Barrier Methods And Natural Methods
If you were using a barrier method, there is good news. These methods do not interfere with fertility. Barrier methods include:
Barrier methods block sperm from reaching your egg. These methods do not stop ovulation. Whether you are using them or not, your monthly cycle does not change.
As an added bonus, condoms also protect you from sexually transmitted infections . Left untreated, some STIs can lead to infertility.
Some people use natural family planning methods. If this is you, you may be able to get pregnant faster. Many of these methods have you keep track of your most fertile days. So now, just do the reverse. Instead of avoiding sex around those days, go try to make a baby.
Does Breastfeeding Work As Contraception
Breastfeeding may work as a form of birth control by delaying the return of your periods. However, it only works if your breastfeeding is frequent and regular. In particular, breastfeeding as a contraceptive only works if:
- your baby is younger than six months old
- your periods have not returned
- you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby on demand, night and day .
Once your baby stops exclusive breastfeeding, this method is not effective contraception and you will need to use another form of contraception.
How Soon Can I Get Pregnant After Nexplanon Is Removed
Immediately! The body becomes fertile as soon as Nexplanon is removed. With this said, however, keep in mind that youve had a long-acting form of birth control in your body . It can take up to 3 months for ovulation to return.
Nexplanon has also been working to thin the lining of your uterus, potentially making it more difficult for an embryo to implant immediately after Nexplanon is removed. It thickens back up quickly for most women , but it is best to give it a couple of cycles to recuperate. Dont be discouraged if pregnancy does not happen immediately, and keep in mind that pregnancy immediately of removal could carry a slightly increased risk for miscarriage.
If you have been using Nexplanon or other forms of birth control for many years, also keep in mind that age affects egg quality and chance of pregnancy. Every year after about age 25 your fertility slowly declines, making it ever so slightly more difficult to get pregnant as you age. Be patient with your body. Give it a full year of trying before considering infertility.
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Whats Your Goal For Using A Contraceptive
There is no single contraceptive method that’s right for everyone. While preventing pregnancy is the most common reason to use birth control, doctors may prescribe them for regulating periods, helping with menstrual or endometriosis pain, or controlling acne.
Its important to think about these things because not every contraceptive can do it all. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing a birth control method:
- Do you have any health conditions?
- Do you want your contraceptive to cause you to bleed less or at all?
- Do you also need protection against sexually transmitted infections?
- If you know you want to become pregnant in the future, how important is it to be able to get pregnant right away?
- Is this method affordable or covered by my health insurance?
- Will you be able to use it correctly every time?
Knowing your options for birth control is important, but so is being honest about your goals and priorities. Also, remember that your choice of birth control may change over your lifetime due to evolving health and reproductive goals.
How Long Does It Take To Get Pregnant After Birth Control
While it varies from person to person, for the most part, it’s a bit of a myth that it takes a long time to get pregnant after using birth control, says Jill Purdie, MD, OB/GYN and medical director at Northside Women’s Specialists. Most people will get pregnant within a normal timeframe after stopping “the pill,” she assuresor other forms of birth control.
“With birth control pills, rings, patches and implants, once the patient discontinues use of these items, they may become fertile as quickly as two weeks after stopping,” says Dr. Purdie. “With IUDs, the return to fertility may be even quicker.” This means that, despite popular believes, the chances of getting pregnant the first month off of birth control are very real. The one exception to this is the birth control shot, known as Depo-Provera, which can affect your fertility for a longer period of time, even after you’ve stopped taking it. “Each shot lasts for three months however, the return to fertility may be an additional 3 to 6 months longer,” Dr. Purdie explains.
It’s important to keep in mind that whenever we talk about fertility returning and getting pregnant after birth control, there are a lot of elements at workit has to do with how intercourse is timed, you and your partner’s reproductive health, as well as some elements of luck. In other words, fertility isn’t just affected by whether or not you recently were on birth control.
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Ready For Pregnancy Your Current Birth Control May Affect How Fast Fertility Returns
When you decide to stop using birth control and try for a baby, you may be hoping to get pregnant right away. But the speed at which you can conceive may depend in part on the type of contraception youve been using.
A new study that analyzed data from nearly 18,000 women found that fertility returned quickest in patients who had used intrauterine devices or implants . These patients waited an average of just two menstrual cycles before conceiving.
Patients who used the pill or vaginal rings had to wait three cycles, those who used patch contraceptives waited four, and those who used injectable contraceptives required five to eight cycles for return of fertility.
However, the study also concluded that long-term use of any type of contraception did not have a lasting impact on the patient’s ability to get pregnant. In short, fertility is likely to return to normal, even if it does take time.
