Most women are able to get pregnant within the first 12 months after stopping contraceptive use. This time tends to be shorter in the case of the use of IUDs and contraceptive pills.
In any case, after stopping contraceptive use, it often takes a few months to get pregnant. This usually happens because it takes some time for the body to eliminate the contraceptive hormones and for the uterus to function normally again.
Therefore, it is important to talk to the gynecologist before starting to use contraceptives so that they can indicate from the beginning which one is most suitable for the woman and the best time to stop using it, if the woman wants to get pregnant. Find out how to choose contraceptives.
How long after stopping contraceptives can I get pregnant?
After stopping contraceptives, most women are able to get pregnant within the first 12 months. However, the time it takes to get pregnant tends to vary depending on the contraceptive method used.
1. Injectable contraceptive
It takes an average of 10 months to get pregnant after stopping injectable contraceptives and, for some women, it can take even longer. However, most women who used injectable contraceptives can become pregnant within the first 12 months after stopping.
2. Birth control pill
After stopping the contraceptive pill, it can take up to around 3 menstrual cycles to get pregnant. Although the chance of getting pregnant is generally lower in the first few months, up to 12 months after stopping the pill it is expected to be back to normal.
3. DIU
It may take up to about 2 menstrual cycles after IUD removal to get pregnant. Additionally, most women are able to get pregnant within the first year after stopping IUD use. Understand better what the IUD is.
After stopping contraceptives, is it possible to get pregnant in the first month?
It is possible to get pregnant in the first month after stopping taking contraceptives. However, it is common to take longer, because it usually takes a few months for the body to eliminate the contraceptive hormones from the blood and the functioning of the uterus to return to normal.
When is the first period after stopping contraceptives?
It is common for menstruation to take a few weeks to return after stopping taking contraceptives. In the case of the contraceptive pill, some studies indicate an average of 32 days until menstruation returns.
How long does it take for the contraceptive to leave the body?
The contraceptive can take a few months to completely leave the body, especially injectable contraceptives, which contain higher doses of hormone and are produced to have an effect for at least 90 days. See how injectable contraceptives work.
Bibliography
- DINEHART, Erin; LATHI, Ruth B; LUSINE, Aghajanova. Levonorgestrel IUD: is there a long-lasting effect on return to fertility?. J Assist Reprod Genet. Vol.37, n.1. 45-52, 2020
- BARNHART, Kurt et al. Return to fertility after cessation of a continuous oral contraceptive. Fertile Sterile. Vol.91, n.5. 1654-1656, 2009
- THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNECOLOGISTS. Progestin-Only Hormonal Birth Control: Pill and Injection. Disponível em: <https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/progestin-only-hormonal-birth-control-pill-and-injection>. Acesso em 03 fev 2023
- BARNHART, kurt; SCHREIBER, Courtney. Return to fertility following discontinuation of oral contraceptives. Fertile Sterile. Vol.91, n.3. 659-663, 2009
- YLAND, Jennifer J. et al. Pregravid contraceptive use and fecundability: prospective cohort study. BMJ. Vol.371. m3966, 2020
- GIRUM, Tadele; WASIE, Abebaw. Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Contracept Reprod Med. Vol.3. 9, 2018
