How Long After Stopping Birth Control Can You Get Pregnant? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Long-term use of contraceptive pills and the desire to conceive?


Hello doctor, I have been taking oral contraceptives for two years.
My period just started this month, and I would like to stop the medication.
My husband and I are planning to conceive.
How soon can we start trying? I have heard that it is recommended to wait six months after stopping the pill before getting pregnant.
Does this have a significant impact?

Na Xi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/13

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, there is no absolute timeframe; it is generally recommended to wait 2 to 3 months.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/04/13

More Info


When it comes to stopping birth control pills and planning for pregnancy, many women have questions about the timing and potential effects on fertility. The good news is that, generally speaking, you can conceive quite soon after discontinuing birth control pills.
Birth control pills, such as the one you mentioned taking for two years, work by regulating hormones to prevent ovulation. Once you stop taking them, your body begins to adjust back to its natural hormonal cycle. Most women will ovulate within a few weeks after stopping the pill, which means that you could potentially get pregnant as soon as you have unprotected intercourse following the cessation of the medication.
There is a common misconception that you need to wait for a certain period, such as six months, after stopping birth control before trying to conceive. However, research indicates that most women can safely try to conceive immediately after stopping the pill. In fact, studies have shown that women who stop taking the pill can have a similar chance of getting pregnant in the first cycle after stopping as those who have not used contraception at all.
That said, it is important to note that some women may experience a temporary delay in the return of regular menstrual cycles after stopping the pill. This can vary from person to person, and some may experience irregular cycles for a few months. If you do not get your period within a few weeks after stopping the pill, it may be a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that everything is functioning normally.

In terms of health considerations, stopping birth control pills does not have long-term negative effects on fertility. In fact, many women find that their fertility returns to normal quickly after discontinuation. However, if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns about your reproductive health, it is always wise to discuss these with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your contraceptive methods.

Additionally, if you have been on the pill for an extended period, it may be beneficial to take some time to ensure that your body has fully adjusted back to its natural cycle before trying to conceive. This could help you track ovulation more accurately and increase your chances of conception.
In summary, you can start trying to conceive as soon as you stop taking your birth control pills. While some women may experience a brief adjustment period, many will find that their fertility returns quickly. If you have any concerns or specific health issues, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Best of luck on your journey to parenthood!

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If there was unprotected intercourse on the first day after stopping the medication for 7 days, and there are no plans to take contraceptive pills again for the next month, will this result in pregnancy? Answer: This will not result in pregnancy.

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Hello, you should not be pregnant. Wishing you good health.

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The effectiveness of the contraceptive pill is still intact, so pregnancy is unlikely. Sincerely, Dr. Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

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Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, there is no contraceptive effect for this cycle. If ovulation occurs, there is a possibility of conception. It is recommended that if your period does not arrive as expected, you should check for pregnancy. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health...

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