The intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive method. When a person decides to pursue pregnancy, the IUD’s reversibility allows for a very quick return to fertility. Unlike other hormonal methods that require a waiting period for systemic hormones to clear the body, IUD removal immediately lifts the barrier to conception.
Immediate Fertility Return Based on IUD Type
Fertility is restored almost instantly after the removal of a copper IUD because its mechanism is entirely non-hormonal and localized within the uterus. The copper creates an environment toxic to sperm and prevents fertilization, but it does not interfere with ovulation or the production of reproductive hormones. As soon as the device is taken out, the spermicidal effect is gone, meaning conception is possible within the very first menstrual cycle.
Hormonal IUDs, which release a progestin hormone, also result in a rapid return to fertility, often within days of removal. The progestin primarily works by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining, with minimal systemic absorption. Once the device is removed, the localized progestin immediately stops being released, allowing the body’s hormonal signals to resume normal function.
While some hormonal IUDs can partially suppress ovulation, the re-establishment of the ovulatory cycle is usually swift, unlike the clearance period required for methods like the contraceptive shot. Research indicates that the time it takes to conceive after removing either a hormonal or copper IUD is comparable to the time it takes someone who stopped using a non-hormonal barrier method. Therefore, for both types of IUDs, there is no physiological reason to wait before actively trying to conceive.
Tracking Your Cycle Post-Removal
Attempting to conceive immediately after IUD removal requires closely monitoring reproductive signals, especially since the first post-removal period may be irregular. This initial menstrual period can be heavier or lighter than what was typical before the IUD, particularly if a hormonal device significantly reduced bleeding. While this period confirms the uterine lining has shed, it does not necessarily mean the cycle has fully regulated.
To identify the fertile window, a combination of methods can be used to track ovulation accurately. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that immediately precedes the release of an egg. This hormone surge is a reliable indicator that ovulation is imminent, allowing for appropriate timing of intercourse.
Tracking Basal Body Temperature (BBT) is another valuable method, which is the resting temperature taken first thing in the morning. A sustained slight rise in BBT, typically about four-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit, confirms that ovulation has already occurred. Observing changes in cervical mucus is also important, as the presence of clear, stretchy, “egg white” like mucus signals the most fertile days leading up to ovulation.
Understanding the Conception Timeline
While fertility returns immediately upon IUD removal, becoming pregnant is not always instantaneous, even for healthy couples. Conception is a statistical process, and the average time it takes for a healthy couple to conceive after discontinuing any form of birth control is approximately four to six months.
For couples where the woman is under 35 years old, there is an approximate 20% chance of conception during any single menstrual cycle. This translates to about 85% to 90% of couples conceiving naturally within twelve months of trying. The likelihood of conception per cycle naturally decreases with age, regardless of prior IUD use.
Women over the age of 35 experience a monthly conception rate that drops to between 10% and 15%, falling further to approximately 5% per month after age 40. These age-related declines influence the point at which medical consultation is recommended. A healthcare provider should be consulted if a couple under 35 has not conceived after one year of actively trying. For women age 35 or older, seeking a fertility evaluation is advised after six months of unsuccessful attempts.