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30 March 2025

How many days after stopping birth control can you get pregnant? How many days until ovulation? Will you be able to conceive again as usual?


30 March 2025
Updates

When the time comes, many couples begin to want to have children to complete their family. However, before reaching that point, many individuals have been using birth control for a long time while waiting for the right moment. But when it’s time to stop taking birth control, some may worry about whether they can get pregnant right away or how long it will take to conceive successfully.

In this article, BeyondIVF will help answer questions about stopping birth control, how many days it takes to get pregnant, how many days it takes to have a baby, and other useful information that those who want to have children should not miss.

Answering the question: What you need to know about stopping birth control, how many days until pregnancy?

Generally, when you’re ready and planning to have a child in the future, you can stop taking birth control immediately. However, when first stopping birth control, your body will need time to adjust, and your menstrual cycle may not return to normal right away.

The body typically takes about 1-3 months to return to its normal state, depending on the type of birth control used. Your period should come back after that time, but in some cases, it may take up to 1 year.

If you have had sexual intercourse and ejaculated with the intention of conceiving, and your period has not returned after stopping birth control, you can take a pregnancy test for confirmation.

Check for sure: How many days after stopping birth control can you get pregnant?

Are you curious? How many days after stopping birth control can you get pregnant? In reality, after stopping birth control, the body takes about 1-3 months to adjust and return to its normal state, but it shouldn't take more than 1 year. Once the body is back to normal, the menstrual cycle should resume, and ovulation will occur again.

During the time when you’ve already stopped taking birth control, if the body starts ovulating and it coincides with having sexual intercourse, there is a chance of pregnancy. Alternatively, if you’ve stopped taking birth control but continue to have regular sexual intercourse without menstruating, this could also be a sign of pregnancy. In any case, it is recommended to use a pregnancy test kit to confirm whether you are pregnant or not."

When you want to have a baby, when should you stop birth control?

How many days after stopping birth control can you get pregnant?

  • Oral contraceptives: After stopping birth control pills, it will take at least 1-3 months or at most up to 1 year to conceive.

  • Injectable contraceptives: After stopping the injection, it can take at least 10 months or up to 18 months to get pregnant.

  • Birth control patches: After removing the patch, it is possible to get pregnant within 1-3 months.

  • Birth control rings: After removing the ring, you can get pregnant within 1-3 months.

  • IUD (Intrauterine Device): After removing the IUD, you can get pregnant within 1 year.

  • Implant contraceptives: After removing the implant, you can get pregnant within 1 year.

After stopping birth control, if the period doesn't come, does it affect the ability to have children?

If you stop taking birth control or discontinue contraception and your period doesn't return to normal, it can affect your ability to have children. After stopping birth control, the body takes 2-3 months to adjust and resume ovulation. However, if you’ve stopped birth control for a while and your period still hasn't come, it indicates that the ovaries are not producing eggs, so there is no ovulation. When having intercourse, sperm cannot meet the egg.

Is it dangerous to take birth control pills while pregnant?

Is it dangerous to take birth control pills while pregnant?"

Currently, there is no clear research indicating that taking birth control pills, whether emergency contraception or regular contraceptives, will cause birth defects in the fetus. If a mother is unaware that she is pregnant and takes birth control pills during that time, she can rest assured about this concern.

"Does taking birth control pills while pregnant cause a miscarriage?"

When we take birth control pills, they affect the body by increasing cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg. They also make the uterine lining thinner, which can interfere with embryo implantation. However, if the embryo has already implanted, the birth control pill will not cause a miscarriage.

"Does taking birth control pills while pregnant lead to premature birth?"

Although some studies suggest that taking birth control pills during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth, resulting in a baby with a low birth weight, there is no definitive research confirming this. Doctors generally recommend stopping birth control pills immediately once pregnancy is confirmed.

"Is there a risk of an ectopic pregnancy if you take birth control pills while pregnant?"

Taking birth control pills during pregnancy does increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. There have been reports that taking hormonal-only birth control pills or emergency contraception while pregnant increases the chances of an ectopic pregnancy.

However, if a woman becomes pregnant and continues taking birth control pills, it is generally not harmful. Nevertheless, it is crucial to stop taking the pills immediately upon realizing you are pregnant and seek medical advice for a thorough check-up.

Conclusion

When you stop taking birth control pills, you can conceive again, but your body may need time to restore balance. This includes the production of eggs and ovulation. Once everything returns to normal, conception can occur naturally. However, if you've been off birth control for a long time and are having regular intercourse but still haven't conceived, it's recommended to consult a doctor. A doctor can help find the most appropriate treatment plan.

If you're looking for an appropriate treatment plan to help you conceive or are facing infertility issues, it's advisable to consult with a fertility center like Beyond IVF. The clinic offers specialized doctors, suitable treatment methods, and world-class technology. If you're interested and need advice on conception, feel free to reach out for more information via Line: @Beyondivf.

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early

  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI