Can Birth Control Cause Infertility?

If you have a love/hate relationship with hormonal birth control, you are not alone. Whether you started birth control to regain control of your menstrual cycle, reduce acne, or prevent pregnancy, you may now be wondering if there are any long-term implications when it comes to your fertility. Specifically, can birth control cause infertility? The short answer is no, but let’s dig in and find out more.

It’s completely normal to worry about how years of taking the pill, wearing a hormonal IUD, or getting the Depo shot might affect your chances of getting pregnant later on. After all, your birth control has worked hard to stop pregnancy for so long, it’s understandable to wonder if your body will remember how to start again. Add to that the countless stories online, from “it took me years to get my period back” to “I got pregnant the first month off the pill,” and it’s no wonder people feel confused.

The truth is, hormonal birth control does not cause infertility, but it can temporarily affect your cycle in ways that make it feel like your fertility has changed. In this article, we’ll unpack how different types of birth control work, what to expect when you stop using them, and how long it typically takes for your cycle to regulate. You’ll also learn when it might be worth checking in with your doctor. Consider this your myth-busting, science-backed reassurance that your fertility story is still very much in your hands.

Does birth control cause infertility? The short answer

No, hormonal birth control does not cause infertility, and fertility typically returns once you stop using it. Combination pills are easily reversed, with fertility often returning quickly, and the hormones do not linger in your system.

How it works in plain terms: hormonal methods pause ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or thin the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy. That pause is temporary. Most people resume ovulation within weeks after stopping pills, rings, patches, implants, or hormonal IUDs. Long-acting methods are also associated with a rapid return to fertility after removal. One notable exception is the Depo shot, which can delay ovulation for several months after your last injection.

If your period takes a little time to settle, it does not mean birth control harmed your fertility. Age and underlying conditions play a bigger role in how quickly conception happens. Up next, we will break down what to expect when you stop each method, typical timelines for cycle regulation, and when it makes sense to check in with your clinician.

How birth control actually works in your body

To understand why birth control doesn’t cause infertility, it helps to know what it’s actually doing inside your body. Most hormonal birth control methods, like the pill, patch, ring, hormonal IUD, implant, or shot, prevent pregnancy in three main ways:

• They stop ovulation: The hormones in birth control (usually a mix of estrogen and progestin, or progestin alone) tell your brain not to release an egg each month. No egg means there’s nothing for sperm to fertilize.
• They thicken cervical mucus: This makes it harder for sperm to swim through the cervix to reach an egg. Think of it like creating a little barrier at the entrance.
• They thin the uterine lining: By making the endometrium (the lining of your uterus) thinner, it becomes less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.

These effects are completely temporary. Once you stop taking birth control, your hormone levels drop and your natural cycle gradually resumes. Most people begin ovulating again within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the method.

If your period takes some time to return, it’s usually your body recalibrating, not a sign of infertility. Your brain and ovaries are simply getting back in sync. In the next section, we’ll look at how long that process usually takes for different types of birth control.

What the research says about birth control and fertility

It’s true that birth control is designed to temporarily halt fertility and prevent pregnancy. Once you stop contraceptives, however, your fertility hormones should go back to normal within a few months. When evaluating the question of how birth control impacts fertility, it’s important to stick to what the research says.

Despite what some people on the internet may think, research shows that regardless of what type of hormonal contraception you use and how long you use it, birth control does not negatively impact your ability to conceive, nor does it significantly delay fertility. Whether you use vaginal rings, IUDs, implants, injections, or birth control pills, there is no evidence that hormonal contraception has a long-term impact on female fertility.

For example, a large study published in The BMJ followed 14,884 women who stopped using contraception. Within 12 months, 83.1% conceived, with no major differences between women who used IUDs, oral contraceptives, or progesterone-only pills.

Another three-year study involving 3,727 participants also found no negative impact on fertility after long-term oral contraceptive use. Similarly, a 2018 review found that most people regained fertility within 12 months of stopping birth control, regardless of the method or duration of use.

More recent research continues to back this up, although many women are concerned about the impact of birth control on their fertility. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have confirmed that there’s no link between prolonged hormonal contraceptive use and infertility, and that any delay in conception is temporary, mainly due to your body recalibrating its natural cycle.

