Did you know there are some vital steps you need to take to facilitate pregnancy? Discover the common factors and take steps like implementing prenatals and tracking your menstrual cycle. 

This article will help you know the accurate timeline of your fertility return for some commonly used contraceptive methods like pills, IUDs, injectables, barrier methods, and more. We’ve also listed some of the best family planning methods through natural ways, hormonal tests, and more that we could come across. Know the vital tips and tricks along with a few instances wherein the interference of an expert becomes necessary.

A] Factors That Affect How Quickly You’ll Conceive

Some known factors that affect fertility:

• The type of contraceptives used

The type of contraceptives used will determine the time when you could most likely conceive. Several options, like hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs, pills, implants, and injectables, are available today. With some of these, you will experience a shorter delay in becoming fertile, whereas others will cause a longer delay. 

• Your age

The quality of your egg is quite crucial. Under the age of 25, your ability to get pregnant after stopping contraception is usually high. It is after 30 that your fertility slowly starts to decline. After age 35, the decline here increases rapidly. 

• Underlying health conditions

Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and other hormonal imbalances make it hard for a woman to conceive. Even after stopping contraception, these conditions can still create certain complications. 

B] Some Vital Steps To Take Before Stopping Contraception

The use of these measures is usually recommended before stopping contraception:

• Schedule a consultation

Taking advice from your gynaecologist should be the first step before you stop your contraception. They will first review the contraception method you are on and explain how it works. Based on your menstrual history and other factors, advice on whether you should continue or stop a particular contraceptive will be given. Details about any medical check-ups, only if required, are provided. You can schedule a consultation at Women’s Healthcare to get access to one of the best gynaecologists in London. 

• Track your menstrual cycle

You can use free period tracker apps like Flo available on Google Play. Simply log in to these apps and register the required details. Show these to your gynaecologist, and let them guide you with the correct contraceptives based on your case.

• Preconception supplements

Ensure that the prenatal supplement you are using has folic acid. Vitamin D during the winter months is another criterion to watch out for. Omega-3 from foods like salmon, walnuts, chia or flax seeds, and similar foods are loaded with essential fatty acids. 

C] When Would You Get Pregnant After Stopping Contraception

The timeline of getting pregnant after stopping contraception would majorly depend on the method of contraception used:

• Pills

• Combined oral contraceptive pills

COCs are also commonly known as birth control pills. Getting your period back and becoming pregnant will take around 3-6 months.

• Progestin-only pills

The effect of these pills is very temporary. Your fertility will return quickly if you were on this form of contraceptive. 

• IUDs

Hormonal IUD

After the removal of levonorgestrel, a hormone released in this method, your fertility will return almost immediately.

Copper IUD

Even here, your fertility returns quickly after the removal of your inserted copper IUD. 

• Implants

Implants help you get your fertility back rapidly. The time required here is only for a single month.

• Injectables

Injectables like Depo-Provera are a strong method to prevent pregnancy. The timeline required by this method to become fertile again is 12 months. In some cases, your ovulation can return even in 5 months.

• Barrier methods

Unlike other methods, this method of contraception is not related to hormones, which makes your fertility return immediately. 

D] Excellent Family Planning Methods After Stopping Contraception

Here are some of the best family planning methods after stopping contraception:

• Natural family planning method

It involves measures such as tracking your menstrual cycles, knowing your basal body temperature, and realizing changes in your cervical mucus. Cycle tracking, which we’ve discussed earlier, is also a part of this family planning method. The ovulation window typically lasts for a week, which is 12 days before your next period. 

• Preconception checkup

• Medical history

The type and duration for which the contraception was used can be asked. Conditions like PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, and others that are commonly known to affect the fertility levels of a client can be noted. Any past pregnancies, miscarriages, or even your family history will be addressed. 

• Physical history

This is to check whether the client has a healthy BMI in relation to their height and weight. Being both underweight and overweight can cause issues with your menstrual cycles.

• Hormonal tests

Your gynaecologist can recommend tests such as TSH, FSH, LH, vitamin D, iron, prolactin, and more. You can contact Women’s Healthcare, where our gynaecologist can help you decide what tests to take, along with detailed lab reports and their resulting interpretation.

E] Additional Tips On Boosting Fertility After Stopping Contraception

Some practical and easy tips to boost fertility after you stop using contraceptives:

• Exercise regularly

Avoid high-intensity workouts and instead opt for low- or moderate-intensity workouts. These workouts will help regulate your cycles regularly while keeping your hormones stable. Activities such as yoga, stretching, and brisk walking can be included here

• Managing stress

Incorporating exercises like meditation and mindfulness is considered a good practice for reducing your stress levels. This is because being in intense stress can work against a healthy menstrual cycle. Prioritising rest should be at the top of your list if you’re looking to get pregnant after contraception.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol

Smoking and alcohol could even lead to miscarriages in certain cases. By avoiding this, you can prevent damage to your egg quality and the fallopian tubes. Quitting smoking and alcohol, if required, can be a step you initiate towards a healthier pregnancy.

F] When To Seek Expert Advice

There are certain instances wherein it is ideal to involve a doctor:

• You were on long-term contraception 

Being on long-term contraception can sometimes even take years to conceive. 

Seeking the advice of a specialist will help you know the exact time it will take for you to conceive after stopping your contraception method. 

• You are facing concerns while conceiving 

If you’re over 35, six months is the time frame after which you should seek a specialist.

If you’re under 35, twelve months will be the time frame after which you should seek a specialist. 

• You get irregular periods

The irregular periods could be a result of PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid issues, post-pill amenorrhoea, or other menstrual disorders. If you wish to seek advice from an expert, we’re here to listen and provide solutions. 

Get to know all the available options for infertility or other related issues with complete guidance through Women’s Healthcare. From specialised preconception tests to general well-being assessments, our clinic is here to assist with it all. 

Visit our website to learn more about all the services we offer. Our base is in London, but we operate across several locations in the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, Clementine Churchill Hospital, Portland Hospital, Northwick Park Hospital, Spire Bushey Hospital, BMI Bishops Wood Hospital, and Bupa Cromwell Hospital. Visit a location near you and get started with our specialised services today.