When to stop taking birth control

Countless types of birth control are available, from hormonal to pills to nonhormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) that prevent pregnancy. In some cases, you may want to stop taking birth control, such as if you want to have a child.

Knowing when to stop taking birth control is a very personal decision that may stem from your own goals and lifestyle needs.

You may choose to stop taking birth control for several reasons, including:

Beginning menopause

Menopause is a natural process that people who menstruate will experience. During menopause, female reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, continue to drop. This causes fertility to slowly decline.

You typically reach menopause after going without a menstrual period for 12 continuous months. You may experience random and disrupted menstrual cycles and menopause symptoms before this. This is known as perimenopause and can begin at around 40 years old.

Menopause may also occur early, as a result of surgeries like hysterectomies or treatment like chemotherapy. This is known as induced menopause.

Experiencing symptoms of menopause does not mean you can stop using birth control methods to prevent pregnancy. Until menopause is confirmed by 12 months without a menstrual period, you will still need to use birth control if you wish to prevent pregnancy.

Wanting to conceive

One of the most common reasons someone may choose to stop taking birth control is if they want to get pregnant.

If you stop taking hormonal birth control, you will generally experience the following:

• Birth control patches: When you stop using the patch, it may take some time for your cycle to return to a pre-birth control state. You may begin ovulating again 1–3 months after you stop. A common example includes norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol (Xulane).
• IUDs: After the removal of an IUD, you can typically conceive immediately. A common example is Mirena.
• Birth control pills: Each birth control pill option affects your cycle in different ways. If you take the combination pill, your cycle will return within 3 months after you stop. If you take the progestin-only pill, you will be able to conceive within weeks after stopping your medication. This is because it does not prevent ovulation, unlike other pills. Common examples are levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol (Tyblume) and norgestrel (Opill).

Need a prescription or refill for birth control medication? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks with no video or appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional. Get started here.

Side effects from birth control

Side effects from hormonal forms of birth control are common and typically go away within 3 months.

These side effects can include:

• headaches
• nausea
• sore breasts
• spotting
• disruptions to your periods, such as excessive pain, heavy flows, or irregular cycles

If your side effects continue longer than 3 months, it might be beneficial to speak with a doctor to see whether an alternative form of birth control may be more suitable for you.

Lifestyle measures

Your current birth control method may not work well alongside your lifestyle for many potential reasons.

For example, some birth control pills require you to take them at the same time every day. Changes to your lifestyle, such as a new job, may mean this no longer works for you. If this is the case, you may want to try one of the other less restrictive birth control methods.

If you decide to change your birth control method, it is important to remember that you may not be completely protected from pregnancy in the week after you make the switch. You will need to overlap your birth control methods or use a backup method, such as condoms.

What to know about stopping birth control

Nonhormonal birth control methods should not cause any withdrawal or other side effects after you stop taking them. However, hormonal methods may cause side effects during your transition period.

For example, if you stop taking the birth control pill, you may notice changes to your:

• menstrual cycle
• sex drive and libido
• weight
• mood
• skin
• hair growth

These are symptoms that happen in response to changing hormone levels. They should disappear as your body adjusts to the new hormone levels.

Summary

There are many reasons someone may want to stop or switch their current birth control type, such as changes to their lifestyle, wanting to conceive, or experiencing side effects on their current method.

The decision to stop taking birth control is a personal choice and will depend on your individual lifestyle and goals. If you are taking hormonal birth control and wish to stop, you may notice some side effects as your body adjusts to the new hormone levels. These include headaches, mood changes, and an irregular menstrual cycle.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.