Problems With Getting Pregnant After Quitting Birth Control

Although birth-control pills are not known to cause long-term problems with getting pregnant, quitting birth control pills may result in a temporary delay in fertility. Birth-control pills can also mask more serious problems that can affect getting pregnant after quitting birth control.

Post-Pill Amenorrhea

• After quitting birth-control pills, many women will not receive a monthly period for several months. Post-pill amenorrhea is usually accompanied by anovulation, meaning no egg is released from the ovaries and pregnancy is not possible.

Time Frame

• Post-pill amenorrhea is a temporary condition that may last between two and 18 months. You may also experience light or irregular periods for up to 18 months, as your cycle regulates.

Causes

• Your natural hormone sensors have been desensitized by the synthetic hormones in birth-control pills. After quitting birth-control pills, it takes time for your body to begin producing natural hormones.

Results

• Post-pill amenorrhea is likely to cause temporary problems with getting pregnant. If you experience irregular cycles, it can be difficult to time your fertile days. If you experience light periods, your uterine lining might not be thick enough to sustain a pregnancy.

Other Problems

• Problems with getting pregnant after quitting birth-control pills may also be caused by a serious condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or thyroid disorders. Birth-control pills do not cause these conditions, but may mask the symptoms until after quitting birth-control pills.