Studies like this further empower women to take control of their reproductive health. The more information you have, the better able you are to choose the best birth control method for your reproductive health and life goals.
When Does The Contraceptive Implant Start Working To Protect Against Pregnancy
The implant can be inserted any time during your menstrual cycle. If the implant is inserted at the beginning of your menstrual cycle then you should be protected against pregnancy immediately.
If the contraceptive implant is fitted on any other day of your menstrual cycle then you will need to ensure that you use another method of contraception such as condoms for 7 days.
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Before You Begin Trying
Not getting your period after stopping birth control isnât necessarily a sign you canât get pregnant. You might ovulate without getting your period. If you ovulate, you can get pregnant.
An ovulation predictor test can tell you if youâre ovulating. You can buy one at a drugstore. There are also apps you can download that can help you figure it out.
If your body temperature goes up a little bit, that can be a sign of ovulation. So can cervical mucus thatâs stickier or more like raw egg whites.
If youâve recently quit using birth control and you’re not ready to get pregnant right away, use a backup method .
If youâve been trying to get pregnant for 6 months or longer, make an appointment to talk to your doctor. Most women successfully conceive within a year of trying. But itâs still a good idea to discuss whether there are steps you can take to make conception more likely.
Show Sources
Human Reproduction: âPregnancy and lifestyle study: the long-term use of the contraceptive pill and the risk of age-related miscarriage.â
Mayo Clinic: âMinipill ,â âBirth control FAQ: Benefits, risks, and choices,â âDepo-Provera ,â âDepo-Provera .â
University of Colorado OB-GYN & Family Planning: âGetting Pregnant After Birth Control.â
Obstetrics & Gynecology: âRate of Pregnancy After Using Drospirenone and Other Progestin-Containing Oral Contraceptives.â
Johns Hopkins Medicine: âWhy Canât I Get Pregnant?â
How Long Does It Typically Take To Get Pregnant After Stopping Hormonal Birth Control
In 2018, researchers conducted a systematic review to understand how likely people were to conceive within 12 months after going off hormonal contraceptives. They found that:
- Ex-oral contraceptive users: 87.04% pregnant within 12 months
- Ex-hormonal IUD users: 84.75% pregnant within 12 months
- Ex-shot users: 77.4% pregnant within 12 months
- Ex-implant users: 74.7% pregnant within 12 months
While there’s little data on ex-ring and patch users, you can expect a similar time to pregnancy as oral contraceptives.
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What To Expect After Removing Nexplanon
After the Nexplanon implant is removed, it is required that one watches for some signs of warning. There may be some numbness in the arm for a few days. As the numbness wears off, one may experience soreness for a day or two. During this period, over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to relieve the pain.
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Choosing The Best Birth Control Method For You
Barrier methods
Condoms, diaphragms, and contraceptive sponges are single use and prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. Barrier methods can help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. However, their failure rate can range from 13% to 18%. Often, this is due to improper use.
Hormonal methods
Birth control pills, the vaginal ring, the patch, and contraceptive implants or shots use hormones to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Their failure rate is 6% to 12%, often due to missing a dose, improper use, or interactions from other medications. Implants such as Nexplanon and shots such as Depo Provera are considered long acting, with the implant lasting up to three years and the shot three months.
These methods, which can also be used to help control heavy, painful, or irregular periods, should not affect long-term fertility. But you may experience a delay in getting pregnant after ending their use. According to a recent study, that delay could be two menstrual cycles for the implant, three cycles for the pill or vaginal ring, four cycles for the patch, and five to eight cycles for shots.
Intrauterine devices
Inserted in the uterus, IUDs are the most effective long-acting reversible contraception method. IUDS can last five to 10 years depending on the type and the failure rate is less than 0.2%, meaning fewer than 1 per 100 women will get pregnant when using an IUD.
Sterilization
Natural family planning
Withdrawal method
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What Are The Disadvantages Of The Implant
- Some women will continue to have regular periods with the implant. However, most women will have a change in their bleeding pattern while using the implant. The amount of bleeding that women experience is typically the same or less than normal but the pattern or timing of the bleeding can be more random and/or spaced out. Some women may stop having monthly periods. These changes in bleeding are not harmful to a womans health and will return to normal when the implant is removed. For women that have an irritating bleeding pattern in the first 3 months of use, many of them will have improvement in the next 3 months of use.
- A small number of women may experience other side effects on the implant, such as acne, headaches, mood changes, weight gain or loss or breast tenderness. However, these symptoms usually improve over time.
- The implant sits under the skin. There may be a very small scar where the implant is inserted but it will not be obvious to others that you have an implant.
- Unlike condoms, it does not protect from sexually transmitted infections.
