Whether you are ready to have children or going through menopause, knowing when to stop birth control is important. Depending on the method of birth control, the time it takes to conceive may vary. It is important to stay on birth control until you are ready to plan for a family or you have been without a period completely for one year.

Birth Control Options

There are various method of birth control, including pills, condoms, IUDs and the Depo-Provera shot. If you are planning on stopping birth control to get pregnant, keep in mind that some individuals will get pregnant sooner than others. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may get pregnant as soon as ovulation begins again, usually two weeks after taking the last pill. No matter how long you have been taking oral contraceptives, fertility will return despite the length of time they were taken. If condoms are your main source of birth control, you may become pregnant as soon as you stop using them for protection. As with condoms, when you stop using diaphragms or cervical caps you increase your chances of becoming pregnant, since they do not interrupt the menstrual cycle at all. For those who take the Depo-Provera shots, which last three months for each shot, it may take longer to conceive, even after the three month time period. According to the Feminist Women's Health Center, it may take anywhere from six to 18 months for the hormonal cycle to regulate in order for a woman to become pregnant. For those who use the Intrauterine Device (IUD), the FWHC explains that women may become pregnant as soon as the device is removed; however, there are slight risks that the uterus or tubes may become infected or damaged with the use, therefore lowering the chances of becoming pregnant. Before going on to any birth control, discuss with your physician the pros or cons of each birth control method, and which one may be right for you. If you plan on becoming pregnant sooner, speak with her on the best options for fertility after stopping birth control.

Menopause and Birth Control

A woman of nearly any age may get pregnant, even if she believes she is going through menopause. Irregular cycles during menopause make it hard for a woman to know if she is still ovulating, and many women stop using birth control. This time frame, known as perimenopause, occurs right before menopause when women are still ovulating, and usually begins between the mid-30s and late 40s, according to the Mayo Clinic. In order to be considered infertile, you must be period-free for at least one year. In order to prevent pregnancy at a later age, it is important to use any form of contraception until your periods have completely stopped. Taking the birth control pill not only prevents pregnancies up to 99.9 percent, but it also helps to reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.

Source:

Birth Control FAQ

Getting Pregnant During the Menopausal Years

Perimenopausal Women