Trying to Conceive After Stopping Birth Control: A Timeline & Advice

Question
Hi, my last period was started April 25, 2006 and occured while on the placebo pills of my pack. I started my new pack the following Sunday and only took four pills. My husband and I decided to stop the pills and try to get pregnant. According to my ovulation calander I should ovulate between May 8- May 13. We had unprotected sex on May 7 and later that day I experienced withdraw bleeding and am still bleeding. Should we continue to try this month or should we wait until next month. I guess I am confused about if this is an actual period and what my ovulation date should be from here. Thanks, Erica

Answer
Hi Erica,

I am pretty sure your ovulation may have been altered by two things: the sudden stopping of the pills and the 4 that you took. I think it usually takes at least a month or so for your body to get back on track after stopping pills- the bleeding sounds normal. Sounds like a breakthrough period to me.

You could always try to conceive, but it may take a little while for your body to get itself regular again after stopping the pills. IF you ovulated on a normal cycle after this past period (which started May 7) you would ovulate around May 17-19 or so. Remember this is "IF" your body is on track already.

if the bleeding is bothering you or worrying I would call your doctor and ask.... some of them recommend waiting 2-3 months after stopping pills before trying to conceive.

Good luck! I hope it works out for you! Hang in there.
andi