Key Takeaways
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For most birth control methods, fertility returns quickly (within days to a few months).
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The Depo-Provera shot is the main exception, often requiring close to a year for cycles to normalise.
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Most people who want to conceive after stopping birth control will do so within 12 months.
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If pregnancy doesn’t occur within a year of unprotected sex (or 6 months if over 35), a fertility evaluation is recommended.
Birth control and fertility
Birth control, particularly hormonal methods, doesn’t cause long-term infertility; your fertility typically returns to previous levels once you stop the method. However, some methods, like the birth control shot, can cause a temporary delay in fertility for several months.
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Certain methods, like IUDs and implants, allow for a quicker return to fertility.
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Other hormones in your body can temporarily suppress fertility markers such as anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH).
Fertility Return After Stopping Birth Control
How quickly fertility returns depends largely on the type of birth control method, how long it has been used, and individual health factors.
1. Barrier Methods (Condoms, Diaphragms, Copper IUDs)
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These methods do not affect hormones, so they do not interfere with ovulation or fertility.
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Fertility resumes immediately once the method is discontinued or removed.
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Example: Removing a copper IUD allows ovulation to continue as normal in the very next cycle.
2. Hormonal Birth Control Pills, Patch, and Vaginal Ring
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Prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and regulating the menstrual cycle through synthetic hormones.
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After stopping, ovulation usually resumes within a few weeks to three months.
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Some people ovulate almost immediately, while others may take a couple of cycles for hormones to rebalance.
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Return of cycles varies depending on metabolism, hormone regulation, and duration of use.
3. Hormonal IUDs (e.g., Mirena, Kyleena)
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Release small amounts of Progestin to thin the uterine lining and sometimes suppress ovulation.
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Fertility typically resumes within days to weeks of removal.
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Studies show most women conceive within a year of removal, many much sooner.
4. Hormonal Implants (e.g., Nexplanon)
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A small rod inserted under the skin that releases Progestin to prevent ovulation.
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Once removed, hormone levels drop rapidly, and ovulation often returns within 7 to 14 days.
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Some may need a few weeks for cycles to normalise, but fertility generally rebounds quickly.
5. Depo-Provera Injection (The Shot)
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The method most associated with delayed fertility return.
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Suppresses ovulation for about 12–14 weeks per dose.
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After stopping, fertility may take 7 to 10 months (sometimes up to 18 months) to return.
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The delay is temporary and does not cause permanent infertility, though it can be frustrating when trying to conceive.
Other Factors Affecting Fertility Return
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Age: Women over 35 may take longer to conceive, regardless of birth control use.
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Overall Health: Conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, or weight imbalances may affect ovulation resumption.
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Lifestyle Factors: Stress, smoking, alcohol, poor diet, or lack of sleep may delay cycle regulation and conception.
Ovulation or a normal cycle does not equal being fertile.
Consider speaking with your healthcare provider if:
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Your period hasn’t returned after three months.
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The length or regularity of your cycle changes.
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Your bleeding becomes unusually heavy or light.
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You’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months.
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You’re over 35 and have been trying for six months.
Read more on this subject in this article by Very Well Health.
Reach out to us at Harley Street Fertility Centre for a consultation should you have any of these concerns.
