Fertility After Birth Control: Short-Term vs. Long-Term

One of the most common questions women ask when deciding to stop birth control is: “How long will it take for my fertility to return?” Whether you’ve been using the pill, patch, ring, injection, an intrauterine device (IUD), or Nexplanon subdermal implant , understanding what happens to your body after discontinuing contraception is essential for planning pregnancy—or simply understanding your reproductive health.

At an IUD women's clinic, many patients are surprised to learn that fertility can return much sooner than expected after discontinuing birth control. However, the timeline and experience vary depending on the type of contraception used, how long it was used, and each woman’s unique hormonal balance and reproductive health.

Short-Term Impact: What Happens Right After Stopping Birth Control

When you stop using hormonal birth control, your body begins to reestablish its natural menstrual cycle. For some, ovulation resumes within a few weeks; for others, it can take several months.

After Hormonal IUDs (Mirena or Kyleena):

Hormonal IUDs such as Mirena and Kyleena work primarily by releasing progesterone hormone ( levonorgestrel ) locally in the uterine cavity. Their main effects are thinning the endometrium, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the local uterine environment to prevent implantation and reduce menstrual bleeding. They do not consistently inhibit ovulation; most users continue to ovulate while using Mirena or Kyleena. After removal, circulating progesteron levels fall rapidly inside the uterine cavity , cervical mucus thins, and the endometrium gradually returns to its pre-IUD state at which time you will starting getting your period . Most people will resume regular ovulatory cycles within weeks to a few months; many will have ovulation return in the first cycle after removal and menstruation resumes over the next one to three cycles. Some temporary changes may include irregular spotting or a brief delay before the first true menses.  

Many women book appointments for Mirena IUD removal at a trusted IUD insertion clinic when they’re ready to conceive or wish to switch methods. Because the hormones leave your system almost immediately after removal, long-term fertility is not impaired .  Studies show that most women can get pregnant within the first few months after removal if no other fertility factors are present.

After Copper IUDs:

The copper IUD insertion is a hormone-free form of birth control that prevents pregnancy by creating an environment toxic to sperm. Because it doesn’t alter hormone levels, fertility typically returns immediately after removal. Some women even conceive during the first cycle post-removal.

After the Nexplanon Implant:

Nexplanon, the small hormonal implant inserted under the skin of the arm, releases progesteron( etonogestrel ) to suppress ovulation. Once it is removed, fertility usually returns quickly—often within a few weeks. Most women resume regular ovulation and cycles within one to three months, and pregnancy can occur as early as the first cycle after removal.

While some may experience temporary irregular bleeding as hormones rebalance, Nexplanon does not have any long-term effects on fertility. It’s important to remember that any delay in conception is typically due to age or other factors unrelated to the implant itself.

After Depo-Provera (DMPA) Injections:

The Depo-Provera (DMPA) injection is a progestin-only contraceptive that provides three months of pregnancy protection per dose. Unlike other methods, fertility can take longer to return after stopping DMPA—on average, between 6 to 12 months. For some women, ovulation may take up to 18 months to resume.

This delay is not due to permanent infertility but rather the time required for the body to eliminate the high levels of medroxyprogesterone acetate stored in fat tissue. Women planning pregnancy soon after stopping contraception may want to consider other options such as Kyleena IUD insertion, copper IUD insertion, or Nexplanon, which allow fertility to return more quickly.

After Combined Hormonal contraception containing Estrogen and Progesterone ( pill) , patch or ring :

The pill, patch, and ring contain both progesterone and estrogen which circulates in the blood strem and  prevents ovulation through consistent hormonal suppression. Once you stop these, it can take one to three months for your body to reestablish a regular ovulation pattern. This delay is not due to any long-term damage but rather the time your body needs to rebalance its natural hormonal rhythm.

Long-Term Considerations: Beyond Immediate Fertility

While most women regain fertility quickly after stopping birth control, a few factors can influence long-term outcomes:

Underlying Conditions:

Birth control can sometimes mask underlying conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. When you stop taking hormonal contraception, irregular cycles or other symptoms may reappear—not because birth control caused them, but because it was suppressing their symptoms.

Age and Ovarian Reserve:

Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35. Women who stop using contraception later in life might notice it takes longer to conceive—not because of the birth control itself, but due to age-related changes in egg quality and quantity.

Uterine Health and Timing:

Following Kyleena IUD insertion or Mirena IUD removal, your uterus may need a short adjustment period. Some women experience temporary spotting or cramping, but this doesn’t affect fertility. It’s generally safe to try conceiving as soon as you feel ready after removal.

Lifestyle and General Health:

Factors such as stress, weight, nutrition, and sleep can affect how quickly your menstrual cycle normalizes. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and minimizing alcohol and caffeine can all support hormonal recovery and healthy ovulation.

When to Seek Guidance

If your period hasn’t returned within three months after stopping birth control—or six months if cycles remain irregular—it may be time to seek professional guidance. See your family dcotor to determine whether there are underlying issues affecting your fertility or if your body simply needs more time to readjust.

The Bottom Line

Most women regain fertility quickly after stopping birth control—often within weeks. Hormonal IUDs like Mirena and Kyleena, the Nexplanon implant, and the copper IUD allow ovulation to resume rapidly after removal, while DMPA may take longer. However, factors such as age, underlying health, and lifestyle choices may influence how soon conception occurs. Consulting with a knowledgeable provider at an IUD women's clinic or birth control clinic ensures you receive guidance tailored to your individual needs and reproductive goals.