If getting pregnant is on your mind, then you must consider stopping using contraceptives. What happens after coming off contraceptive pills? Although fertility is not affected if you are using the barrier method of contraceptives – male or female condoms, diaphragm, and the cervical cap, however, for some women using the fill, the patch, or the ring it might be a while till you start ovulating again.
If your idea on contraception is natural birth control, you may be able to get pregnant soon since you would be having a fair idea regarding your ovulation, thus increasing your chances. Charting your cycles and basal temperature is easy and doesn’t affect your fertility at all. For other methods of contraception, you will have to reverse the effects of them and stop using them.
In This Article
- How Do The Pills Work?
- When To Stop Taking The Pill?
- When Will I Get My Periods?
- How Long Will It Take To Get Pregnant?
- What Are The Side Effects Of Coming Off The Contraceptive Pill?
- What If I Have An Implant?
- Preparing Yourself For Pregnancy
- FAQS
How Do The Pills Work?
Oral contraceptives contain both estrogen and progesterone. They prevent ovulation by suppressing the natural hormones that make the ovaries release the eggs. They also maintain certain hormone levels and thus, you prevent an egg to release for fertilization.
The monthly bleeding cycle for women on pills is not triggered by hormones, as a result of ovulation and non-fertilization of the egg; but due to a sudden decrease of hormone levels for about a week in one month. If you are on oral contraceptives, your cycle will most likely be for 28 days.
When To Stop Taking The Pills?
One does not need to wait for the monthly cycle if you are using the mini progesterone pill; you could do this right away. If you are on a contraceptive pill, then preferably, you can wait until the end of the birth control pill pack and then just don’t start with the new pack. You will have the withdrawal bleed for some time, which is not the menstrual bleeding.
When Will I Get My Periods?
You will get your normal period after some days or weeks or maybe a couple of months. It may be some time, from a couple of weeks to a few months before your periods become regular and timely. If three months pass without menstruation, do consult a doctor, but do not imply something is necessarily wrong.
If it is a patch or a ring under discussion, get it removed and practice the barrier method for some time. Having a couple of normal periods helps doctors ascertain the date of delivery with a better approximation.
How Long Will It Take To Get Pregnant?
Many women get pregnant pretty soon after going off contraceptives, but for some women, ovulation may happen only after a cycle or two is complete. We would recommend getting a pre-conception health check done before you actually conceive. Replace the pill with a tablet of folic acid and you should be good to go. If you are under 35, give yourself a year’s time before seeking help for fertility, but you could see the doctor 6 months down if you are above 35.
What Are The Side Effects Of Coming Off The Contraceptive Pills?
Some types of birth control modulate hormone levels, so stopping them may result in some side effects. It is possible that some of these effects, like changes in the menstrual cycle, will last longer.
- Getting your natural period back may take some time.
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Tender breasts
- Mood swings
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Ovulation cramps
- Symptoms of PMS may reappear
- Weight fluctuations
- Skin problems like acne
- Unwanted hair growth
- Migraines/headaches
- Changes in sexual drive
What If I Have An Implant?
An implant will have to be removed by a specially trained doctor or nurse. A quick scan to locate it, a tiny cut, and a bit of local anesthesia should make the implant come out easily. If you get pregnant before you take it out, it wouldn’t harm but is not suggested. In this case, you could get pregnant at any time, since you are fertile already. Start on that folate tab now!
Preparing Yourself For Pregnancy
Since you are readying yourself for pregnancy, you could try some fertility foods as well. Having a well-balanced diet and regular exercise will keep you active and ready for action. There are also some specific baby-making sex positions that could make sex enjoyable during this period. Setting your finances right also deserves a check. Lastly, do a loop in and prepare the man for this – make a baby as a partner.
FAQ’s
1. Can coming off the pills cause weight gain?
There is no direct link between stopping the pill and weight gain. Those who start taking the pill have reported gaining weight, in fact.
2. Can coming off the pills cause anxiety?
When you stop taking pills, hormonal fluctuation happens. This can lead to anxiety. As your hormones stabilize, your anxiety should ease if it was triggered by fluctuating hormones. Even after your hormone levels return to normal, you may still experience anxiety symptoms if hormonal contraceptives were masking an already existing anxiety disorder.
