Can medroxyprogesterone help you get pregnant? (+3)

In this article, we will discuss whether medroxyprogesterone helps you get pregnant. We will also share the effects of medroxyprogesterone on pregnancy and fertility, and some medications that help in conceiving.

Can medroxyprogesterone help you get pregnant?

No, medroxyprogesterone does not help you get pregnant as it is a contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy in women who can conceive. Although it can be used to address issues related to fertility, it is not used to help in getting pregnant.

Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin and is used medically as medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). It is commonly sold under the brand name Depo-Provera and is widely used as a contraceptive (1).

Medroxyprogesterone is not used to help a person get pregnant and is utilized to prevent conception. Through its mechanism of action, it inhibits ovulation and reduces fertility (1).

Medroxyprogesterone can be used as a fertility-sparing treatment to treat conditions that can potentially affect fertility. Thus, it can treat such conditions while preserving the person’s ability to have children in the future.

How does medroxyprogesterone affect conception?

Medroxyprogesterone affects conception or getting pregnant because it resembles in structure the naturally occurring hormone called progesterone. As it binds to the receptors it decreases the release of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

Due to the effects on GnRH, the usual surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) is interrupted preventing the maturation of follicles and ovulation (1).

Medroxyprogesterone also changes the lining of the uterus making it harder for a fertilized egg to attach. Finally, it also thickens cervical mucus making it tougher for sperm to reach the egg (1).

Thus, medroxyprogesterone prevents pregnancy by the above-mentioned mechanism of action. It does not help an individual to get pregnant.

How does medroxyprogesterone affect fertility?

When used as a contraceptive, medroxyprogesterone has antifertility effects and it reduces fertility and the chances of getting pregnant until it is discontinued.

However, it can also support fertility by treating conditions that can reduce fertility and make it harder to get pregnant. Medroxyprogesterone can be used to manage the following conditions besides being used as a contraceptive (1):

• amenorrhea
• abnormal uterine bleeding
• prevention of endometrial hyperplasia
• endometrial carcinoma

Conditions like endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia can cause problems with fertility and conception. In such conditions, medroxyprogesterone is used as a fertility-sparing treatment (2).

The effectiveness of medroxyprogesterone in addressing such conditions while preserving fertility is well-established in the literature (2). Thus, it can be used as a contraceptive to reduce fertility and also as a fertility-sparing treatment.

How soon can you conceive after stopping medroxyprogesterone?

Medroxyprogesterone stays in your system for at least three months and prevents pregnancy in this period. Thus the dose is administered every three months to prevent pregnancy (3).

According to the research, fertility does not return exactly after three months and it may take more than three months to get pregnant. Although discontinued, medroxyprogesterone may remain in the system for up to 15 weeks (4).

It may take up to 9 months after the last dose of medroxyprogesterone to conceive. You can experience a brown discharge after discontinuation as it is a common side effect of this agent but it does not indicate pregnancy.

What medications can help you get pregnant?

Based on individual characteristics and reasons for delay in pregnancy, different medications can be prescribed to help in conception. The following medications are widely used to aid fertility:

How to increase the chance of getting pregnant?

You can use the following tips to increase your chances of getting pregnant:

• track your menstrual cycle. Your most fertile days are when ovulating which happens 12 to 14 days before the next period. Try to have intercourse during this period to increase the chances of getting pregnant.
• ensure that your weight is within a healthy limit, consume a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption.
• supplements like folic acid and prenatal vitamins are also helpful in increasing the chance of getting pregnant.

In my experience:

In my perspective, medroxyprogesterone does not help you get pregnant as it is a contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. It reduces fertility and it is highly unlikely to get pregnant while taking this medication.

Medroxyprogesterone can be used to preserve or support fertility by treating conditions that create problems in getting pregnant. Thus, it can be used as a contraceptive and fertility-sparing treatment.

Different medications and tips can be used to increase the chance of getting pregnant. You must contact your healthcare provider if you are trying to conceive, for more information.

References