When To Stop Contraception If You Want to Get Pregnant

Deciding to try for a baby is a big step, and one of the first practical questions many people ask is: when should I stop using contraception if I want to get pregnant?

The answer depends on the type of contraception you’re using. For most methods, fertility can return quickly, sometimes within days or weeks. For others, particularly the contraceptive injection, it can take several months for ovulation and periods to return.

The reassuring news? Contraception does not impact your long-term fertility. Most people are able to start trying as soon as they stop their method, although your cycle may take a little time to settle.

This guide explains when to stop each type of contraception, how quickly fertility may return, what can affect your chances of conceiving, and when to seek support if things are not progressing as expected.

Quick facts:

• For most hormonal contraception, fertility can return within days to weeks of stopping, but cycles may take 1 – 3 months to regulate.
• The contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera) is the exception, fertility can take 6 -18 months to return after the last dose.
• Contraception does not damage your long-term fertility, studies show 83% of people conceive within 12 months of stopping any method.
• Age, cycle regularity, underlying conditions and partner fertility usually have a bigger impact on how quickly you conceive than your previous contraceptive method.
• You can get pregnant before your first period returns, so start tracking ovulation from the moment you stop.

When should you stop using contraception if you want to get pregnant?

One of the most common concerns about stopping contraception is whether it can make it harder to get pregnant later. The reassuring answer is no. Reversible contraception does not permanently affect your fertility.

Hormonal contraception works by temporarily changing your reproductive hormones. Depending on the method, it may stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, thin the womb lining or create an environment that prevents pregnancy. Once you stop using it, these effects wear off.

What can vary is how long it takes for ovulation to return. For most methods, this happens quickly. For the contraceptive injection, it can take longer because the hormone is designed to stay active in the body for several months.

Sometimes, stopping contraception can reveal symptoms that were previously being masked. For example, if you had irregular periods before starting contraception, they may return once you stop. Conditions such as PMOS (formerly known as PCOS), thyroid dysfunction, endometriosis or hypothalamic amenorrhoea may also become more noticeable after stopping hormonal contraception.

This does not mean contraception caused the issue. It may simply have been managing or hiding the symptoms.

How long does it take to get pregnant once your stop contraception?

A review of 22 studies across 15,000 women found that 83.1% became pregnant within 12 months of stopping any form of contraception, which is comparable to the general conception rate. The NHS data similarly shows that 82–92% of people conceive within one year of trying, depending on age.

Some people get pregnant in the first cycle after stopping contraception. For others, it can take several months, and that can still be completely normal. 

When to Stop the Combined Pill Before Trying to Get Pregnant

The combined contraceptive pill contains synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone. It prevents pregnancy mainly by stopping ovulation, meaning your ovaries do not release an egg each month.

When to stop: You can stop the combined pill whenever you are ready to start trying for a baby. There is no medical need to finish your current pill pack, although some people prefer to do this because it can make bleeding easier to predict.

When fertility returns: Fertility can return quickly after stopping the combined pill. Some people ovulate within the first month, although it can take one to three months for your natural menstrual cycle to become regular again. If your periods were irregular before you started the pill, they may become irregular again once you stop.

When to start trying: You can start trying to conceive as soon as you stop the pill. If you get pregnant before your first natural period, it may be slightly harder to date the pregnancy, but this is not harmful and is not a reason to delay trying.

When to Stop the Mini Pill Before Trying to Get Pregnant

The progestogen-only pill, often called the mini pill, contains a synthetic version of progesterone. It can prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, thinning the womb lining and sometimes stopping ovulation.

When to stop: You can stop the mini pill at any point. Fertility usually returns very quickly, often within days to a few weeks, because the mini pill does not always suppress ovulation in the same way as the combined pill.

When fertility returns: You can start trying for a baby as soon as you stop taking the mini pill. Your period may take a little time to return, but ovulation can happen before your first bleed, which means pregnancy may be possible straight away.

When to start trying: You can start trying to conceive as soon as you stop the pill. If you get pregnant before your first natural period, it may be slightly harder to date the pregnancy, but this is not harmful and is not a reason to delay trying.

When to Stop the Contraceptive Patch Before Trying to Get Pregnant

The contraceptive patch is worn on the skin and releases oestrogen and progestogen. It works in a similar way to the combined pill by stopping ovulation.

When to stop: You can stop using the contraceptive patch by removing it when you are ready to try for pregnancy. 

When fertility returns: Fertility may return quickly after stopping, although your period may take one to two months to return to its usual pattern, but even if your periods don’t come back immediately, it may still be possible to get pregnant right after stopping the patch 

When to start trying: You can start trying to conceive immediately after removing the patch. As with other hormonal methods, ovulation can happen before your first period, so pregnancy may be possible straight away.

