How long does it take to become pregnant after stopping contraceptive pills and can they lead to infertility?

  • Q: I used to take birth control pills, on an irregular basis, for about one year when I was dating my boyfriend. We are now married and for the last 10 months I have not used them because I want to be pregnant. How long does it take to become pregnant after stopping contraceptive pills and can they lead to infertility?
  • A: There is no set answer on how long it takes for a woman to get pregnant after stopping birth control pills. It can vary from woman to woman. Some women can conceive as quickly as the first cycle after discontinuing the pill, while for others it may take considerably longer. Once ovulation resumes, a woman can become pregnant. In some women, it may take some time for the body to return to a normal production of hormone levels. It is stated that approximately one-half of women will ovulate the first month after stopping their medication. Other women may take anywhere up to six months following discontinuation of birth control pills. You may notice a slight delay in the return of your fertility after stopping birth control pills. However, there is no permanent damage that is done to your fertility from taking birth control pills in the past. Problems with fertility after stopping the medication is not a side effect of birth control pills. Some physicians recommend waiting at least one cycle or more after stopping birth control medication to try to conceive. Some physicians recommend waiting a period of time (three months) to try to conceive if there was a previous miscarriage or pregnancy. When trying to get pregnant, keep in mind that the best time to conceive is generally around the middle of your cycle. If you are having difficulty conceiving, consult with your physician. Your physician can provide further guidance. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Jen Marsico, RPh
This question was answered on August 05, 2011.


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