of oral contraceptives, contraceptive
implants and monthly injections, copper IUDs and the LNG-IUS are broadly similar to
those reported following discontinuation of barrier methods or use of no contraceptive
method.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 06, 2011
Accepted:
April 8,
2011
Received in revised form:
March 29,
2011
Received:
October 1,
2010
Footnotes
���Conflicts of interest: Dr Mansour has received support to undertake research, attend clinical meetings and scientific advisory boards from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals; Dr Gemzell-Danielsson has participated on scientific advisory boards, clinical trials and has been a speaker for Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals; Dr Pirjo Inki is an employee of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals; and Dr Jensen has participated on scientific advisory boards, received research support and been a speaker for Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
