Fertility After Birth Control
How soon can you get pregnant after stopping contraception?
The Quick Answer
- The pill, patch, ring: Fertility can return immediately; most conceive within 1-3 months
- Hormonal IUD: Fertility returns quickly after removal
- Copper IUD: Immediate fertility—no hormones to clear
- Depo-Provera shot: Can take 6-18 months for fertility to return
- The truth: Long-term birth control does NOT damage fertility
Myths vs Reality
Let's clear up some common misconceptions about birth control and fertility:
❌ Myth: Birth control causes infertility
Reality: There is no evidence that any form of hormonal contraception causes long-term fertility problems. In fact, some methods (like the pill) may actually protect fertility by reducing the risk of conditions like ovarian cysts and endometriosis.
❌ Myth: You need to "cleanse" your system before TTC
Reality: You can start trying immediately after stopping most methods. There's no benefit to waiting for the hormones to "clear"—they don't accumulate or linger in harmful ways.
❌ Myth: The longer you were on birth control, the longer it takes to conceive
Reality: Studies show no correlation between duration of birth control use and time to conception. Someone on the pill for 10 years has the same fertility outlook as someone on it for 1 year.
🔬 What the Research Says
A large 2018 study of over 17,000 women found that 83% of former pill users conceived within 12 months of stopping—the same rate as the general population. Birth control use does not reduce your fertility.
Fertility Return by Method
Combined Pill, Patch, or Ring
These methods suppress ovulation with estrogen and progestin. Once you stop, your body typically resumes its natural cycle within 1-3 months.
- First ovulation: Often within 2-4 weeks of stopping
- First period: Usually within 4-6 weeks
- Conception timeline: Same as general population—most conceive within 12 months
What to expect: Your first few cycles may be irregular as your body readjusts. This is normal and doesn't indicate a problem.
Progestin-Only Pill (Mini Pill)
The mini pill contains only progestin and works primarily by thickening cervical mucus. Fertility typically returns very quickly.
- First ovulation: Can occur within days of stopping
- Conception timeline: Same as general population
Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla)
Hormonal IUDs release localized progestin. Once removed, the hormone clears quickly since it was concentrated in the uterus rather than systemic.
- First ovulation: Often within the first cycle after removal
- Conception timeline: Studies show 80-90% conceive within 12 months
Bonus: You can have your IUD removed and start trying the same day!
Copper IUD (Paragard)
The copper IUD contains no hormones—it prevents pregnancy through copper's spermicidal effect. Fertility is immediate upon removal.
- First ovulation: Your next scheduled ovulation proceeds normally
- Conception timeline: Can conceive immediately; same as never using contraception
Implant (Nexplanon)
The implant releases progestin continuously. Once removed, fertility typically returns quickly.
- First ovulation: Usually within 3-4 weeks of removal
- Conception timeline: Most conceive within 12 months
Depo-Provera Shot
The shot is the one exception. Because it's a high-dose injection that gradually releases over 3 months, it can take significantly longer for fertility to return.
- Average time to ovulation: 6-10 months after last injection
- Some women: May take up to 18 months
- Conception timeline: Delayed compared to other methods
Important: If you're planning to TTC soon, switch to a different method 6-12 months before you want to start trying.
| Method | Time to First Ovulation | % Pregnant in 12 Months |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Pill | 2-4 weeks | ~83% |
| Hormonal IUD | First cycle | ~80-90% |
| Copper IUD | Immediate | ~85% |
| Implant | 3-4 weeks | ~80-85% |
| Depo-Provera | 6-10 months avg | ~70% (at 12 mo post-shot) |
What to Expect When You Stop
Irregular Cycles at First
It's completely normal for your cycles to be irregular for the first 2-3 months after stopping hormonal contraception. Your body needs time to resume its natural hormone patterns.
You might experience:
- Longer or shorter cycles than usual
- Heavier or lighter periods
- Spotting between periods
- Delayed first period (up to 6 weeks is normal)
Return of Pre-Pill Symptoms
If you went on birth control to manage symptoms like acne, painful periods, or PMS, those symptoms may return. This isn't the birth control "causing" problems—it's your underlying condition resuming.
"Post-Pill Amenorrhea"
Some women don't get a period for several months after stopping the pill. In most cases, this resolves on its own. However, if you haven't had a period within 3 months, see your doctor—you may have an underlying issue that was masked by the pill.
⚠️ The Pill Can Mask Issues
Birth control can hide underlying conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, or hypothalamic amenorrhea. If your cycles don't regulate within 3 months, get tested—the issue existed before the pill, not because of it.
Tips for TTC After Birth Control
1. Start Tracking Immediately
Begin tracking your cycle as soon as you stop birth control. Use OPKs and monitor cervical mucus to identify when (and if) you're ovulating. This helps you time intercourse and alerts you to potential issues.
2. Start Prenatal Vitamins Now
Begin taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid at least 1 month before TTC (ideally 3 months). This ensures adequate folate levels for early fetal development.
3. Don't Wait for a "Normal" Cycle
You don't need to wait for regular periods before trying. You can ovulate (and conceive) before your first post-pill period. Track ovulation signs and go for it!
4. Be Patient but Proactive
Give your body 3-6 months to regulate before worrying. But if you're over 35 or have concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to see a doctor sooner.
Easy@Home Ovulation & Pregnancy Combo Kit
50 ovulation tests + 20 pregnancy tests. Perfect for tracking your cycle as it regulates post-birth control. Use with the free Premom app for charting.
Ritual Essential Prenatal Vitamin
Clean, traceable ingredients including methylated folate. Gentle on the stomach. Start taking before you stop birth control for optimal preparation.
When to See a Doctor
While most women's fertility returns quickly, see your doctor if:
- No period for 3+ months after stopping hormonal contraception (excluding Depo)
- Very irregular cycles that haven't stabilized after 3-4 months
- Signs of anovulation: No positive OPK, no temperature shift, no fertile mucus
- You're over 35 and haven't conceived after 6 months of trying
- You're under 35 and haven't conceived after 12 months of trying
- You had irregular periods before birth control—underlying issues may need treatment
💡 Good News
If you do have difficulty conceiving after birth control, it's almost certainly due to an underlying condition (like PCOS) that existed before—not damage from the contraception itself. These conditions are usually very treatable!
The Bottom Line
For most methods, fertility returns quickly after stopping birth control—often within the first cycle. The exception is Depo-Provera, which can delay fertility for 6-18 months. Long-term birth control use does not harm your fertility.
Start tracking your cycle immediately, take your prenatals, and be patient with your body as it readjusts. If cycles don't regulate within a few months or you have other concerns, see your doctor. 💚