Normal fertility in women with post-pill amenorrhoea
Hull, M.G.; Bromham, D.R.; Savage, P.E.; Jackson, J.A.; Jacobs, H.S.
Lancet 1(8234): 1329-1332
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 6113309 Document Number: 171810
After exclusion of primary ovarian failure and causes of infertility not due to contraception, 48 patients with post-pill amenorrhea (PPA) and 47 patients whose amenorrhea did not follow oral contraception received treatment aimed at inducing ovulation. In the patients with PPA the cumulative conception rate was 91% at 12 mo. from the start of treatment and 98% at 24 mo.; 80% gave birth to a child by 18 mo. and 95% by 30 mo. These rates were similar to those of the non-PPA group and to previously published normal rates. PPA poses no serious threat to fertility, unlike the tubal damage that may result from use of an intrauterine device. Whatever their previous menstrual history, women, especially the nulliparous, who are concerned about their future fertility should be advised to use oral contraception in preference to an intrauterine device.