Most people will resume their regular cycle within a month of stopping birth control, meaning it’s possible to get pregnant almost right away. For others, it may take a few months for things to settle. If your period hasn’t returned within 6 months, this is known as post-pill amenorrhea, and it’s a good time to chat with your healthcare provider to rule out underlying factors unrelated to your birth control use.

How different types of birth control affect your fertility

Not all birth control methods work the same way, so it makes sense that your body might take a little more or less time to bounce back depending on which one you’ve been using. The hormones, delivery method, and how long they’ve been in your system can all influence how quickly your cycle returns to normal once you stop.

The good news? Across the board, fertility returns for the vast majority of people: some within weeks, others after a few months. Whether you’ve been using the pill, patch, ring, implant, IUD, or the shot, your body’s timeline is unique, but the end result is the same: your natural hormone rhythm eventually takes over again.

Birth control pills and fertility

If you’ve been on the pill for years, you might wonder how long it takes for your body to bounce back. The answer: usually not long.

Both combination pills (estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills work by preventing ovulation, but once you stop taking them, your natural hormone cycle quickly resets. Most people start ovulating again within 1 to 3 months, according to the CDC.

That means pregnancy can happen as soon as your first post-pill cycle. For some, it may take a little longer for periods to regulate, especially if cycles were irregular before. If your period hasn’t returned after three months, check in with your healthcare provider to rule out other factors.

IUDs and fertility (hormonal vs. copper)

IUDs have a bit of a reputation for being “hardcore,” which can make some people worry about long-term effects on fertility. But here’s the truth: whether you use a hormonal IUD or a copper one, your fertility returns quickly after it’s removed.

Hormonal IUDs like Mirena, Kyleena, and Skyla release a small, steady dose of progestin that thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining. These changes stop once the device is removed, and most people start ovulating again within a few weeks to a couple of months.

Copper IUDs, such as Paragard, don’t use hormones at all. Instead, copper creates an environment that’s toxic to sperm, preventing fertilization. Once it’s removed, there’s nothing left to “wear off,” which means fertility can return almost immediately, sometimes within the same cycle.

Despite lingering myths online, IUDs do not cause infertility. In fact, studies show that people who’ve used IUDs are just as likely to conceive within a year as those who’ve used other forms of birth control. If you’re thinking about pregnancy after IUD removal, it’s safe to start trying as soon as you feel ready.

Birth control implant (Nexplanon) and fertility

The Nexplanon implant is a small, flexible rod placed under the skin of your upper arm that releases progestin to prevent ovulation. It’s one of the most effective forms of birth control out there, but once it’s removed, your body can return to its natural cycle surprisingly fast.

According to Planned Parenthood, fertility can return within a few days to a few weeks after removal. Some people even ovulate and conceive in their very next cycle.

After the implant comes out, you might notice mild spotting or temporary cycle changes while your hormones rebalance. That adjustment period is short-lived, though, and doesn’t affect your long-term fertility. If you’re planning to try for pregnancy, it’s safe to start right away, and you’ll want to be prepared, because your body may be ready sooner than you expect.

Birth control shot (Depo-Provera) and fertility

The Depo-Provera shot is known for being low maintenance (you only need one injection every 3 months) but it also takes the longest for fertility to return once you stop. That’s because the shot contains a higher dose of progestin, which suppresses ovulation for much longer than other hormonal methods.

According to Planned Parenthood, it can take 10 to 18 months after your last injection for ovulation to resume. Some people get their periods back within a few months, while others take a year or more for their cycle to fully regulate.

This delay can be frustrating, but it’s important to know it doesn’t mean permanent infertility. The hormone simply takes time to leave your system and for your body to restart its natural hormone production. Once that happens, your fertility returns to normal, and your chances of conceiving are just as high as they would have been before you started the shot.

If you’re planning to get pregnant soon, talk to your provider about when to stop your injections so your cycle has time to recover.

Vaginal ring (NuvaRing) and fertility

The NuvaRing is a small, flexible ring you insert into your vagina once a month. It releases estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation, just like combination birth control pills, but the good news is your fertility usually returns very quickly once you stop using it.

