Pregnancy After Stopping Contraceptive Pills

Oral contraceptives work by preventing the release of an egg during ovulation. So when you stop taking these pills, you may experience some vaginal discharge. It is a sign that ovulation will occur. How soon that'll happen varies from woman to woman. For some, the menstrual cycle will resume within 14 days; for others, it may take a few months.

Factors Influencing the Return of Fertility

A common misconception among patients is that contraceptive pills affect long-term fertility. In reality, these pills do not cause infertility, irrespective of which pill you use or for how long you use it. A woman’s age, overall health, and menstrual cycle before taking birth control pills are some factors that influence conception.

It is natural for the menstrual cycle to take some time to normalise. However, underlying conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid, and lifestyle factors like diet can affect a woman’s fertility even after stopping birth control pills. 

Women who have a combination pill of estrogen and progestin see a quick return of fertility. However, extended-cycle birth control pills may take longer to leave the body. After stopping birth control pills, it is advisable to wait for two to three recurring menstrual cycles for stability. Once your cycle is regular, you can try to conceive naturally.

I often have patients who ask me, "It’s been three months since I stopped taking birth control, but I still haven’t conceived. What should I do?"

If you are going through something similar, remember the best time to get pregnant is during your ‘fertility window’. It is the period in your menstrual cycle that typically includes the day of ovulation (when an egg is released) and the five days leading up to it. This window usually occurs mid-cycle for women with regular periods.

In addition to stopping contraceptive pills, you also need to get your body ready for pregnancy. Here are some tips to improve your fertility: 

• Vitamins: Take prenatal vitamins three months before you begin trying to conceive.
• Diet: Your body needs fuel to grow a baby, and a healthy diet helps boost your fertility. A mix of iron-rich foods like spinach, fresh citrus fruits like oranges, pulses like dal, and omega-rich foods like fish is crucial.
• Lifestyle: Small lifestyle changes like quitting alcohol & smoking and starting exercise daily can make a significant difference.
• Mental health: Stress and anxiety can negatively affect your fertility. Be patient with your body, allowing it time to regularise your hormones. 

Taking contraceptive pills is a personal decision, and so is stopping it. The good news here is that there are no long-term side effects of birth control pills. You can ovulate as soon as within 48 hours, or it may take longer, depending on your age, health, and past medical concerns.

The most important thing to remember here is that if you are struggling to conceive after stopping birth control pills, be patient. Do not lose hope; stay healthy and positive. If you do face any fertility challenges during your journey, the best thing to do is to speak to a doctor.