infertility

I have been on birth control since i was 19, im 22 now. I was wondering if continuing to be on birth control will cause me to become infertile? I do not want to have a baby now, but in the future will it affect me being able to concieve (conceive) a baby?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
In most cases long term use of birth control has no effect on fertility.  In the case of patients with PCOS or endometriosis, birth control actually helps to preserve fertility, and gives women a BETTER chance down the road.
Currently there is no recommended "break" in therapy, and no reason to take a break unless you are tired of taking it, or wanting to get pregnant.
Hope this helps!
Good luck!
Dr B