Most people begin ovulating again within a few weeks of removing the ring. Some may even get pregnant in their first cycle off it.

You might notice temporary changes in your period, like light spotting or irregular bleeding, as your body rebalances its hormones. This is completely normal and not a sign that your fertility has been affected. Once your cycle regulates, which often happens within 1 to 2 months, your chances of conceiving are the same as before you started using the NuvaRing.

Birth control patch and fertility

The birth control patch works a lot like the pill, it delivers estrogen and progestin through your skin to prevent ovulation. Once you stop using it, your body quickly clears those hormones, allowing your natural cycle to restart.

Most people begin ovulating again within a month or two after removing the patch. Some can conceive right away, while others might notice a short adjustment period before their cycle evens out.

In other words, if you’re thinking about getting pregnant after coming off the patch, it’s entirely possible to conceive as soon as your first post-patch period. Your fertility returns just as strong as before, you might just need a little patience while your hormones rebalance.

Emergency contraception and long-term fertility

There’s a common myth that using emergency contraception, like Plan B One-Step or ella, can mess with your fertility, but that’s not true. These pills are designed for short-term use to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, not to change your long-term reproductive health.

Emergency contraception works by delaying ovulation so that sperm and egg never meet. It doesn’t harm your ovaries, uterus, or future eggs. Plan B and other emergency contraceptives do not affect your ability to get pregnant later.

You might notice some short-term side effects, like spotting, nausea, or a slightly delayed period, but these are temporary and not signs of lasting changes. Even if you’ve used Plan B more than once, it won’t make it harder to conceive in the future.

How long does it take to get pregnant after stopping birth control?

The timeline for getting pregnant after stopping birth control can vary depending on the method you’ve been using, but most people can conceive within a few months once their cycle returns to normal. Your body simply needs time to start ovulating regularly again.

Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• Pill, patch, or ring: Ovulation usually resumes within 1 to 3 months.
• Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla): Fertility often returns within a few weeks after removal.
• Copper IUD (Paragard): Ovulation can happen almost immediately after removal.
• Implant (Nexplanon): Fertility may return within a few days to a few weeks.
• Depo-Provera shot: This one takes the longest, typically 10 to 18 months for ovulation to fully return.

It’s also completely normal for it to take several months to conceive, even once your body is ovulating again. Factors like age, overall health, stress, body weight, and cycle regularity can all play a role.

Most couples conceive within 6 to 12 months of trying, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). So if you’ve recently stopped birth control, give your body time to adjust. If your period hasn’t returned after 6 months (or after a year of trying to conceive), it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.

Why your period might not return right away (and why that's usually okay)

So you’ve stopped birth control, waited patiently, and… still no period. Before panic sets in, take a breath. This is incredibly common and, in most cases, completely normal.

Your body has just spent months or even years following a carefully regulated hormonal routine. Once that artificial rhythm stops, your brain, ovaries, and uterus need a little time to start communicating naturally again. For some people, that happens within weeks. For others, it can take a few months.

A delayed period doesn’t necessarily mean something’s wrong or that birth control has harmed your fertility. It’s often your body’s way of recalibrating.

Post-pill amenorrhea: What it is

If your period hasn’t come back a few months after stopping the pill, you might hear the term post-pill amenorrhea. It simply means your period hasn’t returned within a typical time frame, usually 3 months or more after discontinuing hormonal birth control.

The good news? It’s pretty rare. Most people start menstruating again within 4 to 6 weeks of coming off the pill. Only a small percentage experience a longer delay.

Post-pill amenorrhea usually happens because your body is still recalibrating its natural hormone production. While your brain and ovaries are adjusting, ovulation might not occur right away, which means no period yet.

In most cases, your cycle resumes within 3 to 6 months. If it hasn’t returned after that, it’s worth checking in with your healthcare provider to rule out other causes, like thyroid conditions, stress, significant weight changes, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Most of the time, it’s just your body finding its rhythm again. And it does.

When to worry about missing periods after birth control

If your period hasn’t returned within 6 months of stopping birth control, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor. This is secondary amenorrhea, and it deserves a closer look.

