If you’ve been on birth control for a while, it’s completely natural to wonder what happens next when you’re ready to start trying. Will it take months for your body to adjust? Will your hormones be all over the place? Here’s the reassuring news: research shows that birth control doesn’t affect long-term fertility.1
That said, you will need to stop your contraception before you can conceive. How quickly things happen from there really depends on your body and the type of birth control you’ve been using — and that looks a little different for everyone. Individual timelines can vary widely, so think of the ranges below as general guides rather than guarantees.
Let's walk through how long it typically takes to regain fertility after stopping different forms of birth control, so you can feel more confident planning your next steps.
How Long After Birth Control Can You Get Pregnant?
You may have heard that it takes months for your hormones to “reset” after coming off contraception. We hear this concern a lot, but the truth is more encouraging than you might expect — many women can get pregnant within just a few months2 of stopping hormonal birth control — and for some methods, ovulation returns within weeks. So if you’re not quite ready to conceive right after stopping, it’s a good idea to use another method like condoms in the meantime.
Your personal timeline for ovulation and conception will depend on which birth control method you’ve been using. Some methods, like the Depo-Provera shot, take noticeably longer to clear your system than others.
| Contraceptive Method | How It Works | Time to Ovulation Return | Average Time to Conception | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined pill (oestrogen + progestin) | Suppresses ovulation via hormone inhibition. | 2–6 weeks after stopping (median ~3 weeks) | 3–6 months (standard conception timeline applies) | Fertility typically returns immediately; consider prenatal vitamin support before conception. |
| Mini-pill (progestin-only) | Thickens cervical mucus; may suppress ovulation inconsistently. | 1–2 weeks after stopping | 3–6 months (standard conception timeline applies) | Some users ovulate while taking; fertility returns rapidly after discontinuation. |
| Hormonal IUD (levonorgestrel) | Releases progestin directly into the uterus; minimal systemic absorption. | Immediate to ~1 cycle (4–6 weeks); many users ovulate during use | 3–6 months (standard conception timeline applies) | Fertility typically returns within one cycle; IUD removal is a minor office procedure. |
| Copper IUD (non-hormonal) | Creates inflammatory environment toxic to sperm; does not affect ovulation. | Immediate (no hormonal suppression) | Conception may occur in first cycle; standard timeline applies | No hormonal recovery period needed; can remove at any time during cycle. |
| Implant (etonogestrel) | Releases progestin systemically; suppresses ovulation. | Within ~3 weeks of removal (etonogestrel clears within ~1 week) | Conception can occur as early as 7–14 days post-removal; most within 3–6 months | Removal is simple; etonogestrel falls below assay sensitivity within one week per Nexplanon FDA label. |
| Patch/Ring (combined hormones) | Delivers oestrogen + progestin; suppresses ovulation. | Patch: 2–4 weeks. Ring: 2–6 weeks for most users | 3–6 months (standard conception timeline applies) | Fertility typically returns quickly; same hormone profile as combined pill. |
| Depo-Provera injection (medroxyprogesterone) | Suppresses ovulation; long-acting progestin. | 6–18 months after last injection (median ~10 months) | 6–12 months post-injection; may take multiple months for ovulation resumption | Slowest return to fertility of all methods; hormone clearance is prolonged; patience and preconception nutrition recommended. |
When Should You Stop Birth Control to Get Pregnant?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you’re currently using. Before making any changes, we’d always recommend chatting with your doctor — they can offer personalised advice that takes your full health picture into account.
That said, understanding how different methods affect your fertility timeline can help you feel more prepared. Here’s what the research tells us about each one:
How Long After Stopping the Pill Can You Get Pregnant?
The pill is one of the most popular choices out there, and the good news is that your cycle tends to bounce back pretty quickly once you stop. Most women ovulate again within two to six weeks of stopping the combined pill,1 which means pregnancy can happen sooner than you might think. The majority of women conceive within a year of stopping the pill.
If you’ve been on a progestin-only pill — sometimes called the minipill — your path to conception can be even faster. That’s because the minipill works mainly by thickening cervical mucus4 to block sperm. It also suppresses ovulation in about half of cycles, with smaller effects on the uterine lining. Because the cervical-mucus effect wears off within roughly 24 hours of your last dose, some women can conceive within weeks — and occasionally within days — of stopping.
How Quickly Does Fertility Return After IUD Removal?
If you’ve had an IUD, you’ll be glad to know that fertility often returns quite quickly after removal. Most women begin ovulating again within about a month, and on average, conception happens around 4.4 months5 after the IUD comes out. For etonogestrel implants (such as Nexplanon), fertility tends to return even faster — most women ovulate within about three weeks of having the implant removed.
How Do Patches and Rings Affect the Return of Fertility?
Patches and rings are both hormonal options that deliver hormones through your skin. The patch is small, looks like a bandage, and can be worn on your arms, legs, or stomach. The ring is a small, flexible device that’s inserted vaginally.
When it comes to getting pregnant after using either one, the story is pretty similar. Most women start ovulating again within one to three months,2 so conception can happen relatively quickly.
How Long Does Fertility Take to Return After Injectable Contraception?
Now, this is where things look a bit different. If you’ve been on Depo-Provera, it’s worth knowing that the timeline for fertility return is longer than with other methods — and that’s completely normal.
