When will I become fertile again after coming off contraception?

Contraceptive pill

There are two different types of hormonal contraceptive pills available in the UK: The progestogen-only pill which contains only one type of hormone, and the combined pill - which contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen.

There is no evidence suggesting a significant delay in the return of fertility after you’ve stopped taking the progestogen-only pill or the combined pill. It can take up to three months for your periods to return to their usual cycle, though. The first period after coming off the pill is known as a withdrawal bleed, but the next one is your first natural period.

In theory, you could become pregnant immediately after you come off either medication. However, there are many other factors that can affect your fertility, including your age, your health, stress and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Sometimes, it can take longer to become pregnant even without any underlying conditions.

Dr Hana Patel, a GP and Medico-Legal Expert Witness, says: “The contraceptive pills stop your body from ovulating, but as soon as you stop them this process kicks back into action.

“So, it's possible to get pregnant as soon as you come off the pill - more than 8 out of 10 couples will get pregnant within a year of starting to have regular sex without contraception¹. Long-term contraceptive use has no impact on fertility, however, fertility naturally declines with age.”

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First licensed during the 1960s, 'the pill' has been giving women control over their reproductive systems for nearly six decades. But, in recent years, there's been a growing movement of women turning their backs on this method of birth control. So, with many having been on the pill since their teens, what actually happens to your body if you're coming off the pill?

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Sexual health

Contraception methods

Contraception is the process of taking steps to ensure you do not become pregnant when you have sex. There are many options for doing this. They all have pros and cons. Different methods will be right for different couples, or right for you at different times in your life. This leaflet gives a brief summary of the methods of contraception. A more detailed leaflet is available for each of the methods described.

by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP

Copper coil and hormonal coil

The copper coil (intrauterine contraceptive device, IUD) sits inside the womb (uterus) and works for up to 10 years. It can be taken out at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse. No hormones are involved in the copper coil, so your body doesn’t have to readjust after having it removed.

“Your natural fertility will return immediately after the copper coil is removed, so you could become pregnant straight away, but it may take longer,” says Patel.

The hormonal coil (intrauterine system, IUS) often has the brand name Mirena, and releases a hormone called levonorgestrel. Once fitted, it can last for between 3 to 5 years depending on the type. However, once removed- like the copper coil - your fertility can come straight back.

If you do not want to get pregant but want to stop using the IUS or IUD, you should start using another method of contraception for at least seven days before removal.

Contraceptive injection

The contraceptive injection lasts for 2 to 3 months and releases the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy. There are three long-acting injectables available in the UK. The most commonly used is Depo-Provera, which lasts 13 weeks. Sayana Press lasts for 13 weeks and Noristerat needs to be injected every eight weeks.

“It can take up to one year for your fertility to return to normal after the injection wears off. So it may not be suitable if you want to have a baby in the near future,” says Patel. This delay is not related to the length of time you use this method of contraception.

However, fertility varies widely between individuals and might happen faster to some than others, so those wishing to stop contraceptive injectables and avoid unplanned pregnancies should start another contraceptive method before or at the time of their next scheduled injection.

After being on the contraceptive injection, your periods may change too. Some may experience irregular bleeding during the first few months or they may be heavier and longer.

Progestogen-only Implant

The progestogen-only implant is a small flexible plastic rod placed under the skin in the upper arm. It releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy and lasts for three years.

After the implant, natural fertility will return quickly - so contraception is required straight away after it is removed.

Contraceptive patch or ring

The contraceptive patch contains oestrogen and progestogen. It is stuck on to the skin so that the two hormones are continuously delivered to the body to stop you getting pregnant.

The vaginal ring is a small soft, plastic ring that you place inside your vagina. It releases a continuous dose of oestrogen and progestogen into the bloodstream to to stop you getting pregnant.

There is no significant delay in return to fertility once women stop using these methods.

Are there any side effects when coming off contraception?

“After coming off contraception, especially ones that contain hormones, side effects may occur from withdrawal and changes in your body’s chemistry,” says Patel. “These side effects include - Headaches, weight change, acne, mood swings or missed or irregular periods.”

Getting pregnant

To maximise your chances of getting pregnant after coming off contraception, there are several things you can do, like eat healthily, stay active, quit smoking and cut down, or stop drinking,alcohol.

Ideally, you should take folic acid supplements if you are thinking of getting pregnant and continue taking them until at least the 12th week of pregnancy.

It’s important to visit your doctor to discuss pregnancy if you have any medical conditions or if you take medication - do not stop any medication without speaking to your GP first.

Your doctor will also be able to advise you if you have been trying to get pregnant but have not yet conceived.

“Some women may choose to start tracking their menstrual cycle with apps that note changes in your cervical mucus and basal temperatures which can help you determine a fertile window,” says Patel. “However, your GP will recommend having regular intercourse every two to three days.”

Further reading

1. Girum et al: Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis.