How long does the birth control pill stay in your system?

The hormones from the combined pill leave your system within 24 to 48 hours after stopping. Though it may take a few days for your natural cycle to resume.

Does birth control affect fertility?

No, birth control does not cause long-term infertility. Fertility usually returns quickly once the method is stopped, though timing can vary slightly by method.

When to Stop Using Contraceptives If You Want to Get Pregnant

The moment you start thinking about getting pregnant, one of the first questions that pops up is surprisingly simple: When should I stop using contraceptives? It sounds like an easy decision, but your timing can actually affect how your body adjusts in the weeks that follow. Birth control doesn’t leave your system instantly, and different methods take different amounts of time before your natural cycle settles back in.
Some people ovulate soon after stopping, while others notice their periods taking a few weeks to feel predictable. Understanding this difference can save you a lot of unnecessary worry.

How Fast Do Hormones Leave Your Body After You Stop Birth Control?

A very common myth is that you must wait several months after stopping hormonal contraception for the medicines to leave your system. In reality, most hormonal methods clear quickly, and ovulation can restart within days or weeks.
There is no medical need to delay trying to conceive just to “cleanse” the body. You can start trying as soon as you stop the method, unless you personally prefer to wait for one natural period.

How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After Different Birth Control Methods?

Wondering how quickly your fertility returns after stopping birth control? It depends on the method you used. Here’s a clear guide:

Combined oral contraceptive pill (oestrogen + progesterone): You can stop the pack whenever you like, though finishing the packet is advisable. Most individuals ovulate within a few weeks, and conception is possible in the very first cycle after stopping.
Progestogen-only pill (mini-pill): You can stop at any time without finishing the pack. Fertility usually returns immediately or within days, as this pill often allows ovulation even while you are taking it.
Contraceptive patch and vaginal ring: Once the last patch is removed or the ring is taken out, fertility usually returns within one month. Many people ovulate 17 to 19 days after stopping the ring and can conceive soon after.
Hormonal intrauterine system (IUS or hormonal coil): After removal by a doctor, ovulation and fertility return within the first cycle. Pregnancy rates in the following year are the same as for women who never used hormonal contraception.
Copper intrauterine device (IUD or copper coil): Being non-hormonal, fertility is restored immediately after removal. You can become pregnant in the very next cycle if ovulation occurs.
Contraceptive implant: After removal (a quick procedure under local anaesthetic), the hormone level drops within a week, and most people ovulate again within 3 to 4 weeks.
Contraceptive injection (depot injection): This method may cause a longer delay. On average, ovulation returns about 10 months after the last injection, though some people conceive sooner and some may take up to 18 months. If planning a pregnancy, consider stopping injections at least a year in advance.
Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm, cap): Fertility is unaffected. You can start trying for pregnancy immediately after stopping.

What to Expect After Stopping Hormonal Contraception

After years of using hormonal contraception, your body may take some time to adjust. During this transition, you might notice:

Irregular or heavier periods at first
Return of ovulation pain or mid-cycle spotting
Acne, mood changes or breast tenderness coming back
Slightly stronger premenstrual syndrome (PMS) for a few months

These changes are usually temporary and tend to settle within 2 to 3 cycles.

How Long Should One Wait After Stopping Birth Control to Conceive?

Medically, it is perfectly safe to try for pregnancy in the very first cycle after stopping most birth control methods. Some doctors suggest waiting for one natural period because it can make dating the pregnancy and calculating your due date more accurate. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
When to Seek Medical Help

You should contact a doctor if:
You are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months with no success.
You are 35 or older and have been trying for 6 months.
You are 40 or older and planning a pregnancy.
Your periods do not return within 3 months of stopping pills, patch, ring, implant, or hormonal coil, or within 12 to 18 months after the last contraceptive injection.

How to Boost Your Chances of Conceiving

Once you’ve decided to start trying for a baby, there are simple steps that can help support your fertility:

Take folic acid: Start taking folic acid supplements daily as soon as you decide to try for pregnancy.
Track your cycle: Use apps or ovulation kits to identify your fertile days, especially after stopping hormonal birth control.
Have regular intercourse: Aim for every 2 to 3 days throughout your cycle, or focus on your fertile window (the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation).
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Keep a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol and caffeine, and avoid smoking.

Stopping contraception is the first step toward trying for pregnancy, but the timing and method you choose can help make the transition smoother. While most people can start conceiving immediately, giving your body a little time to adjust can be beneficial.
You’re not alone in your journey when trying to conceive. Join our supportive community to connect with others, share experiences, and find encouragement every step of the way.

FAQs on When to Stop Using Contraceptives If You Want to Get Pregnant

How long does the birth control pill stay in your system?
The hormones from the combined pill leave your system within 24 to 48 hours after stopping. Though it may take a few days for your natural cycle to resume.
Does birth control affect fertility?
No, birth control does not cause long-term infertility. Fertility usually returns quickly once the method is stopped, though timing can vary slightly by method.