Depo-Provera is an injectable form of birth control that uses progestin to prevent ovulation. Because it’s designed to last about 12 weeks per shot, the hormone stays in your system longer. It can take anywhere from 10 to 18 months for your menstrual cycle to fully regulate again, and ovulation may not return for nearly a year6 after your last injection.
We know that can feel like a long time, especially when you’re eager to start trying. If you’re considering Depo-Provera or currently using it, your doctor can help you think through the timing so you can plan with confidence.
Getting Pregnant After Birth Control: FAQs
We know you probably still have questions — this is a topic where the details really matter. Here are some of the most common things women ask:
Do I need to get my period to get pregnant?
It’s possible to get pregnant even if your period hasn’t started yet after taking birth control. While getting a period is a sign that your menstrual cycle has returned to normal, it’s not necessary2 to get pregnant.
This is because ovulation happens before your period in the menstrual cycle. Also, many women with irregular periods still experience ovulation. Ovulation can happen independently of your uterus shedding its lining.
What are some tips on getting pregnant after Depo-Provera?
It takes time to get pregnant after taking Depo-Provera. If you’re interested in starting a family, it’s important to stop taking the shot at least a year in advance.
In the meantime, you can focus on your overall health and wellness to support your fertility. Factors like eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and keeping your stress levels down can all have a positive effect on your future fertility.
How soon after taking out NuvaRing can I get pregnant?
It’s possible to get pregnant fairly quickly after taking your Nuvaring out. In most cases, women start ovulating within one to three months.
Is getting pregnant after IUD hard?
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not inherently difficult to get pregnant after having your IUD removed. Most women start ovulating within the first few months of removal and can get pregnant successfully within a year.
What are the chances of getting pregnant the first month off of the birth control pill?
It’s highly possible that you could get pregnant within a month of stopping the birth control pill, and around 75 to 83% of women8 are able to get pregnant within a year of stopping the pill specifically (based on Indonesian population data; rates may vary across populations). Because of this, it’s important to use an alternate form of birth control if you’ve stopped taking the pill and aren’t ready for pregnancy yet.
How long should you be off birth control before trying for a baby?
With most birth control methods, it’s possible to get pregnant within just a few months of stopping. You should be prepared for the possibility that you could conceive quickly, although it doesn’t happen for everyone. It’s also important to note that everyone’s body reacts differently to birth control, so your timeline for conception could look very different from your friends or family members.
What Should You Do If You’re Struggling with Fertility After Birth Control?
First, please know that it can take up to a year to get pregnant after stopping birth control — and that’s within the normal range. If it’s been longer than a year and you’re still not seeing that positive test, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can help figure out what might be going on and explore options with you. Before starting any supplement regimen, consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or taking medication. In the meantime, focusing on your overall wellbeing — things like nutrition, gentle exercise, and quality sleep — can genuinely support your body during this transition.
Supporting Your Fertility
Every fertility journey is unique, and yours will unfold in its own way. The transition from birth control to trying to conceive is a real milestone, and it’s okay if it takes a little time. If you’re feeling stuck or just want some guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalised support. If you are interested in exploring nutritional support for fertility, research suggests that research-informed nutrients can play a role in reproductive health. You can learn more about fertility-focused nutrition and supplementation approaches by exploring resources dedicated to preconception health.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Mikkelsen EM, Riis AH, Wise LA, et al. Pre-gravid oral contraceptive use and time to pregnancy: a Danish prospective cohort study. Human Reproduction. 2013;28(5):1398-1405. doi:10.1093/humrep/det023
- Girum T, Wasie A. Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Contraception and Reproductive Medicine. 2018;3:9. doi:10.1186/s40834-018-0064-y
- Barnhart KT, Schreiber CA. Return to fertility following discontinuation of oral contraceptives. Fertility and Sterility. 2009;91(3):659-663. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.01.003
- Mayo Clinic. Minipill (progestin-only birth control pill). Mayo Clinic. 2023. www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/minipill/about/pac-20388306
- Gupta BK, Gupta AN, Lyall S. Return of fertility in various types of IUD users. International Journal of Fertility. 1989;34(2):123-125. PMID: 2565315
- Pardthaisong T, Gray RH, McDaniel EB. Return of fertility after discontinuation of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and intra-uterine devices in Northern Thailand. The Lancet. 1980;315(8167):509-512. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(80)92765-8
- ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins — Gynecology. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 73: Use of hormonal contraception in women with coexisting medical conditions. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2006;107(6):1453-1472. [Note: General clinical guidance on contraceptive mechanisms and fertility return timelines.]
- Gayatri M, Utomo B, Dasvarma G, McDonald P. Pregnancy resumption following contraceptive discontinuation: hazard survival analysis of the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey data 2007, 2012 and 2017. PLOS ONE. 2022;17(2):e0264318. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0264318 [Note: Data from Indonesian population; rates may vary across populations.]
Marina Carter
Fertility Health Writer at FertilitySmart
Marina Carter is a specialist health writer with nearly a decade of experience in reproductive health, fertility nutrition, and evidence-based conception support. She has authored over 30 in-depth articles for FertilitySmart, translating peer-reviewed research into clear, practical guidance for individuals and couples on their fertility journey. Read full bio →
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.