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This question originally appeared on Quora. Answer by Camila S. Espinoza, certified midwife.

Birth control by itself, no.

Well, tube ligation and vasectomies are a form of birth control, but a permanent impact in your fertility is the whole point of the procedure, and even that is not 100% effective.

Hormonal methods of contraception are safe. There might be a short-term impact in fertility that can last 1 to 6 months after stopping its use, but that’s all.

Natural forms of birth control have no real impact in your body, so of course there are no risks associated with this practice besides the opposite; unplanned pregnancies.

IUD’s slightly increase your risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), and PID can cause infertility, but it can be easily prevented.

Condoms, barrier methods of birth control and spermicides have no real impact on your reproductive health either.

In reality, the mere act of having sex endangers your reproductive health. Untreated STI’s are the most common cause of infertility after all. Using condoms consistently, especially if you or your partner have an IUD, getting tested regularly and getting adequate treatment if any of those tests shows an active infection, knowing the STI status of your partners, and going to your midwife, OBGYN or Urologist at least once a year is the best way to go.