Red flags include persistent hot flashes, acne, hair changes, weight fluctuations, fatigue, or pelvic pain. Your provider may run hormone and thyroid tests, confirm you’re not pregnant, and possibly order an ultrasound to see if you’re ovulating.

Most of the time, the cause is temporary and easy to address. Getting checked simply helps you understand what’s happening and get your cycle back on track.

What's really happening when your cycle takes time to return

If your period doesn’t come back right away after stopping birth control, it’s usually just your body readjusting, not infertility. Hormonal contraception pauses communication between your brain and ovaries, and once you stop, that connection takes a little time to restart.

Your brain begins signaling your ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone again, allowing ovulation and menstruation to resume.

Everyone’s timeline is different; some cycles return within weeks, others after a few months. Factors like stress, weight, and general health can influence how quickly things settle. The good news? Once your hormones rebalance, your fertility returns to normal.

The real reasons some people struggle to conceive after birth control

According to the CDC, infertility impacts 1 in 5 heterosexual women of childbearing age. Regardless of past birth control use, women can experience infertility for a variety of reasons. In addition, up to 50% of infertility cases involve a male factor. It takes two to tango, so if you’re having trouble conceiving, it’s crucial to get your partner tested as well.

So, when should you seek the help of a fertility specialist? If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for more than a year, now is the time to ask your gynecologist for a referral to a reputable fertility clinic. If you’re over 35, you shouldn’t wait more than six months before seeking assistance.

Pre-existing conditions that birth control was masking

Some women will have trouble conceiving after they stop birth control, but it’s likely that this is for reasons other than the contraceptives themselves. Because birth control can help with the symptoms of endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and amenorrhea, these issues will likely still be there when you discontinue it.

Hormonal birth control is often prescribed to manage these conditions; it can make periods lighter, regulate your cycle, and ease pain. But because it controls your hormones artificially, it can also mask the signs that something deeper is going on. For example, someone with PCOS might not realize their cycles are irregular, and a person with endometriosis might not experience the same level of pain or heavy bleeding while on hormonal contraception. Once birth control is stopped, those underlying symptoms can resurface, sometimes making it seem like the contraceptives caused the problem.

If you experience heavy or painful periods, irregular cycles, or your period doesn’t return after stopping hormonal contraception, it’s worth talking to your doctor about testing for conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. Getting a clear diagnosis can help you find treatment options that support both your health and your fertility long-term.

Age-related fertility decline

If you stopped birth control and are struggling to conceive, age (not the contraception) is often the reason. Fertility naturally declines as we get older, and this happens whether or not you used hormonal birth control.

Egg quantity and quality start to drop in your early 30s and more noticeably after 35. So if you went on the pill at 25 and stopped at 35, your fertility has likely changed with time, not because of the pill itself.

Hormonal birth control can mask these age-related changes by giving you regular periods, even when your natural cycle is shifting. If you’ve been trying to conceive for 6 months or more after 35 (or a year if you’re under 35), ACOG recommends checking in with a fertility specialist.

Male factor infertility (yes, really)

When pregnancy doesn’t happen right away, it’s easy to assume something’s going on with your body, but fertility is a two-person equation. In fact, up to 50% of infertility cases involve a male factor. So while you might be focused on your cycle and hormones, it’s just as important for your partner to get checked too.

Male fertility issues can include low sperm count, poor sperm motility (how well sperm swim), or abnormal sperm shape, all of which can make it harder for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg. Hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors like smoking or heavy drinking, and even certain medications can also play a role. Even heat exposure (like from frequent hot tubs or tight underwear) can temporarily lower sperm production too.

That’s why it’s smart for both partners to do fertility testing early on. A simple semen analysis can reveal a lot about sperm health, and addressing any issues upfront can save time, stress, and unnecessary worry. Fertility isn’t just a “her” thing, and understanding that can make the journey a lot less lonely (and a lot more effective).

Undiagnosed health conditions

Sometimes, when your period doesn’t return or pregnancy takes longer than expected, the reason has nothing to do with birth control at all. Underlying health conditions can quietly affect your hormones and fertility without showing obvious symptoms.

Thyroid disorders, for example, are a common but often overlooked cause. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can interfere with ovulation and make cycles irregular. Autoimmune conditions like celiac disease or lupus can also impact hormone balance and overall reproductive health.

