Clearly, modern methods of reversible contraception -- oral contraceptives (OCs), injectables, condoms, spermicides, and IUDs -- are reversible. Despite rumors of infertility or birth defects, recent large studies provide evidence that couples become fertile again and have healthy children after using modern family planning methods. More than 20 years of research with thousands of women have shown that hormonal contraceptives -- OCs and injectables such as Depo-Provera -- do not cause permanent infertility. There may be a delay of 1-3 months before regular ovulation resumes, yet most women who have used OCs conceive rapidly after this slight delay, at about the same rates as women not contracepting. Injectables are designed to be long-acting contraceptive methods, but eventually the contraceptive effect disappears. Inert or copper IUDs do not stop ovulation, and most women concieve soon after the IUD is removed. IUDs may increase the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and this can impair fertility. Compared with women using no contraception, IUD users are 1.5-2 times more likely to develop PID. Even an apparently mild or unnoticed episode of PID can damage the fallopian tubes and cause infertility. Women who choose IUDs need to be informed of the symptoms of PID and where to find medical attention quickly. Some contraceptive methods actually protect future fertility. Barrier methods -- condoms, spermiciddes, diaphragms, and cervical caps -- reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and PID because they block the passage of microorganisms into the cervix and fallopian tubes. OCs may protect against some types of PID, primarily by thickening cervical mucus so that fewer microorganisms enter the cervix. Large epidemiologic studies have disproved fears that contraception could harm pregnancies or cause birth defects. Prospective studies among women using OCs or depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) suggest that children conceived during or after use of these contraceptives are at no greater risk of birth defects, low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, or prematurity than children off women who had not been using contraceptives. Women who become pregnant after an IUD is removed face no greater risks of complications than women who have never used contraception. A pregnancy with an IUD still in place is more likely to end in spontaneous 1st or 2nd trimester abortion. The most common causes of infertility are STDs in men and women, infections after childbirth or surgery that damage reproductive organs, varicocele, hormonal disorders, increasing age of the woman, and reduced frequency of intercourse. A great need exists for effective communication campaigns that inform people about contraceptives and change negative attitudes about family planning. Specific strategies are outlined.