She Strengthens

Getting Pregnant After Stopping the Pill: What to Expect

Are you considering ditching the birth control pill and wondering what it means for your fertility? Whether you’re ready to start a family or simply switching to a different birth control method, understanding how the pill affects your cycle is crucial.

How Quickly Can You Get Pregnant?

If you stop taking the pill, you may get pregnant once your period returns to its normal cycle. However, this can take some time – up to 3 months after stopping the pill. If you stop taking the pill mid-cycle, ovulation could restart sooner, making pregnancy possible earlier.

The Effectiveness of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are about 99% effective with perfect use, but this drops to 91% with typical use. Missing a dose or forgetting to start a new pack increases the chance of accidental pregnancy.

Combination Pills vs. Progestin-Only Pills

Combination pills, which contain both estrogen and progestin, work by stopping ovulation and creating mucus barriers to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Progestin-only pills, on the other hand, contain only progestin and work by changing ovulation and the lining of the uterus and cervix. They are less effective, with about 13 out of every 100 users getting pregnant each year.

What Happens When You Stop Taking the Pill?

When you stop taking the pill, your cycle may take some time to return to normal. This can vary depending on the type of pill you were taking and where you were in your cycle when you stopped. Extended-cycle pills, for example, can take longer for your cycles to return to normal.

Preventing Pregnancy While Switching Birth Control Methods

If you’re switching birth control methods, it’s essential to prevent pregnancy during the transition. Condoms, spermicides, diaphragms, and sponges are all effective methods to prevent pregnancy.

Trying to Get Pregnant ASAP?

If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s a myth that taking the pill affects your fertility. The pill only affects the rate at which you get pregnant after stopping. Even though your period may take a few months to return to normal, you can get pregnant during the first period after stopping the pill or months later as your cycle gets back on track.

Conception Prep

Before trying to conceive, it’s ideal to finish the pack and let your body go through the motions to get back on track. A 2013 study found that participants who used birth control pills longer were more likely to get pregnant than those who used them for a shorter time. Your doctor can provide guidance on the best outcomes for conception after coming off the pill.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve already stopped the pill or are thinking about it, it’s essential to chat with your doctor. Pregnancy is possible while on the pill and even one cycle after stopping the pill, but it may take a few months for your period to get “back to normal” before you conceive. Your likelihood of conception may also vary depending on the type of pill you’re taking and where in your cycle you stopped. If you’re simply looking to switch birth control methods, be sure to refresh yourself on all the ins and outs of the various methods. You could get pregnant while making the switch.