Lifestyle factors play a role too. Chronic stress, smoking, and significant weight changes, in either direction, can throw off your hormonal signals and delay the return of normal cycles. Stress affects the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates your menstrual cycle, which can lead to missed or delayed periods.

The takeaway? If your cycle feels off or conception isn’t happening as expected, it might be worth checking for underlying health issues. Identifying and treating the root cause can make a huge difference for both your overall health and your fertility.

Busting the biggest birth control and fertility myths

When it comes to birth control and fertility, misinformation spreads fast. From TikTok “hacks” to well-meaning advice from friends, it can be hard to know what’s actually true about how contraception affects your body. The result? Unnecessary anxiety when you decide to stop birth control and start trying for a baby.

Myth: Long-term birth control use causes infertility

Truth: Duration doesn't matter

You might have heard that being on birth control for too long can “mess up” your fertility, but that’s not true. Research shows that the length of time you use hormonal contraception has no long-term effect on your ability to get pregnant once you stop.

So, whether you’ve been taking the pill since college or just started using an IUD last year, your body won’t “forget” how to ovulate. Once you stop, your hormones readjust and your natural cycle resumes at its own pace. The duration of birth control use doesn’t determine how fertile you’ll be. It’s your overall health, age, and genetics that play the bigger roles.

Myth: You need to "detox" from birth control before trying to conceive

Truth: No detox necessary

Let’s get this one out of the way: your body doesn’t need a “detox” after stopping birth control. There’s no scientific evidence that cleansing teas, supplements, or special diets help your body “flush out” hormones. The reality? Your body metabolizes synthetic hormones naturally, usually within a few days of stopping contraception.

You can safely start trying to conceive right away after discontinuing most forms of birth control. The only exception is the Depo-Provera shot, which can delay ovulation for several months.

What is worth adding? A good prenatal vitamin with folic acid, iron, and other key nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy.

So skip the detox drinks and focus on nourishment, hydration, and balance. Your body already knows how to reset itself, you just have to give it the time and care it deserves.

Myth: Birth control damages your eggs

Truth: Birth control pauses ovulation, it doesn't harm your eggs

Here’s a big one to bust: birth control does not damage or destroy your eggs. The eggs you’re born with stay safe and unchanged while you’re on hormonal contraception.

Here’s what’s really happening: birth control works by pausing ovulation, meaning your ovaries don’t release an egg each month. Those eggs aren’t “used up” or harmed; they simply stay in your ovaries, waiting for future cycles. Once you stop taking hormonal contraception, ovulation picks back up and your eggs go back to doing what they naturally do.

There’s no evidence that birth control affects egg quality or reserve. In fact, some experts believe hormonal birth control might even help preserve egg health by giving your ovaries a break from constant ovulation.

So no, the pill, patch, ring, IUD, or implant aren’t secretly “aging” your eggs. They’re just pressing pause; your natural fertility picks up right where it left off once you stop.

Myth: Certain pills are worse for fertility than others

Truth: There’s no evidence to suggest that different formulations affect fertility differently

It’s easy to assume that some birth control pills might be “harder to bounce back from” than others, but science says otherwise. There’s no evidence that one type of pill affects fertility more than another.

Whether you’ve been using a combination pill (with estrogen and progestin) or a progestin-only pill (also called the mini-pill), your fertility typically returns within a few weeks to a few months after you stop. All hormonal pills are fully reversible and do not cause long-term effects on your ability to get pregnant.

What can vary slightly is how quickly your body starts ovulating again: some people’s cycles return in the first month, while others need a bit longer to rebalance. But that timing isn’t linked to the brand or formulation of your pill.

Myth: You'll be extra fertile right after stopping birth control

Truth: There’s mixed evidence on this one, but there’s not a reliable "rebound effect"

You might have heard there’s a “rebound effect” that makes you super fertile right after stopping birth control, but that’s more myth than fact. There’s no strong evidence that your fertility temporarily spikes once you come off hormonal contraception.

What’s really happening is that your body is beginning to ovulate again, and for some people, that happens quickly, sometimes even within the first month. That can make it seem like fertility has increased, when in reality, it’s just returning to normal.