When to Stop the Vaginal Ring Before Trying to Get Pregnant

The vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring placed inside the vagina. It releases hormones that prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus and thinning the womb lining.

When to stop: You can stop using the vaginal ring by removing it when you are ready to start trying for a baby.

When fertility returns: As with the combined pill and patch, the ring is a combined hormonal method and fertility usually returns within one to three months, although some people ovulate sooner.

When to start trying: You can start trying to conceive as soon as the ring is removed.

When to Remove the Contraceptive Implant Before Trying to Get Pregnant

The contraceptive implant, such as Nexplanon, is a small rod placed under the skin of your upper arm. It releases progestogen, which prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.

When to stop: The implant must be removed by a healthcare professional. You can book an implant removal appointment when you are ready to start trying to conceive.

When fertility returns: Fertility usually returns quickly after implant removal. Some people ovulate within a few weeks, while others may take one to three months for their periods to return and become regular.

When to start trying: You can start trying for a baby as soon as the implant has been removed.

When to Remove a Hormonal IUD Before Trying to Get Pregnant

A hormonal IUD, also called an intrauterine system or IUS, includes brands such as Mirena, Kyleena and Jaydess. It releases a small amount of progestogen inside the uterus. It mainly works by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the womb lining, although some people may still ovulate while using it.

When to stop: A hormonal IUD needs to be removed by a healthcare professional. You can ask for it to be removed whenever you are ready to try for pregnancy.

When fertility returns: Fertility usually returns quickly after hormonal IUD removal, often within one to three months. Because the hormone dose is localised and relatively low, many people return to their natural cycle soon after removal.

When to start trying: You can start trying to conceive immediately after your hormonal IUD has been removed.

When to Remove a Copper IUD Before Trying to Get Pregnant

The copper IUD is a non-hormonal contraceptive method. It prevents pregnancy by creating an environment in the uterus that affects sperm and prevents fertilisation.

When to stop: A copper IUD must be removed by a healthcare professional. You can book removal when you are ready to start trying.

When fertility returns: Fertility returns immediately after copper IUD removal because it does not affect ovulation, your menstrual cycle or your hormone levels.

When to start trying: You can start trying to conceive straight away after removal

When to Stop the Contraceptive Injection Before Trying to Get Pregnant

The contraceptive injection, such as Depo-Provera, is a hormonal method usually given every 12 weeks. It contains progestogen and works mainly by suppressing ovulation.

When to stop: The injection is the method that usually needs the most forward planning. You stop it by not having your next injection when it is due, but fertility may not return immediately.

When fertility returns: Although each injection is designed to protect against pregnancy for around 12 weeks, the hormone can remain active in the body for much longer. For some people, periods return within a few months. For others, it can take 6 to 18 months for ovulation and periods to return after the final injection. This delay does not mean the injection has damaged your fertility. It reflects the way the long-acting hormone is released and cleared from your body.

When to stop if you want to conceive: If you want to get pregnant within the next year, speak to a GP or clinician about stopping the injection in advance. You may want to switch to another contraception method temporarily while waiting for your cycle to return.

When to start trying: Once your cycles have returned and been regular for at least 1-2 cycles, you are in the best position to start tracking ovulation and trying. If your period has not returned within 12 months of your last injection, speak to a healthcare professional.

Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm, cap)

These three methods of contraception are all types of barrier birth control. That means they act as a physical barrier stopping sperm from reaching eggs, rather than releasing hormones that prevent you from ovulating.

When to Stop Barrier Methods Before Trying to Get Pregnant

Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps. They work by physically stopping sperm from reaching an egg. They do not contain hormones and do not affect ovulation.

When to stop: You can stop using barrier contraception whenever you are ready to start trying for a baby.

When fertility returns: Fertility returns immediately because barrier methods do not change your hormones, periods or menstrual cycle. You could get pregnant the next time you have sex without using a barrier method.

Can you get pregnant before your first period after stopping contraception?

Yes, you can get pregnant before your first period after stopping contraception. This is because ovulation happens before a period. After stopping hormonal contraception, your first ovulation may happen before you have any natural bleed. If sperm is present around that time, pregnancy is possible.

If you are trying to conceive, start tracking signs of ovulation as soon as you stop contraception. These may include:

• changes in cervical mucus
• a positive ovulation predictor kit
• a small rise in basal body temperature
• mild one-sided pelvic pain around ovulation

If you are not ready to get pregnant, do not rely on the absence of a period as protection. You can still ovulate before your first bleed.

Do you need to ovulate regularly to get pregnant?
You need to ovulate to get pregnant, but you do not need to have perfectly regular cycles to conceive.

