Many individuals considering pregnancy after contraception wonder about the time to conceive. This timeline is unique, influenced by the birth control method and individual health.
Return to Fertility After Hormonal Birth Control
Fertility often returns quickly after stopping common hormonal birth control methods. Oral contraceptive pills (combination and progestin-only) suppress ovulation or alter the uterine lining. After stopping combination pills, about half of individuals conceive within three months, and most become pregnant within 12 months. For progestin-only pills, fertility can return within days or weeks as the hormone leaves the body quickly.
The contraceptive patch and vaginal ring function similarly to combined oral contraceptives. Ovulation typically resumes within weeks to a few months after discontinuation. Experts suggest fertility return for patches and rings is comparable to or shorter than oral contraceptives. A return to regular menstrual cycles is a common indicator of returning fertility, though conception can sometimes occur even before the first period.
Fertility After Longer-Acting Contraception
Longer-acting contraceptive methods have different timelines for fertility return. The contraceptive injection (e.g., Depo-Provera) releases progestin, suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. Fertility return after the last injection can be delayed, with ovulation typically resuming between 3 to 18 months, averaging around 10 months. Most people who used the injection conceive within 18 months of their last shot.
Hormonal IUDs (e.g., Mirena, Skyla) release progestin locally. Contraceptive implants (e.g., Nexplanon) are small rods under the skin that release progestin. Both IUDs and implants allow for a quick return to fertility once removed. Ovulation typically resumes within the first menstrual cycle after IUD removal, and for implants, within a week to a few weeks. Studies indicate that pregnancy rates within 12 months after removing IUDs or implants are similar to those after discontinuing other birth control methods.
Individual Factors Influencing Conception
Several personal factors influence the time to conceive beyond the type of birth control. Age plays a role, as fertility naturally declines. Peak fertility is typically in one’s twenties, with a gradual decline beginning in the early thirties and becoming more pronounced after age 35 due to decreasing egg quality and quantity.
Overall health and pre-existing medical conditions can also affect conception. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or endometriosis can impact menstrual cycle regularity and ovulation. Birth control methods often regulate or mask these underlying cycle irregularities, which may become apparent only after stopping contraception.
Lifestyle factors contribute to the ability to conceive. Smoking can reduce ovarian reserve and damage fallopian tubes, while excessive alcohol consumption can impact hormonal balance and ovulation. Maintaining a healthy weight is significant, as both being underweight and overweight can disrupt ovulation and affect fertility.
Steps to Prepare for Pregnancy
Taking proactive steps can optimize the chances of conception and prepare the body for pregnancy. Tracking ovulation is helpful, using basal body temperature, ovulation predictor kits, or cycle tracking applications. This helps identify the most fertile window for intercourse.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle supports reproductive well-being, including a balanced diet, moderate physical activity, and stress management. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are important steps to enhance fertility and prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
Taking prenatal vitamins, particularly those containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid, is recommended before and during pregnancy. Folic acid plays a role in preventing certain birth defects of the brain and spine. Scheduling a preconception check-up with a healthcare provider allows for a review of overall health, discussion of any medical conditions, and updates on necessary vaccinations.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Knowing when to seek medical advice is important. General guidelines suggest consulting a healthcare provider if conception does not occur after one year of actively trying for individuals under 35 years old. For those 35 years or older, it is advisable to seek consultation after six months of trying to conceive.
Certain situations warrant an earlier consultation. These include a history of irregular menstrual periods, which may indicate ovulation issues. Individuals with known fertility concerns or pre-existing medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis, should also consider earlier medical evaluation.