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Does prolonged use of birth control pills lead to any problems?

Dr Anuj Sharma
Faculty member, Department of Family Medicine,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,
USA

Q: What are the long term effects of using contraceptive pills? I heard that prolonged use of contraceptive pills results in problems during conceiving a child later. Is this just a rumour or there is some truth in it? Should I continue using contraceptive pills as means of birth control or switch to some other method?

A:Oral contraceptives have been in use throughout the world for at least 50 years. They have revolutionised the female life and choices in planning the family. To my knowledge, there have not been any major adverse effects from them. I have taken care of many women who have successfully had children after years of birth control pill use.