OverviewHow long it takes for a woman's full fertility to return after stopping birth control varies for each woman. It also depends on the birth control method she is using. Your ability to get pregnant gradually decreases as you age, starting at age 25. After you stop any form of birth control, you may have a harder time getting pregnant simply because you are older than when you started using birth control. Poor health and irregular periods may also make you less fertile. Show
If you get pregnant shortly after stopping birth control pills, don't worry. Using the pills just before a pregnancy doesn't increase the risks of miscarriage or fetal problems. CreditsCurrent as of: August 2, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) is an injectable birth control method. The shot is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. When you stop the shots, your fertility should return within 10 months, and you should watch for signs of pregnancy after Depo-Provera is no longer being given. Many people are satisfied with Depo-Provera. Getting a shot only four times a year is convenient compared to taking the pill every day. It contains progestin, a synthetic progesterone hormone, and does not contain estrogen. You can even start Depo while you are breastfeeding. This article discusses what to expect when starting Depo-Provera. It also discusses common side effects, and what to expect when you stop using this form of birth control. Marko Geber / Getty Images Before Starting Depo-ProveraBefore you get your first Depo-Provera shot, you will need to be examined by a doctor. Your doctor will also review your health history. This is because Depo-Provera is a hormonal birth control method. Hormonal birth control is not right for everyone. The manufacturer of Depo-Provera recommends the following tests:
Starting Depo-ProveraYou should get your first Depo-Provera shot during the first five days of your period. This ensures you are not pregnant when you get the shot. If you get the shot at any other time in your cycle, you should get a pregnancy test first. If you receive your first shot during the first five days of your period, Depo-Provera will provide immediate pregnancy protection. You won't need to use a backup birth control
method. RecapYou will need a medical exam before starting Depo-Provera. You should get your first shot during the first five days of your period. This will ensure immediate pregnancy protection. Side Effects of Depo-ProveraBefore starting Depo-Provera, it is important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor. BleedingSome people have irregular or prolonged bleeding while using Depo-Provera. Others will not have any problems with bleeding. Spotting and continuous bleeding are the main reasons people stop taking Depo-Provera. People who use Depo-Provera are more likely to stay on it if they are counseled about this potential side effect before receiving their first injection. There is no way to know ahead of time if you will experience irregular bleeding or spotting. The bleeding may continue until the progestin wears off. This can take up to 11 to 14 weeks after you stop getting the shot. Research suggests all bleeding stops for about 50% of people who
use Depo-Provera continuously for one year. This includes regular monthly bleeding. With continued use, that number rises to 70%. Bone Density LossDepo-Provera may cause bone mineral density loss. This leads to thinning bones and a high risk of bone fractures. Studies have shown that this may reverse when you stop getting Depo-Provera shots. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle while you are using Depo-Provera. This can help offset possible calcium loss in your bones. Make sure you are getting plenty of calcium. Do weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. Avoid tobacco and drink alcohol in moderation, or not at all. Weight GainSome people gain weight after starting Depo-Provera. Discuss diet and exercise with your doctor before receiving your first shot. Sensible eating and regular exercise may help minimize your weight gain. Depression Depression affects approximately 9% of people who use this form of birth control. Talk to your doctor about this possible side effect before starting Depo-Provera. RecapDepo-Provera may cause side effects like prolonged bleeding and weight gain. These side effects are reasons why many people stop using Depo-Provera. More serious side effects may also occur. Stopping Depo-ProveraYou can stop using Depo-Provera at any time by simply not getting the next shot. Because Depo-Provera may
cause bone density loss, you should not use it for more than two years. Discuss other birth control options with your doctor at that time. Getting Pregnant After Depo-ProveraEach Depo-Provera injection lasts about three months. If you decide to get pregnant after stopping Depo-Provera, you will need to plan ahead. It takes an average of seven to 10 months to regain fertility and begin ovulating after stopping Depo-Provera. Ovulation is when you release an egg each month and are able to become pregnant. Rarely, it can take up to 18 months. It is possible for fertility to return once your last Depo shot has worn off. For most people, though, getting pregnant after Depo-Provera will take time. Watch for signs of pregnancy after stopping Depo-Provera, including:
You should stop receiving your Depo injections about one year before you want to become pregnant. SummaryDepo-Provera is an injectable birth control method. It is taken four times a year. Before starting Depo-Provera, it is important to have a health exam. Side effects of this form of birth control include weight gain and spotting or prolonged bleeding. These are some of the reasons why people stop using Depo-Provera. In most cases, though, bleeding will stop after one year. Stop using Depo-Provera one year before you want to become pregnant. Frequently Asked Questions
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By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC
Thanks for your feedback! How long does it take to get pregnant after not taking Depo shot?It can take a long time after your last Depo shot for your fertility to return. The average amount of time it takes someone to get pregnant after stopping Depo is 9 to 10 months – this means about half of people who stop Depo will get pregnant within 10 months.
Is it easy to get pregnant after depo shot?While the levels of Depo-Provera after 90 days may not be high enough to be considered effective for pregnancy prevention, they may still be too high to get pregnant. Within 10 months of the last injection, 50% of women who discontinue Depo-Provera will get pregnant.
How fertile are you after stopping Depo?Chances of infertility after Depo
Although the average return to normal fertility is approximately 10 months after the last injection, this may not be the case for everyone who gets the birth control shot. Some women experience a longer return to fertility and it may take as long as 12 months after the last injection.
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