Fertility After Birth Control: What to Expect & Common Myths

Question
I have heard many conflicting reports about the immediate months that follow when a woman goes off of the pill. Some have said that it is the time that is hardest to get pregnant and some say that it is the easiest time. I have also heard that if you do get pregnant in those months there is an increase in the chances of birth defects. I have recently gone off the pill and am not sure what the truth is. Can you offer any information or advice?

Answer
Dear Lisa,

It truly depends on each individual woman. Some women can discontinue BCP use and immediately get pregnant. Others will try for six months or more. But we don't actually know that those who try for many months would not have needed to try that long regardless of their BCP use. Each woman is absolutely different. The average amount of time it takes couples who are actively trying to conceive is 5-6 months.

As to birth defects - false. There is no research that has concluded that there is any increased risk of birth defects associated with BCP use PREVIOUS to conceiving a pregnancy. In fact, some women have conceived a pregnancy while still taking the BCP for a month or even two and have had healthy babies.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda