How long should you be off birth control before trying for a baby

An alarm clock above a blister pack of birth control pills.
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Created with Carolyn Kay, MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology, USA

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In a nutshell

You can start trying to conceive immediately after stopping birth control, but it might take a few months for your menstrual cycle to normalize. For some women, fertility can return immediately. However, for others it may take a few months for ovulation to restart. If you have been taking the Depo-Provera injection, it can take up to a year​.

If you are thinking about having a baby, you might be filled with excitement for the future, dreams about what your little one will look like, and the adventurers you will have as a family. But, you might also have some concerns and questions about how best to get started on your journey.

One of the first steps many women take on this path is to stop using birth control. But, can you just stop birth control suddenly whenever you’re ready to get pregnant? And, how long should you wait before trying to conceive? These are common questions, and understanding the answers can help you plan better and alleviate any worries you might have.

Whether you’re using an app like Femia to track your fertility or just beginning to consider your options, knowing when your body is ready to support a pregnancy is crucial. There are several different types of birth control, and they can all affect your body differently. In this article, we will walk you through how and when to stop using them as well as what you can expect after you stop.

How long should you be off birth control before trying for a baby?

The duration you should be off birth control before trying to conceive can vary depending on the type of birth control you were using, as well as individual health factors. 

Oral contraceptives (the pill and minipill). According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), most women can start trying to conceive immediately after stopping the pill. However, some doctors recommend waiting until after you’ve had one natural menstrual cycle to help with dating the pregnancy and to allow your body to return to its natural rhythm.

Intrauterine device (IUD). Fertility usually returns immediately after an IUD is removed, regardless of whether it is a hormonal or non–hormonal IUD. You can start trying to conceive right away. If you are not ready to conceive immediately, then make sure to use barrier methods to prevent a possible pregnancy.

👉 Find out more: How long does it take to get pregnant after IUD removal?

Depo-Provera (the shot). It can take longer for fertility to return after stopping Depo-Provera than it does for other birth control methods. According to Planned Parenthood, it can take some women up to 10 months to start ovulating again. Everyone’s body reacts differently to the shot, and there is no way to know beforehand how long it will take for your fertility to return after stopping. Planning ahead and discussing your options with your healthcare provider is crucial if you have been using the shot as a birth control method and you hope to get pregnant soon.

👉 Find out more: Signs of pregnancy after Depo-Provera

Implants (e.g., Nexplanon). Fertility typically returns quickly, and it is possible to get pregnant straight away after the implant is removed. Removal should only be done by a healthcare provider.

Hormonal patches and rings. This method is similar to oral contraceptives. Once stopped, fertility can return almost immediately for some women. Waiting until you’ve had one natural menstrual cycle is often recommended, so that it is easier to date a pregnancy.

Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms). Since these methods do not affect your fertility, you can start trying to conceive immediately after you stop using them. Tracking your ovulation before stopping can help you to conceive quicker.

Additional considerations:

  • Health checkup. Before trying to conceive, it’s a good idea to have a preconception checkup with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re in good health and discuss any concerns you may have, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking any medications.
  • Prenatal vitamins. You can start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid before you begin trying to conceive to help prevent neural tube defects in the baby.

While these are general guidelines, individual experiences may vary. Consulting with your healthcare provider can give you personalized advice based on your health and specific circumstances.

👉 Find out more: Enhancing fertility naturally: A guide to fertility supplements and foods for women

Trying to get pregnant naturally?

Femia helped 35,000 couples to optimize their fertility

Try Femia now

How to get off birth control safely

If you are planning to conceive but are currently using a form of birth control that affects your fertility, then you might be wondering the right way to stop. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively:

1. Consult with your healthcare provider

The first and most important step is to consult with your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice based on your health history, the type of birth control you’re using, and your future family planning goals. Your healthcare provider can also address any concerns you might have and provide guidance on what to expect during the transition period.

2. Transition gradually if needed

Depending on the type of birth control you’re using, the approach to stopping can vary:

The pill, the patch or the ring. You can stop taking these hormonal birth controls at any time. However, some doctors recommend finishing your current pack or cycle, so that you know when you can expect your period to start —  you will get bleeding when you stop your pill/patch/ring. Once you stop, you might experience withdrawal bleeding as well as irregular periods for a few months.

IUD. For an IUD, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for removal. Fertility usually returns quickly after removal, but it’s essential to do this under medical supervision to avoid complications.

Depo-Provera (the shot). If you’re using Depo-Provera, then to come off it, you just won’t get the next shot. Each shot lasts for about three months, but for some people, it can take longer than three months for their periods to come back. 

Implants (e.g., Nexplanon). Like IUDs, implants need to be removed by a healthcare provider. Fertility typically returns quickly after removal.

3. Monitor your cycle

After stopping birth control, it’s a good idea to monitor your menstrual cycle. This will help you understand your body’s natural rhythm and identify when you’re ovulating. Here’s how to do it:

  • Track your cycle. Use a fertility-tracking app like Femia to note the start and end dates of your periods as well as any signs of ovulation. This will help you determine the length and regularity of your cycle.
  • Observe ovulation signs. Pay attention to signs of ovulation, such as changes in cervical mucus or a slight increase in basal body temperature. Many apps can help you track these signs.
  • Consider using ovulation predictor kits. Ovulation kits are used at home to check for certain hormones in your pee that will tell you when you’re most fertile. Using an ovulation kit can help you identify when you’re about to ovulate and give you the best odds of conceiving.

How long does it take for birth control to get out of your system?

When you decide to stop using birth control, you might wonder how long it will take for your body to return to its natural state. The timeframe can vary depending on whether you were using hormonal or non-hormonal methods.

Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control methods, such as pills, patches, rings, and injections prevent pregnancy in a few key ways. They release hormones (usually a combination of estrogen and progestin, or just progestin) that, depending on a pill, prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Without ovulation, there’s no egg for sperm to fertilize, so pregnancy can’t occur. They also thicken the mucus in your cervix, making it harder for sperm to swim through and reach any egg that might be released, and they also thin the lining of your uterus. This makes it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant and grow, should fertilization occur.

Here’s what to expect when you stop using these methods:
Oral contraceptives (the pill)According to Planned Parenthood, the hormones from the contraceptive pill will leave your body within a few days.
However, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to
several months for your body to return to its natural state and for your periods to become regular.
Hormonal patches and ringsThese work very similarly to oral contraceptives, and the
hormones will leave your body very shortly after you stop using them. However, it can still take a few months for
your regular menstrual cycle to return. Despite this, it’s
important to note that it is possible to get pregnant any
time after you stop using the ring or the patch, even if your periods haven’t returned.
Hormonal injections
(Depo-Provera)		The hormones in the shot work to prevent your body from ovulating. This type of birth control typically takes the longest to leave your system and for your fertility to return.
The hormones in the shot stay in your body for 13–15
weeks from the time you are injected. After that, it is
possible to start ovulating again; however, many women
find that their periods doesn’t return until 9–10 months
after their last injection.
Implants (e.g., Nexplanon) Clinical trials for the implant “Implanon” found that the
hormones from the implant could no longer be detected in the blood a week after it had been removed. Pregnancy is possible very soon after removal of the implant.
Non-hormonal birth
control methods		Non-hormonal birth control methods, such as copper IUDs and barrier methods, do not contain hormones and do not interfere with your natural fertility. This means that when
you stop using them, your body will return to its natural
state immediately, and pregnancy will be possible from
any point.

How long does it take to get pregnant after birth control?

The time that it takes to get pregnant after stopping birth control can vary widely depending on what birth control was used as well as other factors that influence fertility, like age and individual health factors.

Timeline for conception

Below, we’ll present the general timeline for conception based on what form of birth control you’ve been using. However, it is important to remember that every body is different and will react differently to stopping birth control.

  • Oral contraceptives (the pill). Most women can start trying to conceive immediately after stopping the pill. Fertility can return within a few weeks, but it might take several months for your menstrual cycle to normalize. One large 2020 study of nearly 18,000 women found that normal fertility returned, on average, three months after stopping the pill. A large systematic review from 2018 also found that previously using the pill as a contraceptive method did not significantly affect your chances of getting pregnant within 12 months.

  • Hormonal patches and rings. Similar to the pill, fertility can return quickly after stopping. According to Planned Parenthood, pregnancy can occur anytime after stopping the ring or patch, and you can even get pregnant even before your period has returned. The same 2020 study found that, on average, fertility returns three to four months after stopping the patch or ring, and previous use does not significantly affect your chances of getting pregnant within 12 months.

