Normal fertility in women with post-pill amenorrhoea

After exclusion of primary ovarian failure and causes of infertility not due to contraception 48 patients with post-pill amenorrhoea (PPA) and 47 patients whose amenorrhoea did not follow oral contraception received treatment aimed at inducing ovulation. In the patients with PPA the cumulative conception rate was 91% at 12 months from the start of treatment and 98% at 24 months. 80% gave birth to a child by 18 months and 95% by 30 months. These rates were similar to those of the non-PPA group and to previously published normal rates. Hence 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 recommended oral contraception in preference to an intrauterine device.