Your chances of conceiving are based on factors like age, cycle regularity, and overall health, not how recently you stopped contraception.

Does birth control affect your egg quality or ovarian reserve?

Short answer: No. Egg quality refers to how likely an egg is to make a healthy embryo, and ovarian reserve is the number of eggs you have left. Both naturally decline with age, not because of the pill or other hormonal methods.

What hormonal contraception does is pause ovulation while you are using it. That pause can temporarily lower lab markers used to estimate reserve, like AMH and antral follicle count, which can make the numbers look smaller even though your eggs are not being depleted. Multiple reviews and guidelines note this suppression is measurement-level and reversible after stopping birth control.

If you are planning ovarian reserve testing, timing matters. Testing AMH while you are actively on hormonal contraception can underestimate your baseline. Many clinicians suggest repeating AMH several weeks to a few months after discontinuation to get a more accurate result. Talk with your provider about the best timing for you and how to interpret results alongside ultrasound and other hormones.

One of the biggest drivers of egg quality and reserve is still age. So if you started birth control at 25 and stopped at 35, any change you notice is much more likely due to timing than the contraception itself.

Can birth control actually help your fertility?

Surprising but true: for many people, hormonal contraception can support future fertility by keeping symptoms in check while you plan. Here’s how it can help.

Manage PCOS symptoms and protect the endometrium

Birth control pills are commonly used to regulate cycles, reduce excess hair and acne, and protect the uterine lining in people with PCOS, which can make periods more predictable and reduce long gaps without ovulation.

Slow endometriosis activity and ease pain

Continuous or cyclic hormonal methods can suppress endometrial tissue activity and reduce pain, which may lower recurrence after surgery and help preserve quality of life while you are not trying to conceive. Reviews in the medical literature support this use of combined pills and progestins.

Prevent functional ovarian cysts

By suppressing ovulation, pills can reduce the chance of new functional cysts forming, which can otherwise disrupt cycles or cause pain. They do not shrink cysts you already have.

Create more predictable cycles now, so tracking is easier later

While on combined methods, bleeding is timed and lighter, which can help you learn your body’s patterns and iron out heavy, painful periods. When you stop, you can transition to tracking ovulation with tools like basal body temperature or LH tests.

Lower the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease when paired with safer sex

Oral contraceptives thicken cervical mucus, and older studies suggest they are associated with a lower risk of symptomatic PID in those with chlamydia infections. That said, birth control does not protect against STIs, so condoms and regular screening remain essential for PID prevention.

Birth control and specific fertility conditions

While hormonal contraception itself doesn’t cause infertility, it can interact differently with certain reproductive health conditions. For some people, it helps manage symptoms and protect fertility long-term. For others, it can temporarily hide issues that only become clear once the birth control is stopped.

Understanding how birth control affects conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and irregular cycles can help you connect the dots between your past contraceptive use and your current fertility picture. In the next few sections, we’ll break down how each of these conditions relates to birth control, and what that might mean for your journey to conceive.

Stopping birth control with PCOS

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), stopping birth control can take your body a bit longer to find its rhythm again. Pills often help regulate periods and balance hormones, so once you stop, irregular cycles or acne may return while your hormones readjust.

It’s normal for ovulation to be irregular at first. That doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant, it just may take more time.

Your doctor can help by checking hormone levels, tracking ovulation, or prescribing medication like letrozole to encourage ovulation. With support and a little patience, many people with PCOS conceive successfully after stopping birth control.

Stopping birth control with endometriosis

If you have endometriosis, stopping birth control can bring mixed emotions. Many people use hormonal contraception to manage pain and heavy bleeding, since it helps suppress the growth of endometrial tissue. Once you stop, those symptoms can return as your body begins cycling naturally again.

Endometriosis can sometimes make it harder to conceive, depending on the severity and where the tissue has spread. But it’s important to remember that many people with endometriosis do get pregnant, either naturally or with support from treatments like ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF.

If your pain or bleeding flares up after coming off birth control, your doctor can help you find other ways to manage symptoms while you’re trying to conceive. Options may include anti-inflammatory medications, targeted hormone therapy, or surgical treatment to remove endometrial growths.

