Coming Off Birth Control: Getting Pregnant

There are many reasons why someone might want to stop taking birth control, including planning a pregnancy, experiencing undesirable side effects, or changing their lifestyle. While it is possible to stop taking birth control at any time, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before doing so, as there may be side effects or other health considerations to take into account. For example, your doctor may recommend that you start taking prenatal vitamins or make certain lifestyle changes before stopping birth control and trying to conceive.

Depending on the type of birth control, the process of discontinuing it will vary. For instance, birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings can be stopped at any time, while an implant or IUD will need to be removed by a medical professional. It's important to note that stopping birth control may not immediately lead to a regular menstrual cycle and fertility, as it can take time for the body to adjust. Additionally, there may be side effects such as mood swings, acne, headaches, irregular periods, and changes in sex drive.

Overall, the decision to stop taking birth control is a personal one, and it is essential to consider the potential impacts on your body and fertility. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help ensure a smooth transition and address any concerns or questions about the process.

Consult a doctor

Consulting a doctor is an important step when considering coming off birth control. While it is possible to stop some birth control methods without medical intervention, such as birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings, it is always a good idea to seek professional advice. A doctor can provide guidance and address any concerns or questions you may have about the process.

When you consult a doctor, they can advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation. This may include discussing family planning options and providing health recommendations before you conceive. For example, they may suggest weight loss, changes to your medications, or starting a prenatal vitamin with folic acid. Additionally, your doctor can help address any undesirable side effects you may be experiencing due to birth control.

If you are using an implant, IUD, or a birth control shot, it is necessary to involve a medical professional in the process of discontinuing birth control. These methods require minor medical procedures for removal, and it is not advisable to attempt to remove them on your own. By scheduling an appointment with your doctor, you can ensure a safe and proper removal process.

It is also important to consult a doctor if you have concerns about fertility. If you have not had a regular period or have not had a period at all in three to four months after stopping birth control, it is recommended to seek medical advice. They can assess your individual situation and provide guidance accordingly. Additionally, if you are over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months without success, it is advisable to schedule an appointment.

Furthermore, if you are experiencing side effects after stopping birth control, consulting a doctor can be helpful. Side effects may include changes in your menstrual cycle, heavier periods, mood changes, changes in sex drive, acne, and headaches. Your doctor can provide advice and recommendations to manage these side effects effectively. Remember, it is always best to seek professional advice rather than trying to manage these side effects on your own.

Side effects of stopping birth control

Stopping birth control is a personal decision that should be made with guidance from a doctor, as it can come with many side effects. When you stop taking hormonal birth control, your body will be adjusting to its new rhythm of hormonal levels and cycles. Some people report feeling "more themselves" right away, while others may take longer to adjust to these new changes in hormone levels.

The side effects of stopping birth control will depend on how long you used birth control, the dosage, any symptoms you had before starting birth control, and more. Here are some of the possible side effects:

• Irregular periods or spotting. Even if your periods were very regular before you started birth control, it might take several months for them to straighten out after you stop.
• Heavier periods and more painful cramping.
• Your PMS symptoms may return, and you may experience changes in mood or more noticeable PMS symptoms.
• Changes in sex drive.
• Less common side effects may include changes to your skin, breast tenderness, and unwanted hair growth.
• You may lose weight after coming off birth control.
• Your acne may return.
• You may experience changes in your menstrual cycle, or even a delay if you have an intrauterine device (IUD).

Most people experience withdrawal bleeding within a week of stopping birth control, which could feel like a light to normal period. Within three months, your cycles will likely return to their previous cadence.

How to manage withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal from birth control can cause a variety of side effects, including physical and psychological changes. Here are some tips to help manage these symptoms:

