How Long Does it Take to Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control Pills?
Many people around the world rely on birth control pills to prevent a unplanned pregnancy. But when the time comes that a couple would like to expand their family, they usually have concerns over the effects that the birth control pills may bring. One of the main concerns is how long it will take to conceive after relying on birth control pills for a period of time.
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Facts
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Birth control pills are a form of contraception that is mainly used to prevent pregnancy. The pills are made of synthetic hormones. Depending on the type of birth control pill prescribed, it may contain both estrogen and progesterone or just progesterone only. Birth control pills are also being used to treat a variety of reproductive issues including heavy menstruation, acne and premenstrual syndrome (often known as PMS).
When You Stop
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When birth control pills are stopped, the body will usually begin to prepare for ovulation by starting menstruation within the first week. The hormones that were constantly received from the pills will no longer be present and the body will need to start producing these on its own. Once a regular pattern of natural hormones has started within the body (which can take 2 to 3 months), ovulation and menstruation should be back to a normal pattern.
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Time Frame
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Pregnancy can be achieved within 2 weeks from stopping birth control pills, however it is advised that the body is allowed 3 months to fully return back to normal. According to Dr. Amos Grunebaum, director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York, it takes up to a year to conceive after birth control pills for 85 percent of couples.
Considerations
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If birth control pills were used to treat a medical problem besides to prevent pregnancy, the risks and benefits should be considered before stopping the pills. Expressing the desire to conceive with your physician is the first step that should be taken since they can advise on alternative treatments for the medical problem.
Warning
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Before stopping any birth control pills, it is important to consult your physician. A person planning on conceiving should also have a full physical and lab work to make sure that the body is in the best state possible to carry a pregnancy to full term.
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References
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