Fertility Post Pill

Question

My husband and I have been trying for the past six months to get pregnant. Before I was on birth control pills. Since I have stopped my cycle ranges anywhere from 28 days to 42 days.
Is there any way to help conceive any sooner? Should I be concerned?

Zoe

Answer

Last Updated: February 21, 2015
Dear Zoe,

After a woman has been on the birth control pill the return to normal cycles will depend on several things: the length of time it was used, the particular dosage and type, and the age of the woman when begun. For some women it may take a year before ovulation returns and cycles appear normal again. Also if your cycles were irregular before you began taking the pill, that irregularity will usually resume, for example different cycle lengths in your case. It is not unusual to have annovulatory cycles in the beginning because you did not ovulate while you were on the pill and it will take a while in some cases for the return of normal function.

It is recommended by Natural Family Planning Health Care Professionals that a couple delay trying to conceive a child after coming off the pill until the woman’s normal cycles have returned in order to have a healthy pregnancy.

To determine when a good cycle has returned I suggest you learn how to chart your daily hormone related observations and sign up for instruction with a teacher/practitioner in your area. Check our website.

I wish you the best.

Judy Wilmurt

Answered By:

Judy Wilmurt
Judy Wilmurt, Professional Member of CANFP, and past member of the Executive Board, taught the Creighton Model FertilityCare System of NFP in the Oakland region, wherre she resides with her husband Eric.

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