Stopping contraception

As soon as you stop using contraception you could become pregnant at any time if you’re having sex. You may be ready for this, but it’s helpful to think about how best to stop contraception and how you’re planning for pregnancy.

On this page

Hormonal contraceptives

Intrauterine system (IUS, or hormonal coil, such as Mirena and Levosert)

Intrauterine device (IUD or copper coil)

Barrier methods

Other contraceptive methods

Side effects of stopping hormonal contraception

Hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives have hormones that stop your ovaries from releasing eggs every month (ovulating). This means there’s no egg to be fertilised by sperm.  

You may have a ‘withdrawal bleed’ within a few days or weeks of stopping hormonal contraception.  

This is lighter than a period and isn’t caused by ovulation. You will have your first normal period around a month or so after your withdrawal bleed.

You might want to wait for 1 normal period before getting pregnant. This is because knowing when you had a normal period makes it easier to tell how many weeks you are when you do become pregnant.

The Pill (combined oral contraceptive)

• When you are coming off the Pill, finish the packet you are on.
• Use other types of contraception such as condoms if you want to wait until after your first normal period.
• Don’t worry if you do become pregnant sooner.

Progestogen-only pill (also known as the mini-pill)

• You can stop taking this at any time. You do not need to finish the packet you are on.
• Use other types of contraception such as condoms if you want to wait until after your first normal period.
• Don’t worry if you do become pregnant sooner.

Contraceptive injections (such as Depo-provera)

• Do not renew your injections.
• Your periods and normal fertility will often take longer to return than it does with other hormonal contraception, but it is still possible to become pregnant before your first period.
• Use other types of contraception such as condoms if you want to wait until after your first normal period.
• Don’t worry if you do become pregnant sooner.

Progesterone implants (such as Implanon)

• Book in with your doctor to have the implant removed. This is a quick process, with a local anaesthetic.
• Fertility levels usually return quite quickly. 
• Use other types of contraception such as condoms until if you want to wait after your first normal period.  
• Don’t worry if you do become pregnant sooner.

Intrauterine system (IUS, or hormonal coil, such as Mirena and Levosert)

• You can have your IUS removed at any time.
• Book in with your doctor, practice nurse or sexual health clinic to have it removed. You will be given a local anaesthetic.  
• Fertility levels usually return quite quickly. 
• Use other types of contraception such as condoms if you want to wait until after your first normal period.  
• Don’t worry if you do become pregnant sooner.

Calculate your fertile window when you're off contraception with our  ovulation calculator.

Intrauterine device (IUD or copper coil)

An IUD or copper coil stops you getting pregnant by releasing copper into the womb.  

• You can have your IUD removed at any time.
• Make an appointment with your doctor or sexual health clinic to have it removed.
• Your fertility levels will return to normal straightaway.
• You might be advised to wait 1 period before trying to get pregnant.
• Don’t worry if you become pregnant sooner.

Barrier methods

Condoms (male and female)

• Stop using condoms when you are ready to try for a baby.  
• Your fertility levels will not be affected once you’ve stopped using them.

Diaphragms and caps

• Stop using diaphragms or caps when you are ready to try for a baby.  
• Your fertility levels will not be affected once you’ve stopped using them.

Other contraceptive methods

Natural family planning (also known as the rhythm method) 

• Once you’ve decided you want to get pregnant, aim to have sex during the times when you had previously been avoiding it (or using a barrier method).
• Your fertility knowledge should help you get pregnant.
• Consider in future that this method alone may not prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

The withdrawal method

• Stop withdrawing so that the sperm can enter the vagina.
• Consider in future that this method alone may not prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

Spermicide

• Stop using spermicide if you’re trying to get pregnant.
• Consider in future that this method alone may not prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

Side effects of stopping hormonal contraception

You may have side effects when stopping hormonal birth control methods like the Pill, implant, injections and IUS. This is because your body may respond to the changes in hormone levels.

You may notice:

• changes in the length of your menstrual cycle
• heavier periods
• ovulation cramping
• worse premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• mood changes
• weight changes
• acne
• more body hair
• headaches
• tender breasts
• changes in your sex drive.

These side effects should ease off within a few weeks. If they linger, see a doctor. This is important if your periods don’t come back after more than a few months.