  • Hormonal injections (Depo-Provera). This method can take the longest for fertility to return. Some women may start ovulating three months after their last shot, but for many, it can take up to 10 months or longer. This 2020 study found that, on average, fertility returned between five and eight months after the last injection. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing how long it will take for your fertility to return after your last injection, but it is important to look out for signs that indicate ovulation could be about to restart.

  • Implants (e.g., Nexplanon). Period usually returns quickly after the implant is removed. Planned Parenthood advises that you can get pregnant right away after removal however, on average, it takes around two months for your period to return.

  • Intrauterine device (IUD). Fertility typically returns immediately after an IUD (both hormonal and copper) is removed. One systematic review found that 85% of women became pregnant within a year after their IUD was removed, and there was no significant difference between the type of IUD used and the time frame for fertility to return.

  • Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms). This method does not affect your hormones or your menstrual cycle, so conception is possible any time you do not use it.
A timeline showing how quickly fertility returns after stopping different birth control methods.

Does it matter whether you get your period?

Having a natural menstrual cycle, which includes a period, can indicate that your body has started ovulating. However, ovulation can happen before you get a period, so it is possible to get pregnant even if your periods have not yet returned. 

After stopping hormonal birth control, it can be helpful to wait until you’ve had one natural period before trying to conceive. This can make it easier to predict ovulation and understand your cycle. It also allows for more accurate dating of the pregnancy once you conceive, as you know the date of your last menstrual period.

👉 Find out more: Can you get pregnant without a period?

How can you tell if you’re ovulating?

Monitoring ovulation can increase your chances of conceiving. Here are some methods to determine if you’re ovulating:

  • Menstrual cycle tracking. Regular cycles (21–35 days) often indicate regular ovulation. Using an app like Femia to track your cycle can help you to determine when you are in your fertile window.
  • Basal body temperature (BBT). BBT increases slightly right after ovulation occurs. Tracking it daily can help you determine if you’ve ovulated.
  • Cervical mucus. Around ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and similar to egg whites. Tracking the changes in texture and volume of your cervical mucus can help you recognise when you’re in your fertile window.
  • Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs). These kits detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs just before ovulation.
  • Physical symptoms. Some women experience mild pain or discomfort on one side of the abdomen when an egg is released from an ovary, known as mittelschmerz or ovulation pain.

👉 Find out more: Understanding ovulation symptoms: Mood changes explained

Infographic showing signs of ovulation: cervical mucus, sex drive, breast tenderness, and temperature rise.

Factors affecting fertility

Several factors can influence how quickly you conceive after stopping birth control:

  • Age. Fertility naturally decreases with age. According to ACOG, your fertility begins to decline after the age of 30, and this decline speeds up once you reach your mid 30s.
  • Health and lifestyle. Certain lifestyle factors like weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise can affect your fertility. Speak to your healthcare provider for a personalized approach to help you maximize your fertility. 
  • Medical conditions. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and thyroid disorders can affect ovulation and fertility.
  • Frequency of intercourse. A 2023 cochrane review found that couples who timed sex around the fertile window had a higher chance of getting pregnant.

The time it takes to conceive after you stop birth control varies depending on the method used and individual factors. Most women can expect a return to fertility within a few weeks to months. Tracking your menstrual cycle and ovulation can help you understand your fertility better and increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you have concerns about your fertility or if it’s taking longer than expected to conceive, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

👉 Find out more: Boosting your fertility: Tips for getting pregnant in your 30s

When to stop birth control before trying to conceive

Before you start trying to conceive, you need to stop your birth control. Knowing the best time to stop can be difficult, so here is a general guide to help you plan ahead.
Oral contraceptives (the pill), hormonal patch, and ring Consider stopping up to three months before trying to
conceive, as it can take a few months for your fertility to
return. However, some women can get pregnant very soon after stopping, so use barrier methods such as condoms
until you’re sure you’re ready.
Hormonal IUDs and implants Period often returns immediately after removal. Plan to
stop just before you start trying.
Injectable contraceptives
(Depo-Provera) 		Stop 6–12 months before trying to conceive, as it may take time for ovulation to resume. However period can return in as little as three months after your last injection, so use
barrier methods until you’re ready to start trying.
Non-hormonal and barrier
methods (copper IUD,
condoms)		Stop immediately before trying to conceive, as these do
not affect your menstrual cycle or delay the return of
your fertility.

