QuestionI have been on the birth control pill for 9 years. My husband and I are thinking about starting a family soon. I have heard that after being on birth control pill for so long, that it may take me a year or longer to get pregnant, but then I've also heard that I could easily get pregnant RIGHT after stopping the pill. What is the correct answer?
AnswerIt's surprising how many people think that! Birth control has been used as the blame for people not getting pregnant. So others may believe this to be true and pass the myth around. Studies have shown over and over and over again that this is not true. And you could get pregnant right away, but it can sometimes take up to three months for anyone stopping birth control to regain full fertility.
If your periods were regular before you went on the pill they should be regular after you stop. And regular periods are usually associated with normal fertility. Neither does length of time on the birth control.
Also take into consideration that into our 30's fertility begins to decline and it declines more rapidly into our 40's. But length of contraceptive use does not add to that.
Remember that it takes 90% of all couples up to a year to conceive.
It may be worth your while to visit your OB/GYN for a "pre-pregnancy" visit. Get a check up, ask about dietary recommendations to prepare your body as well!
I wish you the very best and good luck!
