Photo by Franz Grünewald, Art direction by Marta Pucci
When to stop birth control if you want to get pregnant
What you need to know before trying to conceive
Top things to know:
Most people who stop taking birth control to try to get pregnant will succeed within the first year
Some types of birth control methods may cause a short delay before you can get pregnant
You can get pregnant if you have unprotected sex (or insemination) during your fertile days
You can use Clue Conceive to track your cycles and get personalized predictions to time sex or home insemination effectively
Many of us spend years using birth control, but what happens if you decide you’d like to conceive? This article explains what can happen when you stop different birth control methods, and how soon you may be able to get pregnant.
When should you stop using birth control if you want to conceive?
You can stop using birth control whenever you feel ready to start trying for a baby. A common myth is that you need extra time for your body to “clear” the birth control hormones, but this usually happens quickly for most methods (1). Ovulation (when an egg is released from the ovary) can return soon after stopping, meaning you can become pregnant as soon as that happens (2).
That said, everyone’s body is different. It might take a few cycles for your period to become regular again, but there’s generally no need to wait before trying to conceive if you feel ready now. If you’re unsure about timing, you can use Clue to track your signs of ovulation as you transition off birth control.
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Does hormonal birth control affect your future fertility?
No. Many people will conceive in just a few months after stopping birth control, and the majority will become pregnant within a year (1,2). If you’re concerned about your particular situation, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
What happens to your body when you stop birth control?
Hormonal vs. non-hormonal birth control
Non-hormonal methods (like the copper IUD or condoms) don’t affect your hormones or ovulation. Once you stop using these, you can become pregnant immediately if you’re ovulating (2).
Hormonal methods (like the pill, patch, ring, shot, implant, or hormonal IUD) contain estrogen and/or progestin (the synthetic version of progesterone). One of the main ways they prevent pregnancy is by stopping ovulation (2). When you stop using them, ovulation typically returns, allowing you to become pregnant again (2).
The time it takes for fertility to return depends on the method. Some methods, like the shot, can take longer to leave your body (3). Tracking signs of ovulation and using ovulation prediction methods can help you identify when your body is ovulating again, and pregnancy is possible.
How soon can you get pregnant after stopping birth control?
Below we break down each type of birth control in detail, how quickly ovulation may return, and when pregnancy is possible after stopping. If it’s taking longer than expected to conceive, keep reading for tips on when to speak with a healthcare provider.
Combination pills
Pregnancy possible: Immediately or within the first few months after stopping
The combined pill contains estrogen (often ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (2).
Most people start ovulating soon after they stop taking the pill. One study found that most people get their first “natural” period (not a withdrawal bleed) about a month after stopping (4).
Research shows that many people conceive within the first few months of stopping the pill, and between 72–94% within 12 months (5,6).
Tip: If your period hasn’t returned within three months of stopping the pill, consider tracking your cycles and talking to a healthcare provider.
Progestin-only pills (the “mini-pill”)
Pregnancy possible: Immediately after stopping
The mini-pill contains only progestin and is taken daily around the same time (2). It prevents pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to move inside the uterus (2).
The mini-pill is often prescribed to people who are breast/chest feeding (2).
Depending on the type of progestin in the mini-pill, ovulation may be partially or completely blocked, but it typically returns right away once you stop taking it (7).
Tip: After stopping the mini-pill, you can start tracking ovulation right away since fertility usually returns quickly.
Hormonal IUD
Pregnancy possible: Within a few months after removal
The hormonal IUD is inserted into the uterus and releases a progestin (levonorgestrel) over time (2).
It works by thickening cervical mucus, thinning the uterine lining, and affecting sperm function (2).
Some people do not ovulate with a hormonal IUD, but ovulation usually returns soon after removal (2).
Conception can happen as soon as the hormonal IUD is removed (8). The chances of getting pregnant after stopping this birth control within one year are similar to those of people who didn’t use any birth control (1).
Tip: If you want to conceive, schedule a removal appointment and consider tracking signs of ovulation to detect when ovulation restarts.
Copper IUD
Pregnancy possible: Within the first month after removal
The copper IUD is non-hormonal. It prevents pregnancy by creating an environment that makes it difficult for sperm to move or fertilize an egg (2).
Since there are no hormones to leave your system, fertility returns quickly. Some people can become pregnant within the first cycle after removal (1).
Tip: After removal, you might become pregnant in your next cycle if you’re ovulating.
The implant
Pregnancy possible: The first week after removal
The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is a small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm that releases a progestin (etonogestrel) (2).
After removal, the hormone usually leaves your body within a week, and ovulation typically returns within 3–4 weeks (2,9).
