Birth Control Pills and Miscarriage

One of the most sought out methods of contraception today is hormonal contraception, achieved most commonly by the use of birth control pills. The popularity of birth control pills is credited to their extreme reliability. The method is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, if used correctly.

While it is true that these are not without side effects, a question that bothers many women is, “can birth control cause a miscarriage?” While it is not a good idea to take birth control pills once you have a confirmed pregnancy, even if taken in large dosages, these pills cannot lead to a miscarriage. The misconception occurs due the fact that the large doses of birth control pills such as the morning after pill, taken within just a few days of unprotected intercourse, can serve as an emergency contraceptive method. This leads to a belief that birth control pills may cause miscarriage.

There have been studies that point toward a link between the usage of oral contraceptives for more than two years and a rise in the risk of miscarriage. However, there have been studies that suggest just the opposite, saying that using hormonal birth control measures for a long period of time can actually result in the preservation of eggs and may reduce the risk of miscarriage on the account of chromosomal abnormalities in women who are above the age of 30. There has also been research that shows women who have been taking oral contraceptives for a long time found it easier to conceive when they wanted to. Overall, the evidence at this stage appears to be somewhat conflicting. However, the odds are more in the favor of hormonal birth control pills and not in raising the risks of miscarriage.

There is no medical evidence to prove that birth control pills cause miscarriages or birth defects. Recent studies have found no correlation or evidence between a rise in fetal deaths and exposure to the high level of hormones in pregnancy. However, if you have been irregular with the pills and now suspect pregnancy, you should stop the pills immediately. The best option, before you make any major decision, is always to seek proper medical opinion.

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