After stopping hormonal contraception, ovulation may return quickly, or it may take a few months to become regular again. Regular cycles, usually between 21 and 35 days, are a helpful sign that ovulation is likely happening consistently.

Irregular or absent periods can make it harder to identify your fertile window. They may also suggest an underlying hormonal issue, such as PMOS ( formerly known as PCOS), thyroid dysfunction, high prolactin or hypothalamic amenorrhoea. If your cycles remain irregular after stopping contraception, it may be worth speaking to a doctor or testing your hormones.

What affects your chances of conceiving after stopping contraception?

Your previous contraceptive method is only one part of the picture. In most cases, other factors have a bigger impact on how quickly you conceive.

Age

The most significant factor. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG ) states that around 1 in 4 people in their 20s and early 30s conceive in a single cycle. By 40, this drops to around 1 in 10 per cycle. This is not because of contraception history, it is a reflection of egg quality and reserve declining naturally with age, independent of any method you have used.

Ovarian reserve

Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. Anti-Müllerian hormone, or AMH, can give an indication of ovarian reserve. AMH does not tell you whether you can or cannot get pregnant naturally, but it can help you understand your fertility timeline and whether you may benefit from earlier support.

Cycle regularity

Regular cycles usually suggest that ovulation is happening consistently. Irregular cycles can make timing sex more difficult and may point to an underlying hormonal condition. Some conditions can affect fertility and may become more noticeable after stopping contraception, such as PMOS (formerly known as PCOS), endometriosis, etc.

Frequency of sex

Having sex every two to three days throughout the cycle is a simple and effective approach for many couples. It means sperm are likely to be present during the fertile window without needing to track ovulation perfectly.

Lifestyle

Smoking, alcohol, sleep, stress, nutrition, exercise and body weight can all affect reproductive health. You do not need to be perfect before trying, but small changes can support ovulation, hormone balance and overall wellbeing.

Partner fertility

Around 30-40% of fertility difficulties involve a male factor. Sperm health is worth assessing early if conception is not happening, a semen analysis is a straightforward test your GP can arrange.

Is it safe to get pregnant straight after stopping contraception?

Yes. It is safe to get pregnant soon after stopping contraception. There is no evidence that getting pregnant immediately after stopping reversible contraception harms you or your baby. You do not need to wait for a “washout” period.

Some people prefer to wait until after their first natural period because it can make it easier to date the pregnancy. But this is a practical choice, not a medical requirement.

Should you test your hormones before trying to conceive?

Hormone testing can be helpful if you want to understand your reproductive health before trying for a baby. It may be particularly useful if:

• your periods were irregular before contraception
• your cycle has not returned after stopping contraception
• you have symptoms such as acne, excess facial hair, hair thinning or significant PMS
• you feel unusually tired or suspect thyroid issues
• you are over 35 and want to understand your ovarian reserve
• you have been using the contraceptive injection and your period has not returned
• you want a baseline picture of your hormones before trying

Hertility’s Advanced Hormone & Fertility Test checks up to 10 key hormones such as AMH, FSH, LH, oestradiol, testosterone, SHBG, prolactin and thyroid hormones  from a single at-home blood test. It screens for 18 conditions including PMOS, thyroid dysfunction and premature ovarian insufficiency, and gives you a personalised care plan based on your results.

When should you test hormones after stopping contraception?

For the most accurate hormone results after stopping hormonal contraception, we recommend waiting 3 full cycles before testing cycling hormones (FSH, LH, oestradiol). AMH and thyroid hormones can be tested at any point, however, hormonal contraception can temporarily impact AMH levels as well.

See our full guide: When to test your hormones after stopping contraception.

Tips to support conception after stopping contraception

Track your cycle from day one

Start recording the first day of each period, your cycle length, bleeding pattern and any symptoms. This helps you understand how your cycle is returning and gives you useful information if you need medical advice later.

Understand your fertile window

You are not fertile every day of your cycle. The fertile window is usually the six days leading up to and including ovulation, with the highest chance of pregnancy in the one to two days before ovulation.

Ovulation predictor kits, cervical mucus tracking and basal body temperature monitoring can all help you understand when ovulation may be happening.

Have sex every two to three days

For many couples, having sex every two to three days throughout the cycle is the easiest approach. It avoids the pressure of trying to time sex perfectly and means sperm are likely to be present when ovulation happens. If this frequency doesn’t feel realistic or possible, that’s completely okay. In this case, it can help to focus intercourse around the fertile window instead, the 6 day window including the 5 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself, when chances of conception are the highest, 

Start folic acid

If you are trying to conceive, it is usually recommended to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from before pregnancy until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some people need a higher dose, so speak to a healthcare professional if you have diabetes, take certain medications, have a higher BMI, or have previously had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect.

