An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped form of long-acting, reversible contraception placed inside the uterus. It is highly effective at preventing pregnancy. For many who choose to have their IUD removed to begin trying for a baby, the central question is how soon conception can occur. Fertility returns extremely quickly after IUD removal, and it is possible to become pregnant during the very first menstrual cycle following the procedure. The device’s mechanism of action is instantly reversible, meaning there is no significant delay in the ability to conceive after the IUD is taken out.
The Immediate Return to Fertility
IUDs are unique among long-term contraceptives because they do not require a “washout” period before fertility returns. Unlike methods such as the contraceptive injection, which can delay the return of ovulation for several months, the IUD’s action is localized and immediately ceases once the device is gone. This rapid reversibility is a significant benefit for family planning.
When the device is removed, the uterine environment instantly becomes receptive to pregnancy again. The procedure itself is quick, and the body does not need to eliminate or metabolize a systemic drug that has built up over time. Research has consistently shown that previous IUD use does not negatively affect a person’s long-term ability to conceive.
Studies indicate that the rate of pregnancy within 12 months for former IUD users is comparable to those who used other forms of contraception, such as oral pills. For a healthy person, the fertility level after IUD removal should be the same as it was before the device was inserted.
How IUD Type Affects Conception Timing
The speed of conception can be slightly nuanced depending on whether a copper or a hormonal IUD was used. The copper IUD works by releasing copper ions, which create a uterine environment that is toxic to sperm and eggs. Since this type of IUD does not use hormones, it never suppresses the body’s natural ovulation cycle.
For those who used a copper IUD, the return to full fertility is truly immediate, as the hostile environment is instantly removed. Conception can occur during the very first cycle after removal, assuming ovulation is happening as usual.
The hormonal IUD, such as Mirena or Skyla, releases the hormone progestin, which primarily thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy. While the hormonal IUD’s effects are also highly localized and quickly reversed, it can occasionally suppress ovulation in some users. Hormone levels drop almost instantly upon removal, allowing the pituitary-ovarian axis to resume its normal function rapidly. For both types of IUDs, the possibility of pregnancy exists right away, though a person coming off a hormonal device might have a delay of a few weeks for ovulation to fully return.
Navigating the Post-Removal Menstrual Cycle
While fertility is present immediately, the observable menstrual cycle may take a few months to become predictable. The first period after IUD removal can be different from what was experienced while the device was in place. Some people may notice a heavier or more prolonged flow, especially if they were using a hormonal IUD that had previously thinned their uterine lining.
Conversely, a copper IUD user might find their first period is lighter than the heavy bleeding they may have experienced with the device. The body is simply adjusting to the absence of the IUD, and it is common for the cycle to take one to three months to fully regulate. This initial period of irregularity does not indicate a lack of fertility but can make it challenging to pinpoint the exact fertile window.
To accurately determine the fertile window, tracking ovulation markers is highly recommended. Monitoring basal body temperature (BBT) can reveal the slight temperature spike that occurs after ovulation. Observing changes in cervical mucus, which becomes clear and stretchy like egg whites just before ovulation, provides another reliable marker. Utilizing these tracking methods helps identify the opportune time for conception, even if the overall cycle length is still fluctuating.
Personal Factors That Impact Conception
Although the IUD itself does not delay fertility, several individual factors influence the overall time it takes to conceive. The single most significant factor is maternal age, as both the quality and quantity of eggs decline progressively over time. For healthy individuals under age 35, the probability of conceiving in any given month is around 20%, and about 85% will conceive within one year of trying.
This monthly likelihood decreases to about 10% to 15% for those over 35 and drops further after age 40. Pre-existing conditions also play a role, with issues such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or untreated thyroid problems potentially affecting ovulation regularity. These health concerns can lengthen the time to conception, regardless of past IUD use.
The average time it takes for a young, healthy couple to conceive after IUD removal is approximately four to six months. If conception does not occur within one year of actively trying—or after six months if the person is over 35—it is advised to consult a healthcare provider. This consultation can help identify and address any underlying, non-IUD-related factors that may be affecting the ability to get pregnant.