Studies show pregnancy can occur as early as 1–2 weeks after removal, and one-year pregnancy rates are similar to those who stop other forms of birth control (2,9).
Tip: Plan ahead if you want to conceive soon and talk to your provider about the best timing for removal.
The ring
Pregnancy possible: A few weeks after removal
The vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing, Annovera) is typically worn inside the vagina for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break for a withdrawal bleed (2).
It releases ethinyl estradiol and a progestin, which mainly prevents ovulation (2).
Ovulation is estimated to return around 17–19 days after taking the ring out (2).
One large study suggests that within three menstrual cycles of stopping the ring, people conceive at about the same rate as those who used barrier methods, like condoms (10).
Tip: Start tracking your cycle once you remove the ring, especially if you want to conceive right away.
The patch
Pregnancy possible: Within the first month after stopping
The contraceptive patch is a thin square sticker placed on the skin that releases estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (1).
It’s replaced weekly for three weeks, followed by a one-week break for a withdrawal bleed (1).
Ovulation usually resumes within a month after you stop using the patch (11).
A large study showed that after about four menstrual cycles, conception rates among those who’ve stopped the patch are similar to those who relied on barrier methods (10).
Tip: If you used the patch and want to conceive, monitor your cycles soon after you stop.
The shot
Pregnancy possible: Within the first year after your last shot
The shot (Depo-Provera) contains only progestin and is given every three months (2).
Because the shot is injected into muscle tissue, the drug is stored there and released slowly. This can lead to a delay in ovulation returning (4,11).
Studies show that people take about 10 months, on average, to conceive after stopping the shot (2). The majority of couples (9 in 10) conceive by 17 months, and by 18 months, conception rates are similar to those who used non-hormonal birth control methods. This suggests that the shot does not cause any long-term effect on fertility (2).
Tip: If you have been using the shot, talk to your healthcare provider at least a year before you plan to conceive. This gives time for fertility to return.
Barrier methods
Pregnancy possible: Immediately after stopping
Barrier methods (like condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps) don’t affect your hormones or ovulation.
Tip: If you want to conceive, you can stop using barrier methods as soon as you’re ready to become pregnant.
What are my chances of getting pregnant after stopping Birth Control?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but most people will conceive within a year of stopping birth control if they have regular, unprotected sex (or insemination) during their fertile window (1,2). Several factors can affect your chances of getting pregnant including (14-17):
Age: Fertility typically begins to decline in your 30s.
Health conditions: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, or endometriosis.
Lifestyle factors: Such as smoking, unbalanced nutrition, and stress.
Sperm quality: Pregnancy requires both an egg and sperm, so sperm health matters too.
When should I see a healthcare provider?
It’s helpful to schedule a preconception visit with your healthcare provider if you’re planning to become pregnant within the next year (18). They can help you prepare for pregnancy by reviewing your medical history, recommending lifestyle adjustments, suggesting prenatal vitamins, and screening for conditions and infections that might affect fertility or pregnancy (18).
You should also consider talking to a healthcare provider if (19-21):
You’ve stopped birth control and haven’t had a period for three months. This could be due to something like PCOS that was hidden while on birth control.
You’re 34 or younger and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success.
You’re 35 or older and have been trying for six months.
You’re 40 or older and planning to become pregnant.
Remember: To become pregnant, you need to have sex (or home insemination) on the days in your cycle when conception is possible. You can use Clue Conceive to get preconception health information, track your cycles, and get personalized predictions to find the best time to try and get pregnant.
FAQs
How fertile are you after being on birth control?
Most people regain fertility quickly after stopping hormonal birth control, though the timeline can vary by method. Ovulation can return right away for the pill, patch, ring, and IUDs, but can be delayed by several months to a year if you used the shot (Depo-Provera). In general, most people who try will get pregnant within a year of stopping birth control (1,2).
Is it safe to get pregnant right after coming off hormonal birth control?
Yes. It’s generally safe to start trying immediately. Some healthcare providers suggest waiting for one “natural” period to help with dating the pregnancy, but conceiving sooner typically doesn’t pose additional risks for you or the embryo.
Does using emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) affect my ability to conceive in the future?
No. Emergency contraception (containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal) prevents pregnancy in the current cycle by delaying ovulation. It does not affect your long-term fertility (22,23). Once ovulation returns, your fertility returns.
What’s the fastest way to get pregnant after birth control?
There’s no guaranteed “fast” way, but tracking ovulation and having sex or insemination during your fertile window can help (21). Using Clue Conceive can help predict your most fertile days. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management) and consulting a healthcare provider can improve your chances of getting pregnant sooner (20,21).
An earlier version of this article was published September 6, 2019, with financial support from Bayer.