Birth control and egg freezing

If you’re thinking about freezing your eggs, you might be surprised to learn that birth control can actually be part of the process. Many fertility specialists use hormonal contraception to time your cycle before starting ovarian stimulation medications. This helps coordinate your treatment schedule and allows your doctor to safely and effectively retrieve eggs at the right stage.

Using birth control pills in the lead-up to egg freezing (as long as it’s not on the cycle of your egg retrieval) does not harm your ovarian reserve or the number of eggs retrieved. In fact, short-term use can make your response to fertility medication more predictable and reduce the risk of ovarian cysts before treatment begins.

Whether you’ve been on birth control for years or just started it to prepare for egg freezing, rest assured, it doesn’t affect the quality or future viability of your eggs. Once you stop the pills and begin your stimulation protocol, your ovaries respond just as they would naturally.

Preparing your body for pregnancy after birth control

Once you’ve stopped birth control and are ready to start trying, a little preparation can go a long way toward supporting a healthy conception and pregnancy. Think of it as giving your body a soft landing while it transitions back to its natural rhythm.

• Start tracking your cycle: Use apps like Clue, Flo, or Natural Cycles, or try ovulation predictor kits to pinpoint your fertile window. Tracking helps you understand when ovulation returns and when you’re most likely to conceive.
• Take prenatal vitamins: The CDC recommends 400–800 micrograms of folic acid daily, starting about three months before trying to conceive. Add vitamin D, iron, and omega-3s for extra fertility and pregnancy support.
• Eat for hormone health: Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods (think leafy greens, berries, salmon, avocado, and whole grains) to balance blood sugar and support reproductive hormones.
• Move your body regularly: Gentle to moderate exercise like walking, yoga, or strength training helps regulate hormones and improve circulation to the reproductive organs.
• Prioritize rest and stress management: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night and practice stress-relieving habits like meditation, journaling, or breathwork to keep cortisol levels in check.
• Cut back on alcohol and smoking: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol, as both can affect egg quality and hormone balance.
• Schedule a preconception checkup: Your doctor can review your medical history, update vaccinations, run bloodwork or STI screenings, and help address any health concerns before you start trying.

These steps don’t need to happen all at once. Start small, be kind to yourself, and give your body time to adjust. Each healthy habit you build now supports your fertility and overall well-being for the months ahead.

When to see a fertility specialist after stopping birth control

It’s completely normal for conception to take time after stopping birth control, but if you’ve been trying for a while without success, it might be time to get a little extra support. Seeing a fertility specialist doesn’t automatically mean something’s wrong, it just gives you more insight into what your body’s doing and what might help it along.

If you're under 35

If you’re under 35 and have recently stopped birth control, the general guideline is to try for 12 months before scheduling an appointment with a fertility specialist. Most healthy couples conceive within a year of regular, unprotected sex.

That said, you don’t need to wait the full 12 months if you already know you have a fertility-related condition, like PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, or a history of irregular cycles or miscarriage. In those cases, getting an earlier evaluation can help you understand what’s going on and save valuable time.

If you're over 35

If you’re over 35 and trying to conceive after stopping birth control, it’s recommended to see a fertility specialist after 6 months of regular, unprotected sex if pregnancy hasn’t happened yet. Fertility naturally declines with age due to changes in egg quantity and quality, so getting an earlier evaluation can be helpful.

A fertility specialist can run hormone and ovarian reserve tests, check your partner’s sperm health, and identify any factors that might be slowing conception.

Even though age plays a role, many people over 35 go on to conceive naturally or with minimal intervention. Getting expert support early simply gives you the best chance of understanding your options and making informed decisions about next steps.

Red flags that mean you should see a doctor sooner

You don’t always need to wait six or twelve months to seek help. In some cases, seeing a fertility specialist sooner can save you time, stress, and uncertainty. If any of the following sound familiar, it’s worth checking in with your OB-GYN or a reproductive endocrinologist.