• Menstrual cycle changes: It takes around 2-3 months for the menstrual cycle to regulate again after stopping birth control. During this time, you may experience heavier periods and more painful cramps. Track your menstrual cycle and symptoms to better understand your reproductive health.
• Skin issues: Some people may experience acne breakouts after stopping birth control, especially if they were taking a pill with an anti-androgenic effect. Consult a healthcare professional if acne is affecting your confidence and daily life.
• Weight fluctuations: Weight changes after stopping birth control can vary from person to person. If you are concerned about weight fluctuations, consult a fertility nutritionist for guidance on diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments.
• Increased sex drive: The boost in testosterone during ovulation can lead to an increase in sex drive after stopping birth control.
• Emotional and psychological effects: Coming off the pill can cause emotional and psychological effects such as PMS, PMDD, and mood swings. Track your menstrual cycle to anticipate when you might experience these symptoms. Practice self-care and coping strategies such as journaling, meditation, yoga, or spending time in a relaxing environment.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): To manage PMS symptoms such as nausea, make lifestyle changes including eating a balanced diet high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, getting regular exercise, and practising good sleep hygiene.
• Breast tenderness: Breast tenderness is a common side effect of birth control withdrawal and PMS. If you experienced tender breasts during your period before taking birth control, this may return.
• Hair pattern changes: Some people may experience thinning hair or increased body hair after stopping birth control. This is usually temporary, but if you are concerned about excessive body hair growth, speak to a healthcare professional as it could be a sign of a hormonal condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Headaches: If you are experiencing headaches after stopping birth control, pinpoint the root cause of the symptoms. This could be due to underlying hormone imbalances or other conditions such as menstrual migraines.
• Changes in sleep patterns: The return of PMS symptoms and hormonal changes can disrupt your sleep. However, discontinuing certain types of birth control could also improve sleep efficiency.
• Lower vitamin D levels: Birth control containing estrogen tends to increase vitamin D levels. After stopping birth control, vitamin D levels may decrease. Spending more time outdoors or taking a vitamin D supplement can help boost your vitamin D levels.
• Changes in blood pressure: Birth control containing estrogen can cause hypertension in some people. If you experience high blood pressure, switch to progesterone or hormone-free contraceptives.
• Digestive issues: Estrogen-based contraceptives can cause bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. These symptoms often improve after stopping birth control, but if they persist, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.
• Long-term health implications: Stopping birth control may have implications for bone density and cardiovascular health. Incorporate weight-bearing exercises and ensure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D to support bone health. Focus on a heart-healthy diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Remember that everyone's experience with birth control withdrawal is unique, and you may not experience all of these symptoms. It is important to listen to your body and seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if symptoms persist or affect your daily life.

Different methods for stopping birth control

There are many different types of birth control, and the method you choose to stop it will depend on the type you are using. It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before stopping birth control.

The Pill

You can stop taking the pill at any time, even mid-cycle. You do not need to finish your pack, but stopping birth control may throw off your menstrual cycle. Your period should return within three months.

The Mini-Pill

This type of pill contains only progestin, not the combination of estrogen and progestin found in other pills. You can stop taking it whenever you want, but you will need another form of protection if you want to avoid getting pregnant as it is slightly less effective than the combination pill.

Implants

Implants are long-acting contraceptives that usually last for three years. They can be removed by a doctor or nurse at any time, and your fertility should return quickly.

Patches

If you are using birth control patches, you can simply stop using them by peeling them off. However, you will need to use another form of birth control right away if you don't want to get pregnant.

IUD

An intrauterine device (IUD) is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and can be removed by a doctor or nurse in a few minutes. You will need to make an appointment for the removal.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a dome-shaped cup that physically blocks sperm from entering the womb. It is inserted before each time you have sex and can be left in for at least six hours after intercourse.

Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring is a flexible plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina and left in for three weeks, then removed for one week. You can stop using it at any point in your menstrual cycle, but you will need to use another form of birth control right away if you don't want to get pregnant.

Birth Control Shot

The birth control shot is given every three months, and you can stop it by simply not getting the next shot. However, the effects of the shot can last up to nine months, so you may be covered for a while. Ask your doctor if you need a backup contraceptive.

Fertility after stopping birth control

If you're planning to get pregnant, stopping birth control is the first step in your journey towards conception. It's important to understand how stopping birth control affects your body, and what you can expect from the process.

How to stop taking birth control

The first step is to decide which type of birth control you are using and how to discontinue it. For some methods, like the pill, patch, or vaginal ring, you can simply stop using it. For others, like an implant or IUD, you will need to book a medical appointment for removal.

Side effects of stopping birth control

Stopping birth control can result in various side effects as your body adjusts to the change in hormone levels. You may experience:

• Irregular periods
• Heavier periods and more painful cramping
• Changes in mood and PMS symptoms
• Changes in sex drive
• Acne
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness

These side effects are usually temporary and will likely subside within a few months. However, if they persist, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Most forms of birth control do not affect long-term fertility. You can usually conceive soon after discontinuing most types of birth control. However, the time it takes for fertility to return to normal varies depending on the method of contraception previously used.

For birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings, hormones are typically out of the body within a week, and it may take a month or two before you start ovulating again. With an implant, hormones clear from the body in a couple of days, and ovulation resumes within a month or sometimes even a week.

The birth control shot can take the longest to clear from the body, with hormones remaining for up to 15 weeks, and fertility may take up to 10 months to return to normal.

Planning for pregnancy

When planning for pregnancy, it is essential to consider the time it may take for your fertility to return to normal after stopping birth control. It is also important to be aware that pregnancy can occur immediately after discontinuing birth control, so if pregnancy is not the desired outcome, alternative contraceptive methods should be used.

Additionally, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before stopping birth control to discuss any health recommendations and address any concerns or questions about the process.

Frequently asked questions