It only takes a few months after stopping birth control for you to ovulate again, but there are a few other factors that can help you get pregnant faster.
You’ve been on hormonal birth control for years—maybe because you wanted to combat irregular cycles , PMS symptoms, or you just didn’t want to have children yet. Now, you’re ready to stop using birth control so you can start your family.
You’re likely wondering things like, “did birth control affect my fertility?” and “how long does it take to get pregnant after birth control?”
Luckily the answers are “no” and “soon.” It’s actually possible to get pregnant quite quickly after stopping birth control. Here’s what you need to know about when and how to stop birth control so you can feel empowered in your fertility journey.
How long does it take to get pregnant after birth control? Contrary to what we might think, it’s possible to get pregnant quickly after you stop using hormonal birth control—as soon as within the next few months. Most women (83%) can become pregnant after birth control within a year .
Why can you get pregnant so quickly after birth control? Your menstrual cycle returns to normal with a few months of you stopping the pill. Most hormonal birth controls stop ovulation —like the combination pill, the birth control implant, and some types of the IUD. When you stop taking birth control or get your implant or IUD removed, you start ovulating within a few months, allowing you to get pregnant.
>>MORE: What Are the Signs of Ovulation After Stopping the Pill?
When to stop your birth control The best time to stop using birth control is when you’re ready to have children. Depending on what type of birth control you have, you can time when you stop your birth control to when you’d like to start trying for a baby.
Most women will naturally begin ovulating 1 to 2 months after getting off their hormonal birth control. However, each birth control is different, so it’s important to do your research to know what to expect.
Here are some general guidelines:
Birth control pills: Normal ovulation within 1-2 months.Intrauterine device (IUD): Pregnancy is possible immediately after removal. However, it typically takes 1 month to start ovulating.Implant: Like the IUD, it’s possible to get pregnant right away, but it’s normal to take your cycle 1 month to regulate.Birth control patch: Normal ovulation within 1- 3 months.Vaginal ring: Normal ovulation within 1- 3 months.Injectable birth control (Depo-Provera): Doctors don’t typically recommend this birth control method for women wishing to get pregnant soon because it may take 10+ months to start ovulating again.How to prepare your body for pregnancy after birth control Stopping birth control may be the obvious first step to preparing your body for pregnancy, but there are other things you can do to take control of your fertility.
Take prenatal vitamins You can start taking prenatal vitamins as early as three months before trying to conceive. Taking these vitamins will benefit you and your baby. The extra folic acid, iron, and calcium will support your baby’s development and health.
>>MORE: 12 Fertility Vitamins to Fuel Your Body With When You’re Trying to Conceive
Examine your lifestyle factors Another less talked about, but just as important factor, is your lifestyle. Reduce drinking and eliminate smoking as they are shown to affect conception and pregnancy. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet to boost your overall health.
Track your cycle One of the best things you can do to speed up conception is to track your cycle, specifically ovulation, so you can time sex during your fertile window . Women can only get pregnant during ovulation, which is only 24 hours on average. But don’t panic! A woman’s fertile window is longer than that because sperm can live up to six days — so you can technically have sex before and right after you ovulate and still get pregnant.
When should you work with a professional? If your cycle hasn’t returned to normal several months after stopping your hormonal birth control, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor. They can rule out endocrine conditions which could be affecting your cycle.
>>RELATED: What is a Reproductive Endocrinologist? And When Do I Need One?
Stress, anxiety, extreme changes in weight, and premature menopause could be responsible for irregular cycles as well. It’s important to remember that cycle fluctuations can result from many factors, not just from birth control.
The bottom line Getting pregnant after birth control doesn't have to be a lengthy process. Depending on what birth control method you used, it may take a few months to start ovulating as normal.
Yet stopping using birth control isn't the only thing you need to use to prepare for pregnancy. Taking vitamins, managing lifestyle factors, and accurately tracking your cycle are all helpful ways to get you ready.
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