How to get birth control out of your system faster

The ‘birth control cleanse’ is the latest health trend to sweep through social media. Marketers claim that it will restore your body to its natural state after taking birth control and speed up the return of your fertility, but is there any evidence to back up the claims?

A birth control cleanse usually consists of taking a supplement or herbal remedy to help “detoxify” the body and eliminate birth control hormones faster. They usually claim to support liver function and restore hormone balance. However, there is no scientific evidence to support a cleanse. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, a cleanse is not necessary, as your liver is able to quickly process most birth control hormones by itself.

Whilst maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to regulate your hormones and increase your chances of conceiving, there is no evidence to suggest that it helps to get birth control hormones out of your system faster. For most women, fertility returns relatively quickly after stopping hormonal contraceptives, and pregnancy is possible within a matter of weeks to months.

Trying to get pregnant naturally?

Femia helped 35,000 couples to optimize their fertility

Try Femia now

What if you can’t seem to get pregnant?

If you have been trying to conceive without success, then it might be time to seek help from your healthcare provider. ACOG recommends an infertility evaluation if:

  • You are under 35 and have not gotten pregnant after one year of trying without using birth control.
  • You are over 35 and have not gotten pregnant after six months of trying without using birth control.
  • If you are older than 40 and plan to try and get pregnant.
 

In the meantime, here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of conceiving:

  1. Healthy lifestyle. Ensure both partners maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol.
  2. Track ovulation. Use ovulation tests or apps such as Femia to pinpoint your fertile window.
  3. Relax and enjoy it. Remember that many couples will conceive within a year of trying. Stress can affect your menstrual cycle and ovulation, so staying relaxed and enjoying the process with your partner is important.

Questions from the Femia community

  • Can stopping birth control cause irregular periods?

    Yes, it’s common to experience irregular periods initially after stopping birth control. This is normal, and your regular periods should resume within a few months. However, if your cycle was irregular before you started birth control, it is likely that it will continue to be irregular afterwards.

  • Is it safe to stop birth control suddenly?

    It’s generally safe to stop oral contraceptives or the hormonal patch or ring at any time, but consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to ensure a smooth transition. Removing an implant or IUD must only be done by a healthcare professional.

  • Can I get pregnant immediately after stopping birth control?

    Yes, some women can conceive immediately after stopping most types of contraception. However, it can take several months for others. If you have been using the contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera), then it will take at least three months from your last shot before you can get pregnant, but it can take up to a year. If you have any concerns about your fertility, then you should consult your healthcare provider who will be able to advise you.

  • Are there withdrawal symptoms when stopping birth control?

    Some women experience withdrawal side effects like mood changes, change in vaginal discharge, return of PMS symptoms, and a change in periods when they stop taking hormonal birth control. If you had acne before you started contraception, this can also return. Before stopping, you should consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

  • Should I detox my body after stopping birth control?

    There is no evidence that doing a specific detox or cleanse after stopping contraception is beneficial to your body or fertility. However, following a healthy lifestyle and tracking your menstrual cycle can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

The bottom line

If you are ready to start trying for a baby, then the first step for many women is to stop taking birth control. For most birth control methods, you can start trying to conceive immediately after stopping and can get pregnant even before you have a period. However, if you have been taking hormonal birth control, it can take a few months for your menstrual cycle to regulate. Some healthcare professionals recommend waiting until you have had a full menstrual cycle before trying to conceive, as it can make tracking ovulation and dating a pregnancy easier. The only exception is for those who have been taking the injection (Depo-Provera); it will take at least three months from your last injection for your fertility to return, and for some women, it can take up to a year.

If you are considering stopping your birth control, then it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider first. They will be able to provide personalized advice and support tailored to your specific health needs and circumstances. They can also give you advice on how to optimize your chances of conceiving. Discussing your pregnancy plans with your healthcare provider is particularly important if you have any health conditions or take any medications that may impact fertility or pregnancy.

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