When to Stop Hormonal Contraceptives to Try to Conceive

When to Stop Hormonal Contraceptives to Try to Conceive

We spend years using contraceptives, but what happens if you decide you want to get pregnant? This guide explains what happens when you stop different contraceptive methods and how long it may take to conceive.

Last updated: August 19, 2025

Important Things to Know

• Most people who stop using contraceptives to try to conceive will succeed within the first year.
• Some types of contraceptives can cause a short delay before you can conceive.
• You can get pregnant if you have unprotected sex (or insemination) during your fertile days.

When to Stop Using Contraceptives

You can stop using contraceptives as soon as you feel ready to try for a baby. A common myth is that you need time for your body to “clear” the hormones, but this usually happens quickly.

• Ovulation can return soon after stopping, allowing for immediate conception.
• Every body is different; it may take a few cycles for menstruation to become regular, but usually there’s no need to wait before trying to conceive.

Hormonal Contraceptives and Future Fertility

• Most people conceive within a few months after stopping.
• Fertility generally returns quickly, except for cases like the injection (Depo-Provera), which may cause a delay of several months.
• If you have concerns about your specific situation, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

What Happens to the Body When You Stop Contraceptives

Non-Hormonal Methods

• Copper IUD, condoms: do not affect hormones or ovulation.
• Fertility returns immediately if you are ovulating.

Hormonal Methods

• Contain estrogen and/or progestin.
• Suppress ovulation, which usually resumes after stopping use.
• Time for fertility to return depends on the method.

How Long It Takes to Conceive After Stopping Contraceptives

Combined Pills

• Chance of pregnancy: immediately or within the first few months.
• Ovulation returns quickly; first “natural” period about one month after stopping.
• Tip: if menstruation hasn’t returned in three months, track cycles and consult a doctor.

Progestin-Only Pill (Mini-Pill)

• Chance of pregnancy: immediately after stopping.
• Fertility returns quickly; ovulation can be monitored immediately.

Hormonal IUD

• Chance of pregnancy: within a few months after removal.
• Ovulation usually resumes soon after removal.
• Tip: schedule removal and track ovulation signs.

Copper IUD

• Chance of pregnancy: within the first month after removal.
• Fertility returns immediately; you can conceive in the next cycle.

Implant (Nexplanon)

• Chance of pregnancy: within the first week after removal.
• Hormone leaves the body in about a week; ovulation returns in 3–4 weeks.

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing, Annovera)

• Chance of pregnancy: a few weeks after removal.
• Ovulation resumes about 17–19 days after removal.
• Conception similar to barrier method users after three cycles.

Contraceptive Patch

• Chance of pregnancy: within the first month after stopping.
• Ovulation generally returns within a month.
• Conception similar to barrier method users after four cycles.

Injection (Depo-Provera)

• Chance of pregnancy: up to a year after the last injection.
• Medication is slowly released from the muscle; average delay of 10 months to conceive.
• 90% conceive within 17 months; no long-term effect on fertility.
• Tip: plan ahead and consult your doctor.

Barrier Methods

• Chance of pregnancy: immediately after stopping.
• Do not affect hormones or ovulation.

Factors That Affect Chances of Conceiving

• Age: fertility declines after 30.
• Health conditions: PCOS, hypothyroidism, endometriosis.
• Lifestyle: smoking, poor nutrition, stress.
• Sperm quality: essential for conception.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

• Planning to conceive in the next year: consult for a medical review, prenatal vitamins, and disease screening.
• After stopping contraceptives:
  • Menstruation hasn’t returned in 3 months.
  • Under 34 and trying for 12 months.
  • 35 or older and trying for 6 months.
  • 40 or older and planning to conceive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fertile are you after stopping contraceptives?

• Fertility generally returns quickly.
• Pill, patch, ring, and IUD: ovulation returns immediately.
• Injection: may delay for months, but conception occurs within a year.

Is it safe to get pregnant right after stopping contraceptives?

• Yes, generally safe. Some professionals suggest waiting for a “natural” period to date the pregnancy, but conceiving earlier doesn’t increase risks.

Does the morning-after pill affect future fertility?

• No. It only affects the current cycle; fertility returns after ovulation.

Fastest way to get pregnant?

• Track ovulation and have sex or insemination during the fertile window.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle increases your chances.

References

1. Girum T, Wasie A. Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Contracept Reprod Med. 2018;3(1):1-9.
2. Hatcher RA, Nelson AL, Trussell J, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 22nd edition, 2024.
3. Paulen ME, Curtis KM. When can a woman have repeat progestogen-only injectables? Contraception. 2009;80(4):391-408.
4. Mishell DR. Pharmacokinetics of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraception. J Reprod Med. 1996;41(5 Suppl):381-90.
   5–23. Outras referências conforme estudos citados.