What happens when you come off the pill?

If you’ve been taking the Pill to avoid getting pregnant you may be concerned that once you stop taking it you’ll find conception difficult. But don’t panic – most experts agree that there generally is little to worry about and that having taken the Pill for a long period of time (which is increasingly common as more women put off starting a family until they’re in their thirties and forties) won’t affect your ability to get pregnant. The steroids used in the Pill are processed out of your body within a week or less of you stopping it so it won’t affect your fertility.

Research suggests that around 70 to 80 percent of women who’ve been using the Pill for contraception become pregnant within a year of stopping taking it, and 90 percent become pregnant within two years of stopping. Around 21 percent get pregnant within a month of stopping, and the average time to conception is three months. Being over 35 seems to have no negative impact after coming off the Pill.

However for some women, pregnancy doesn’t happen quickly at all – and they may not even start having normal periods again for a little while. Typically it takes three months or so before you ovulate and full fertility returns – and although you may desperately want to see that blue line, this delay is useful. Pregnancy is dated from your last menstrual period, so having a couple or more months of regular cycles will help your OB-GYN or midwife more accurately date your pregnancy. Think about it: if you get pregnant straightaway after coming off the pill your cycle might have been so irregular that you’re not really aware you’ve missed your period. You may continue with potentially harmful habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol because you haven’t realized you’re pregnant.

Another point to consider is that if you’re trying immediately, before your cycle is regular, you may have many frustrating months of wondering if you could be pregnant and spending your hard-earned cash on pregnancy testing kits only to get negative results.

It might be worth setting a date three months into the future as when you will start to try to conceive, stop taking the Pill, and use other methods of contraception in the interim period until your menstrual cycle is back to normal. Be sure to start taking a folic acid supplement during this three-month leadup period, as it may help protect your baby from neural tube defects such as spina bifida when you do conceive. Think about your diet also, to ensure it’s nutritious enough to meet the demands that pregnancy will place on your body.

If you’re between 18 and 30 years of age and you and your partner are relatively healthy and having regular sex, particularly during your most fertile times, experts say you should conceive within 12 months or less. If more than a year goes by and you are not pregnant, ask your doctor about fertility testing.

Other forms of contraception

How long should it take to get pregnant after ceasing other forms of contraception?

The rhythm method
You’ll likely be totally in tune with your cycle so just focus on having sex around your fertile time instead of abstaining. Try to avoid having sex to a schedule though, as this can take away the enjoyment and spontaneity of trying for a baby, particularly if you don’t get pregnant quickly.

Barrier methods
Condoms, cervical caps and diaphragms have no direct effect on your fertility – you can just stop using them when you want to try for a baby.

Hormone injections
These last up 12 weeks and it can then take three to six months (or more) for your fertility to return to normal. Use alternative contraception until your period is regular to aid in dating your pregnancy. 

Intra-uterine device (IUD)
IUDs shouldn’t have a long tern effect on fertility as they prevent fertilization and implantation, rather than stopping you from ovulating. Check with your gynecologist about removing the IUD and expect to be advised to wait until your cycle is regular before trying for a baby. Again, use an alternative method of contraception during this time.

Contraceptive patch
Similarly with the Pill, you may find it takes several months for your cycle to normalize. Use alternative contraception until you regain your natural rhythm.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Related Articles

Last Modified: 22/02/2009