How Long After Stopping Birth Control Can You Get Pregnant?
Updated September 2025 · 5 min read
For most types of birth control — the pill, IUDs, implants, patches, rings and condoms — fertility can return very quickly, sometimes immediately, so you can start trying as soon as you stop. The main exception is the contraceptive injection (such as Depo-Provera), where it can take several months, and sometimes up to a year, for fertility and regular cycles to return. If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s a good idea to start folic acid and speak to your GP.
- For most methods, fertility can return straight away — you can try immediately.
- The contraceptive injection is the exception — it can take months to a year.
- You don’t medically need to “wait” after stopping most methods.
- Start folic acid before trying, and see your GP for pre-conception advice.
For most methods: fertility returns quickly
With most forms of contraception, your fertility can return very soon after stopping — sometimes right away. This includes:
- The combined and progesterone-only pill — ovulation often returns within weeks.
- IUDs and IUS (coils) — fertility returns once removed.
- The implant — fertility returns after removal.
- The patch, ring and condoms — no lasting effect on fertility.
So for these methods, you can generally start trying as soon as you stop.
The exception: the contraceptive injection
The contraceptive injection (such as Depo-Provera) is different. After your last injection, it can take several months — and sometimes up to a year — for your cycles and fertility to return to normal. If you’re planning to conceive, it’s worth stopping the injection well in advance and talking to your GP.
Do you need to wait?
Medically, you generally don’t need to wait after stopping most methods before trying. Some people are advised to let one natural period come first, mainly to make dating the pregnancy easier — but this isn’t a medical requirement, and getting pregnant straight away is not harmful.
Getting ready to conceive
- Start a folic acid supplement before you conceive and in early pregnancy, as it helps protect against certain birth defects.
- Consider a pre-conception check-up with your GP, especially if you have a health condition or take medication.
- General wellbeing helps — a balanced diet, not smoking, and limiting alcohol.
If you’ve been trying for a while without success, or you have irregular periods or a known fertility concern, speak to your GP for advice.
Frequently asked questions
How soon can you get pregnant after stopping the pill?
Often very quickly u2014 ovulation can return within weeks, so you can start trying as soon as you stop. Thereu2019s no medical need to wait.
Does the contraceptive injection affect fertility?
It can delay the return of fertility. After the last injection it may take several months, and sometimes up to a year, for cycles and fertility to return to normal.
Should I wait a few months after stopping birth control?
Medically you generally donu2019t need to. Some people let one natural period pass to make dating the pregnancy easier, but thatu2019s a choice, not a requirement.
Sources
This article is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy care is personal — always follow the guidance of your own midwife, obstetrician or GP, and contact them promptly about any symptoms or concerns. Guidance reflects widely published advice from bodies such as the NHS and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).