• No period for six months or more: This can signal your body is struggling to ovulate on its own, known as secondary amenorrhea.
• Very painful periods: Severe cramps could point to conditions like endometriosis or fibroids that can affect fertility.
• Heavy or irregular bleeding: If your flow is unusually heavy or unpredictable, it might be a sign of hormonal imbalance or uterine issues that need medical attention.
• Known conditions like PCOS or endometriosis: These can make ovulation less predictable, so earlier testing and treatment can improve your chances of conceiving.
• History of STIs or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Past infections can lead to scarring or blocked fallopian tubes.
• Partner with known fertility issues: If your partner has had a low sperm count or reproductive health concerns, both of you should be evaluated sooner rather than later.

What about male birth control and fertility?

When it comes to contraception, most of the options still fall on people with ovaries, but that’s slowly starting to change. Researchers are developing several types of male birth control, from hormonal pills and gels to non-hormonal options that temporarily block sperm production or movement.

According to the Male Contraceptive Initiative, the most promising method right now is a hormonal gel applied daily to the shoulders, which reduces sperm production without affecting testosterone levels or sex drive. Early studies show that once men stop using it, sperm counts return to normal within a few months, suggesting the effect is reversible.

Other non-hormonal methods, like a temporary sperm-blocking procedure called RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance), are also being studied internationally.

Why does this matter? Because shared responsibility for contraception means shared freedom, and fewer hormonal side effects concentrated on women. As male birth control options advance, couples will have more flexibility in how they plan, space, or prevent pregnancies, creating a fairer and more balanced approach to family planning.

Frequently asked questions about birth control and infertility

There’s a lot of confusion about how birth control affects fertility, and even more mixed messages online. So here, we’ll answer the most common questions people ask when they stop birth control and start trying to conceive, using clear, science-backed information to help you feel more confident about what’s really going on with your body.

Can being on birth control for 10+ years cause infertility?

No. The length of time you’ve been on birth control doesn’t affect your ability to get pregnant once you stop. Hormonal contraception is fully reversible, whether you used it for 1 year or 10.

Once you stop, your body begins producing its own hormones again, and ovulation typically resumes within a few weeks to a few months. So while time can affect fertility because of age, long-term birth control use itself doesn’t cause infertility.

Does the birth control pill make you less fertile over time?

No, the birth control pill doesn’t make you less fertile the longer you take it. Its effects are temporary: it pauses ovulation while you’re using it, but once you stop, your natural cycle kicks back in.

Can hormonal birth control cause permanent infertility?

No, hormonal birth control does not cause permanent infertility. Once you stop using it, your body naturally starts producing its own hormones again, and ovulation typically resumes within a few weeks to a few months.

The only exception is the Depo-Provera shot, which can delay ovulation for up to 10–18 months after your last injection. But even then, fertility returns once the hormone fully leaves your system.

Does birth control reduce your egg count?

No, birth control doesn’t reduce your egg count. You’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have, and hormonal contraception doesn’t make you lose them faster.

What birth control does is pause ovulation while you’re using it, meaning your body simply doesn’t release an egg each month. Those eggs stay safely in your ovaries until your cycle resumes.

Can I get pregnant immediately after stopping birth control?

Yes, for most birth control methods, pregnancy is possible right away. Once you stop taking the pill, remove an IUD, or take out an implant, your body can start ovulating again within weeks. Fertility typically returns quickly for the pill, patch, ring, implant, and IUD.

The one exception is the Depo-Provera shot, which can take longer (sometimes up to 10–18 months) for ovulation to return. But once that delay passes, fertility goes back to normal.

So if you’re not quite ready to get pregnant, it’s a good idea to use backup protection as soon as you stop your regular method.

Does stopping birth control improve fertility?

Not exactly. Stopping birth control doesn’t boost fertility, it simply returns your body to its natural baseline. Hormonal contraception works by temporarily pausing ovulation, and once you stop, your hormones start cycling normally again.

The bottom line on birth control and your fertility

While it’s highly unlikely that birth control is the reason for your infertility, there are several other factors that could be at play including high stress levels, thyroid issues, lifestyle factors, PCOS, endometriosis, and more. If you’ve been on birth control for a long period of time, new and different health conditions may have arisen that didn’t exist when you initially started contraception.

The sooner you can speak with your doctor and assess your unique situation, the higher your chances for pregnancy success. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!