As more of us explore the world of preserving fertility through egg freezing, it is important to understand how our birth control choices can play into the game. In this article, we're breaking down the different birth control types, how they might affect your egg freezing plans, and why chatting with a fertility pro is your best move.

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Egg Freezing and Stopping Birth Control

Birth Control Types

There are 2 Birth Control Types:

Hormonal Options:

• Pills, patches, rings, and certain injections fall under this category.
• They control hormonal balance to prevent ovulation, reducing the chance of fertilisation.

Non-Hormonal Options:

• Condoms, diaphragms act as barriers.
• IUDs that create barriers or alter the uterine environment.

Generally, non-hormonal options will not affect egg freezing, and you’re safe to continue them throughout the egg freezing process.

On the other hand, hormonal birth control methods, which manipulate hormonal levels, may interfere with the egg freezing process. Egg freezing involves using hormones to stimulate ovaries and control ovulation. Therefore, it is commonly advised to stop hormonal birth control if you are considering egg freezing.

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Birth Control Methods

Here is a breakdown on specific birth control methods and whether you need to stop them.

IUDs:

• IUDs do not impede ovulation, making them suitable for those considering egg freezing.
• Removal is optional unless desired.

The Pill:

• Discontinuation is necessary before the egg freezing cycle as it suppresses ovulation.
• Stopping points vary based on individual circumstances and doctor's advice.

Depo-Provera:

• Discontinuation, followed by a 3-6 month wait, may be necessary before you can start egg freezing

The Patch and NuvaRing:

• Similar to the pill, removal is necessary before beginning egg freezing.

While these guidelines generally hold true, it is crucial not to start or stop any birth control method without consulting a fertility specialist if you are considering egg freezing.

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Other Ways that Birth Control Affect Egg Freezing

Prescribed before Egg Freezing

‍Surprisingly, birth control pills might be prescribed before egg freezing to synchronise the menstrual cycle. Egg freezing starts on Day 2 of your menstrual cycle; hence being able to time your period with the help of birth control is a useful method for planning your egg freezing schedule. This will feature more strongly if your periods are irregular, or if you want to schedule your egg freezing cycle on fixed dates without the unpredictability of period dates. In addition, birth control may also be used to manage the growth of ovarian cysts, to facilitate the egg collection process from the ovaries.

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Effects on Fertility Screening Results

Birth control can influence egg freezing outcomes in an unexpected manner by impacting fertility screening results. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) serves as a crucial indicator of remaining egg reserves, guiding your doctor in customizing treatment and providing an estimate of expected egg numbers per cycle. The use of birth control may temporarily suppress AMH levels due to its hormonal effects. However, this suppression is typically reversible within three months after discontinuing the contraceptive.

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Summing it Up

While birth control can coexist with egg freezing, the specifics depend on the birth control type and method. Again, it is crucial to consult with a fertility specialist before making any changes to your birth control regimen in the context of egg freezing. By navigating these choices with specialist guidance, we can optimise our chances of a successful egg freezing process and avoid unplanned accidents - especially during or right after egg freezing when you are extra fertile!