It makes sense--stopping birth control immediately after deciding to try to conceive. This works well if you are using a non-hormonal method of birth control, such as condoms, a diaphragm or a copper IUD device. These barrier methods do not affect the body's chemical balance, so stopping them immediately will not cause a problem. If you are using a hormonal birth control method such as the pill, patch, ring or injections, stopping birth control cold turkey can have some side effects. Once the hormone levels drop, there may be a withdrawal bleed--menstruation caused by the lack of hormones. Since hormonal birth control regulates the hormones of the body in a cyclical fashion, it may take some time for the body to reestablish a natural balance. Stopping birth control in the middle of a cycle can make it more difficult for hormone levels to return to normal.

On the Other: Stop Birth Control At The End Of The Cycle

During the menstrual cycle, a woman's hormones will rise and fall. The fall of the hormone levels signifies the start of the menstrual period. Stopping hormonal birth control while the levels of estrogen and progesterone are low can make for a smoother transition to the body's natural pattern. It may still take several cycles for the natural rhythms of the hormone cycle to reassert themselves; stopping at the end of the cycle means there is no sharp drop in hormones in the middle of a cycle.

Bottom Line

If you are using a non-hormonal method of birth control, it can be immediately discontinued and fertility should be restored immediately. Hormonal birth control changes the natural cycle of reproductive hormones, and undoing that change can take several months. While a woman may be fertile in the same month she discontinues birth control, the American Pregnancy Association reports that it may take between three and eight months to become fertile again. Discontinuing birth control at the end of a menstrual cycle allows the body to recover the natural balance of hormones more effectively.

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Stopping Birth Control

Getting off Birth Control Pills

What you need to know about giving up birth control