# Getting pregnant after stopping contraception

> How long each method takes to wear off – spoiler: usually not long.

Category: Fertility & TTC · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/after-stopping-contraception

## Quick answer

Fertility returns quickly after stopping most contraception. With the pill, patch, ring, implant and coils, you can get pregnant straight away, though periods may take a few months to settle. The contraceptive injection is the exception: it can take up to a year for fertility to return (NHS).

- Coils and implant: fertility returns straight away after removal.
- Pills about a month; patch and ring around 1–3 months.
- The injection can take up to a year.
- See a GP if periods don’t return when expected.

A really common worry: “Has years on the pill hurt my fertility?” The reassuring answer from the NHS is that for most methods, your fertility returns to what it was before pretty quickly.

## How soon can I get pregnant after stopping contraception?

- Copper coil ([IUD](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/iud)) and hormonal coil ([IUS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/ius)): fertility returns to previous levels straight away after removal
- Implant: straight away after removal
- Combined pill: usually about a month
- [Progestogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/progestogen)-only pill: usually about a month
- Patch and ring: usually around 1 to 3 months
- Injection: can take up to 1 year

**Up to 1 year** Time fertility can take to return after the contraceptive injection

> **Splash says:** start folic acid before you stop contraception, so you’re ready from cycle one.

## What are periods like after stopping the pill?

Bleeds on the pill, patch or ring are withdrawal bleeds, not true periods. Once you stop, it can take a little while to see what your natural cycle looks like. [Tracking](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/tracking-101) from day one helps you learn your pattern fast.

**Myth:** You need to wait a few months after the pill before trying.

**Fact:** There’s no need to wait for medical reasons. Some people use condoms for a cycle or two just to make dating a pregnancy easier – that’s a personal choice.

### When to see a doctor

If your periods haven’t come back within about 3 months of stopping the pill, patch, ring or implant, or within a year of stopping the injection, see your GP.

## Sources

1. [NHS – What is an IUD (copper coil)?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/iud-coil/what-is-it/)
2. [NHS – What is an IUS (hormonal coil)?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/ius-hormonal-coil/what-is-it/)
3. [NHS – What is the contraceptive implant?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-implant/what-is-it/)
4. [NHS – What is the combined pill?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/combined-pill/what-is-it/)
5. [NHS – What is the contraceptive injection?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-injection/what-is-it/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).