When it comes to birth control and fertility, there are plenty of misconceptions. One of the most common is the belief that using contraceptive pills can cause infertility. But is there any truth to this, or is it just a myth? Infertility is generally defined as the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected sex. To clarify the matter, we spoke with Dr. Geeta Shroff, Director of the NuBella Centre for Women’s Health, and Dr. Juhee Jain, Senior Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, for their expert insights.

Do Contraceptive Pills Cause Infertility?According to Dr. Shroff, “Contraceptive pills do not directly cause infertility; such cases are extremely rare.” Hormonal birth control temporarily prevents pregnancy by delaying fertility, but once you stop taking it, your reproductive system usually returns to normal. Some women may notice a short delay in conception, but in most cases, fertility comes back within a few months to a year.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience can differ. Factors like age, overall health, and pre-existing medical conditions can influence how quickly fertility returns. While hormonal contraceptives can help regulate periods and manage conditions like endometriosis, they do not permanently affect the ability to get pregnant.

Types Of Contraception Pills

There are three main categories of contraceptive pills. Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) include both estrogen and progestin, while Progestin-Only Pills (POPs), often called mini-pills, contain only progestin. A third option is Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs), which are taken after unprotected intercourse to reduce the chance of pregnancy. Choosing the right pill depends on individual health conditions and personal needs, so it’s important to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before deciding.

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Pills and Their Potential Effects on Fertility

Dr. Shroff adds, “In some cases, ovulation may take longer to resume, or the uterine lining may remain thinner than usual.” This means that while most women regain fertility after stopping the pill, a few may face challenges. Hormonal levels, age, and overall health all play a role in how quickly normal ovulation returns.

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A consistently thin uterine lining can make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant, so women who struggle to conceive after stopping the pill should consult a doctor for a proper assessment.

How Pills Affect Ovulation and Reproductive Health

Dr. Jain explains, “Contraceptive pills work by preventing ovulation and thinning the endometrial lining, which stops conception.” Here’s a closer look at their effects on different aspects of reproductive health:

1. Menstrual Cycle Regulation

• Positive: Many women experience more regular periods, which can ease irregularities and make cycles more predictable.
• Negative: Some may notice missed periods or unexpected spotting between cycles.

2. Hormonal Balance

• Positive: Pills can stabilize hormones, offering relief for conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.
• Negative: Long-term use may lead to hormonal imbalances once the pill is stopped, potentially affecting ovulation.

3. Fertility Considerations

• Temporary Delay: Contraceptive pills do not cause permanent infertility, but some women may see a brief delay in returning fertility, typically resolving within months to a year.
Rare Long-term Effects: In uncommon cases, issues like a persistently thin uterine lining can make conceiving more difficult.

Overall, while contraceptive pills can temporarily affect fertility, they do not pose a permanent risk. Women concerned about conceiving after using the pill should consult their healthcare provider for guidance and reassurance.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder that affects the nervous system, the network of nerves controlling movement and other vital body functions. Symptoms usually appear gradually. Often, the first sign is a subtle tremor in one hand, or sometimes a foot or jaw. Tremors are common, but Parkinson’s can also cause stiffness, slower movements, and balance problems, increasing the risk of falls.

Could Oral Bacteria Be a Trigger For Parkinson’s Disease?

Recent research suggests that bacteria in your mouth could play a surprising role in Parkinson’s disease. Scientists have identified a link between Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria primarily responsible for cavities—and the development of Parkinson’s. According to researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea, these bacteria can settle in the gut and produce metabolites that travel to the brain, potentially triggering Parkinson’s.

“Our study shows how oral microbes in the gut may affect the brain and contribute to Parkinson’s,” says Professor Ara Koh. “Targeting the gut microbiome could offer new treatment possibilities.” The findings, published in Nature Communications, revealed a higher presence of S. mutans in the gut of Parkinson’s patients compared to healthy individuals.

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More importantly, S. mutans produces an enzyme called urocanate reductase (UrdA) and a metabolite known as imidazole propionate (ImP). Researchers found that both UrdA and ImP were present at higher levels in the gut and blood of Parkinson’s patients. ImP, in particular, appears capable of entering the bloodstream, reaching the brain, and potentially contributing to the loss of dopaminergic neurons, which is the nerve cells essential for controlling movement.

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In experiments with mice, researchers introduced S. mutans into the gut or modified E. coli to produce UrdA. The mice then showed higher levels of ImP in both their blood and brain. Alongside this, they developed key signs of Parkinson’s disease, including the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, increased brain inflammation, trouble with movement, and greater buildup of alpha-synuclein, a protein closely linked to the disease’s progression.

What Is Streptococcus Mutans?

S. mutans naturally lives in your mouth and can accumulate on teeth at any age, from infants to adults. It’s the main cause of tooth decay. When you consume sugar, these bacteria produce acids that damage tooth enamel.

Can We Reduce Streptococcus Mutans?

Even though these bacteria are naturally present, you can take steps to keep them in check:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Clean between your teeth using floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers
• Maintain regular dental checkups
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, replacing them with healthier options
• Consider sealants on grooves and pits if recommended by your dentist

Targeting S. mutans and the oral-gut connection could not only improve dental health but also potentially reduce Parkinson’s risk.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition marked by the development of small cysts on the ovaries. This can interfere with ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and impact fertility. Interestingly, many individuals with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar but cannot use it effectively.

