Pregnancy after the pill
Question
I have been on the pill for four years and I've decided I want to start a family. When I come off the pill, how long will it take me to conceive?
Answer
Every person is different and our bodies all work in various ways. Generally, a woman's fertility should return to normal as soon as she stops taking the pill, although your periods may be disrupted for a short while.
It's not unusual for it to take anything from six months to two years to become pregnant. So if you don't conceive soon after you stop using contraception and start trying for a baby, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have a problem.
As you have decided to start a family, you may want to look into how you can plan your pregnancy and find out when you are most fertile. The information provided by the Infertility Network UK may also be of interest.
You can also get free and confidential advice from Brook; or by visiting a family planning clinic, your local doctor (GP) or any other GP (registering for family planning only).
Alternatively you can speak to nurse via the fpa Helpline on 0845 310 1334, or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Updated: 06/06/2011
Question answered by YouthNet in association with Brook
