If you've been on birth control and are now ready to start trying to conceive (TTC), you might be wondering how long it will take for your body to adjust and for you to become pregnant. The good news is that for many women, fertility returns quickly after stopping birth control, but the timeline can vary depending on the type of contraception you were using and your individual health.
In this article, we'll explore how birth control methods affect your fertility, what you can expect after stopping, and tips to help your body transition smoothly into this next exciting chapter.
How Different Types of Birth Control Affect Your Fertility
There are various types of birth control, and each can influence how quickly your body returns to its normal cycle. Here's a breakdown:
Hormonal Birth Control Pills
Hormonal birth control pills work by preventing ovulation, and once you stop taking them, your body can resume its regular hormonal cycle fairly quickly.
How long until fertility returns? Many women start ovulating within a few weeks of stopping the pill. On average, fertility returns within one to three months. In some cases, ovulation may be delayed for up to six months, but this is less common.
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
There are two main types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal (copper). Both work by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg, but they do not stop ovulation entirely.
How long until fertility returns? For both types, fertility generally returns immediately after removal. In fact, some women can conceive as soon as the next cycle after their IUD is taken out.
The Patch and The Ring
Both the contraceptive patch and ring release hormones similar to birth control pills, preventing ovulation.
How long until fertility returns? Like the pill, fertility usually returns within one to three months after stopping the patch or ring.
The Depo-Provera Shot
The Depo-Provera shot is a hormonal injection that provides contraception for three months at a time. However, this method can have a longer-lasting effect on fertility compared to other hormonal methods.
How long until fertility returns? Fertility may take longer to return after the Depo shot, often between six months to a year. Some women experience a delay of up to 18 months before their cycle normalizes and they begin ovulating again.
Barrier Methods (Condoms, Diaphragms, etc.)
Barrier methods like condoms or diaphragms do not affect a woman’s hormones or ovulation cycle at all.
How long until fertility returns? Since there is no hormonal interference, fertility returns immediately after stopping the use of barrier methods.
Factors That Affect How Quickly You Can Conceive After Birth Control
While many women regain fertility quickly, there are other factors to consider that can affect your ability to conceive:
Your Age
Fertility naturally declines with age, particularly after 35. Women over 35 may take longer to conceive regardless of whether they were on birth control. While younger women may become pregnant within months of stopping contraception, women over 35 may need more time due to natural age-related declines in fertility.
Cycle Regularity
For some women, it may take a few months for their menstrual cycles to return to normal after stopping hormonal birth control. This delay can impact how quickly you conceive. If your periods were irregular before using birth control, it’s possible that they might return to being irregular again once you stop. "I stopped taking the pill after about 2 years on it, just before I turned 34. My periods prior to the pill were always very regular and arrived like clockwork every 34 days. After 2 off-cycles (one 2 days late and the other 2 days early), I thought I was back to my usual cycle but it turns out I wasn't. My periods would continue to fluctuate. It's only about 9 months later that my periods are back to clockwork again, except my cycle seems to have shortened to a new normal of 31 days."- Natalie Tan, 35
Pre-existing Health Conditions
Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can affect ovulation and fertility. Birth control can sometimes mask these underlying conditions, and they may resurface once you stop using contraception.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, or high stress levels can all play a role in your fertility. Leading a healthy lifestyle can increase your chances of conceiving once you stop birth control.
3 Easy Ways to Support Your Body's Transition After Coming off Birth Control
Transitioning off birth control is a significant step when you’re ready to TTC, and there are ways to support your body during this time:
Track Your Cycle
As your body adjusts, it’s helpful to track your menstrual cycle to identify when ovulation resumes. There are many ovulation tracking tools available, such as basal body temperature monitoring or ovulation predictor kits, to help pinpoint your fertile window.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Starting prenatal vitamins before conception is highly recommended. Look for a vitamin that includes folic acid, which helps support healthy fetal development and can reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Beyond prenatals, if you're planning to conceive within the next 3 - 6 months, check out our other articles that may be helpful to you:
Manage Stress
TTC can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially after birth control. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness to support both your mental and physical well-being. Relax and remember, everything will happen in its own time.
When Should I See A Doctor?
If you’ve been TTC for over a year without success (or six months if you're over 35), it may be time to seek professional advice. A fertility specialist can help identify any underlying issues and discuss potential treatment options. As a primer, check out this article on Fertility Treatments Explained: From IUI to IVF.
While it can feel like a waiting game after stopping birth control, most women regain fertility fairly quickly. Your body might need time to adjust, but with a little patience and support, conception is possible. Remember, each journey is unique, and what matters most is finding the balance that works for you. Take care of your body, track your cycle, and enjoy the excitement of starting your TTC journey!
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