This raises concerns about a potential connection between PCOS and diabetes. We got in touch with Dr Tripti Sharan, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, explaining how PCOS may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How PCOS Can Increase Diabetes Risk

Dr. Tripti explains that in PCOS, the ovaries do not function normally. Follicles are often stuck at different stages of development, giving the ovaries their characteristic “polycystic” appearance. However, the ovaries are not the underlying cause; they are affected by conditions like insulin resistance or hypothyroidism.

“Insulin resistance is often driven by genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors,” Dr Tripti notes. “To maintain normal blood sugar, the body produces more insulin. Excess insulin then affects the ovaries, causing them to release higher levels of male hormones. This can lead to irregular periods, acne, abnormal hair growth, and sometimes infertility.”

If these factors are left unaddressed, insulin resistance can worsen. Over time, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, potentially leading to diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women with PCOSPCOS is often seen as a pre-diabetic condition. Without proper management, it can progress to diabetes. Dr Tripti highlights the importance of lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and adopting a structured daily routine.

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PCOS is also linked to other health concerns, including high triglycerides, fatty liver, endometrial hyperplasia, and high blood pressure. Factors such as obesity, inactivity, chronic stress, high cholesterol, pregnancy, aging, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and misuse of steroids can further increase diabetes risk in women with PCOS.

Symptoms Indicating Higher Diabetes Risk

Signs that may indicate a higher risk of developing diabetes in PCOS include poor weight control, fatty liver, elevated lipid levels, and hormonal imbalances like excess androgens. These factors point to worsening insulin resistance, which significantly raises the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips

Dr. Tripti recommends several strategies to reduce the risk of diabetes in women with PCOS:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in daily physical activity, regardless of body size
• Manage stress effectively
• Prioritize sufficient sleep
• Address hormonal imbalances under medical supervision
• Treat thyroid disorders
• Monitor and control lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular issues
• Ensure pregnancies are planned and screened for diabetes

Recognize that aging increases insulin resistance, making a healthy lifestyle even more important

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She also advises focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, especially those with skins, which have a lower glycemic load. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important, and regular exercise, including cardio, strength training, stretching, and relaxation practices like yoga and meditation can help manage both PCOS and diabetes risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol supports overall health.

In today’s hyper-connected, always-on work culture, long hours and erratic shifts are quietly eating into one of the most essential pillars of health.. A new study by Truworth Wellness, India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025: From Access to Outcomes, reveals how sleep deprivation, chronic diseases, and poor preventive care are undermining employees during their prime working years.

Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Productivity KillerThe report, based on health data from over 46,000 employees across industries, found that nearly 1 in 10 workers suffer from sleep disorders, most of them between ages 23 and 39. This lack of rest translates to 11.3 lost workdays per employee every year, costing companies an estimated ₹2.1 lakh annually, as per the study.

Chronic Conditions Striking Earlier

Cardiac issues, diabetes, and thyroid disorders are no longer diseases of old age. They are increasingly showing up in employees under 40, adding long-term pressure on both workers’ health and company healthcare costs.

Obesity and the Prevention Gap

Obesity is emerging as a ‘gateway’ condition, with 14% of employees obese, 71% of them in the 25–35 age bracket. Despite being the most vulnerable, younger employees are also least likely to undergo preventive screenings, delaying early detection of high-risk conditions.

Poor Sleep Is Leading To Poor Mental Health

The report also warns of the mental health toll of sleeplessness. Chronic fatigue, stress, and unmanaged conditions fuel declining resilience and rising emotional distress at work. As Rajesh Mundra, Founder and Executive Chairman of Truworth Wellness, notes, “Wellness can no longer be a checkbox activity, it must be embedded as a strategic business priority.”

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How Companies Can RespondTo tackle the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

• Training managers to recognize and respond to emotional distress.
• Mental health literacy programs to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
• Stress management and lifestyle interventions such as physical activity and psychosocial support.

The Truworth report further calls for companies to make sleep and stress the foundation of wellness strategies, adopt gender- and age-responsive health pathways, and use early-warning systems to detect risks before they escalate.

The Business Case for Better Sleep

Companies that invest in outcome-driven wellness programs already see 28% fewer sick leaves, 26% lower healthcare costs, and 11% higher revenue per employee. For every rupee spent, organizations save ₹289 in healthcare costs and ₹241 through reduced absenteeism.

A Wake-Up Call for Corporate Industries

As sleep deprivation silently chips away at productivity, Indian businesses have an opportunity to treat wellness not as an add-on but as a strategic advantage. By tackling sleep, stress, and preventive care, organizations can build healthier, more resilient, and ultimately more productive workplaces.

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By moving beyond generic wellness programs and focusing on measurable outcomes, Indian organizations can turn employee health into a strategic advantage. Embedding sleep, stress management, and preventive care into workplace wellness not only improves productivity but also builds a resilient workforce. The Truworth Wellness India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025, conducted in collaboration with People Matters, highlights these insights and provides a roadmap for companies to act before small health risks escalate into costly chronic conditions.