Review your lifestyle

Try to focus on realistic, sustainable habits that support your overall health. This may include stopping smoking, reducing or avoiding alcohol, eating a balanced diet, moving regularly, getting enough sleep and aiming for a healthy weight.

Book a preconception appointment

A preconception appointment with a GP or clinician can help you prepare for pregnancy. They can review medications, check whether your cervical screening is up to date, discuss family medical history and arrange any relevant blood tests.

Give yourself time

It is normal for conception to take several months. Some people get pregnant quickly, while others take longer, even when ovulation is happening and there are no obvious fertility issues.

When should you see a doctor if you have not conceived after stopping contraception?

It can take time for your cycle to settle after stopping contraception, especially if you were using a hormonal method. Remember that if you had irregular periods before you started taking birth control, then it’s likely that you’ll have irregular periods after you stop. While birth control doesn’t cause fertility problems, it may mask issues like irregular periods or medical conditions like PMOS. You should seek medical advice if you have been trying to conceive without success for:

• Under 35: seek advice after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex
• 35 or over: seek advice after 6 months
• Any age: seek advice sooner if you have irregular or absent periods, very painful periods, known PMOS ( formerly known as PCOS), endometriosis or thyroid issues, a history of pelvic infection or pelvic surgery, recurrent miscarriage, symptoms of a hormonal condition, concerns about partner fertility.

If you are over 40, it is worth speaking to a doctor before you start trying for a baby. They can give you advice based on your age, health history and fertility goals.

At Hertility, our Private Gynaecologists can review your hormone results, investigate possible underlying causes and help you understand your next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I stop contraception if I want to get pregnant?

For most types of contraception, you can stop when you are ready to start trying. Fertility may return quickly after stopping the pill, patch, ring, implant, IUD or barrier methods. If you use the contraceptive injection, you may need to stop 12 to 18 months before you want to conceive because fertility can take longer to return.

How soon can you get pregnant after stopping the pill?

You can technically get pregnant in the very first cycle after stopping the combined pill, as ovulation can resume quickly. Most people see their natural cycle regulate within 1-3 months. There is no medical requirement to wait before trying to conceive after stopping the pill.

Do you need to finish your pill pack before stopping?

No. You do not medically need to finish your pill pack before stopping. Some people prefer to finish the pack because it can make bleeding easier to predict, but stopping mid-pack is also safe.

Can you get pregnant before your first period after stopping contraception?

Yes. Ovulation happens before a period, so you can get pregnant before your first natural bleed after stopping contraception.

How long does it take to get pregnant after stopping contraception?

This varies considerably and depends primarily on age, cycle regularity, and whether any underlying conditions are present, not on which contraception you were using. On average, 84% of couples conceive within 12 months of trying with regular unprotected sex. For the contraceptive injection specifically, it can take 6-18 months for fertility to return before trying even begins.

Can contraception cause infertility?

No. There is no evidence that any reversible contraceptive method causes permanent infertility. Studies consistently show that conception rates after stopping contraception match the general population. If fertility difficulties arise after stopping contraception, the cause is an underlying condition, not the contraception itself.

What if my period hasn’t returned after stopping contraception?

If your period has not returned within three months of stopping the pill, implant, patch, ring or hormonal IUD, speak to a healthcare professional. If you have used the contraceptive injection, it can take longer, but you should seek advice if your period has not returned within 12 months of your last injection.

Should I have a hormone test before stopping contraception?

A hormone test before stopping is useful if you have had irregular cycles, symptoms of a hormonal condition, are over 35, or want a baseline picture before trying. AMH can be tested while still on hormonal contraception. For cycling hormones (FSH, LH, oestradiol), the most accurate results come from testing 3 full cycles after stopping.

References

1. Schliep KC et al. (2022). Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review. Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, 5, 14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9237896/
2. NHS (2024). When will my periods return after I stop using contraception?https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/combined-pill/what-is-it/
3. NHS (2024). How long does it usually take to get pregnant? https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/how-long-it-takes-to-get-pregnant/
4. FSRH (2023). FSRH Clinical Guideline: Combined Hormonal Contraception. https://www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/combined-hormonal-contraception/
5. Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) (2023). Progestogen-only injectable contraception.https://www.fsrh.org
6. Patient.info (2024). When will I become fertile again after coming off contraception?https://patient.info/features/sexual-health/when-will-i-become-fertile-again-after-coming-off-contraception
7. Girum, T., & Wasie, A. (2018). Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, 3(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30062044/
8. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/having-a-baby-after-age-35-how-aging-affects-fertility-and-pregnancy