If you’re considering an implant, or thinking about using a new method of contraception, it’s a good idea to have a full consultation.
Who Can Use Implantable Contraception
Anyone who wants want long-term protection against pregnancy may be interested in implantable contraception.
Some health conditions make it less effective or more risky to use. The implant is not recommended for those who have had:
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- some types of cancer
People with diabetes, migraine headaches, depression, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems, seizures, kidney disease, or other medical problems should talk with their doctor.
Anyone who thinks she might be pregnant should not have a contraceptive implant inserted.
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Different Types Of Contraception A Summary
The following methods of contraception will require a medical or clinical consultation to assess their safety and appropriateness for each woman:
- implants and devices
- permanent sterilisation
- contraception methods containing medications.
With some other methods, such as the barrier methods, you may benefit from specific education and training to maximise their effectiveness.
If You’re Under 16 Years Old
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you’re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won’t tell your parents as long as they believe you fully understand the information you’re given, and your decisions.
Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16. They’ll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they won’t make you.
The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you’re at risk of harm, such as abuse. The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first.
Page last reviewed: 9 March 2021 Next review due: 9 March 2024
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When Does The Contraceptive Implant Start Working After Giving Birth
After giving birth you are able to have the implant fitted any time and it is fine to use if you are breastfeeding. If fitted up to 21 days after giving birth you will be immediately protected against pregnancy. If the implant is fitted after 21 days, you will need to ensure that you use another method of contraception such as condoms for 7 days after the implant is fitted.
Are There Any Risk Factors Or Concerns
Taking birth control rarely has any long term impacts on your fertility, assures Dr. Minken. Still, there may be other factors that influence how quickly you can get pregnant after stopping birth control, including common fertility issues such as hormonal issues, thyroid issues, issues with your reproductive organs, and health conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome that can make conception more difficult. Fertility is a two-way street, and problems with your partner’s sperm or sperm production can contribute to fertility issues as well.
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after 12 month of trying. If you are over the age of 35, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that you visit a healthcare provider if you’re having trouble conceiving after 6 months of trying if you are over 40, it’s recommended you see your provider even sooner.
For most healthy couples, though, it’s just a matter of trying each month, and mustering up a bit of patience, knowing that it’s normal for it to take a few months to get a positive pregnancy test. If you are looking to maximize your chances of getting pregnant once you quit birth control and are ready to try, Dr. Minken has some tips: “I would encourage anyone trying to conceive to eat a healthy diet, don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t take drugs, and do take folic acid supplementation daily to help prevent birth defects.”
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Does The ‘depo’ Contraceptive Injection Affect Fertility
The short answer: Contraceptive injections can have lingering contraceptive effects for up to 1.5 years but do not affect long-term future fertility.
The long answer: Depo-Provera or Depo-Ralovera is a contraceptive injected once every three months. Like other hormonal contraceptives, it works by preventing ovulation. Because it is designed to last longer than the contraceptive pill, the contraceptive injection may not be the best option if youre hoping to become pregnant fairly soon. Though the injection is unreliable as a contraceptive after three months, it can potentially remain in muscle tissue for much longer. Ten months is the median time it takes to return to fertility. By 1.5 years after the last contraceptive injection, fertility rates are the same in Depo users as in the general population.
Why Are Condoms Not 100 Percent Effective
People are not perfect, which is why condoms are not 100% effectivethis goes for other birth control methods too. Condoms can also fail as an effective method by breaking or being put on incorrectly.
The above information is for general informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor/primary care provider before starting or changing treatment.
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How Long Does It Take To Get Pregnant
If youâre using a barrier method, like condoms or a diaphragm, itâs possible to get pregnant as soon as you have sex without it. Most women are able to get pregnant a few months after they stop birth control that has hormones, such as pills, patches, or an intrauterine device . But your health — including your lifestyle habits and your genes — play a role in how long it will take. And some types have more of an impact on fertility than others. Hereâs a breakdown:
Birth control pills. You may be able to get pregnant within 1-3 months of stopping a combination pill — meaning those that have estrogen and progestin. But most women can get pregnant within a year. One study even found that women who took the pill for more than 4 or 5 years were more fertile than those who used it for 2 years or less.
If youâve been using the progestin-only pill, called the âminipill,â itâs possible to get pregnant days or weeks after you quit. Thatâs because the minipill doesnât consistently stop ovulation the way pills with estrogen do. Instead, it thins the lining of your uterus. The lining starts to thicken again as soon as you stop taking the minipill, making it possible for you to get pregnant.
Intrauterine device . Itâs possible to get pregnant right away after your doctor removes your IUD. Women usually begin to ovulate within 1 month after removal. For most, pregnancy happens within 6 months to a year.
