Signs of Ovulation After Stopping the Pill

Stopping hormonal contraception is a big deal. Whether you're trying to have a natural cycle or are preparing for pregnancy, it's important to know what's happening. When will your period return? And how do you recognize ovulation? In this blog post, we'll tell you everything you need to know and give you tips on how to support your body when you stop taking the pill.

Does the pill affect my fertility?

Before we begin, we want to answer an important question. Many women think the pill affects their fertility.

There are many rumors circulating about what can happen if you're on the pill for a long time. While doctors sometimes downplay the pill's side effects, many women fear that using the pill or other hormonal contraceptives could make it harder to conceive. Worried? We understand. There's a lot of conflicting and inaccurate information on this topic. We're here to set the record straight.

Research shows there's no evidence that the pill negatively impacts your fertility after stopping. Research shows that the vast majority (83%) of women became pregnant within a year of stopping the pill. This is encouraging for women who want to stop using contraception because they want to get pregnant.

Another common belief is that the longer you take the pill, the greater the impact on your fertility. However, research shows that this isn't the case either.

So how long after stopping the pill can you get pregnant? It depends. Some women get pregnant almost immediately, while for others it takes longer.

This may be related to your age or other underlying factors that weren't previously identified due to hormonal contraception. If you want to stop taking the pill for health reasons (and not because you want to have children), it's important to use another form of contraception, as there's a chance you could become pregnant right away.

When should you stop taking hormonal contraception?

We recommend stopping if you're trying to conceive (a bit obvious, but we'll mention it anyway) or if you want a natural cycle. Sometimes the pill can cause unwanted side effects. In that case, you can stop taking it to alleviate these symptoms.

Read more about this topic in our blog post: Side effects of the contraceptive pill .

Stopping the pill is a big step, especially if you've been taking it for a long time, but don't worry. Many women notice positive changes after stopping. One example is our Guud ambassador Trix. Read about her experiences stopping the pill here .

When will your period start again?

When can you expect your first period after stopping the pill? It varies from woman to woman, but on average, menstruation usually starts within four weeks of stopping the pill.

This depends on your normal cycle, but if you've been on the pill for a long time, you might not know! Be patient. If you haven't had your period after three months, we recommend making an appointment with your gynecologist.

Other factors can also influence when your period returns after stopping birth control. Stress, exercise, and hormonal conditions like PCOS or endometriosis can affect your period.

Also remember that your periods may be irregular for a while after stopping the pill. Give your body time to adjust. This can take another three months. Why? Because the pill contains hormones that suppress ovulation. The first bleeding after stopping the pill is still a withdrawal bleed. The next one after that is your first natural period.

Try tracking your cycle after stopping the pill to identify any patterns or irregularities. Here 's a list of our favorite period tracking apps.

How do you know if you're ovulating again?

You usually ovulate two weeks after your period. Initially, your periods may be irregular, so it can take some trial and error to pinpoint the exact moment of ovulation. But over time, your body will regulate itself, and you'll recognize the following symptoms:

• Increased cervical mucus, which looks clear and slippery (like egg white). It might sound strange, but your cervical mucus tells you a lot about your cycle. Read more about it in this blog post.
• Pelvic and abdominal pain
• In the mood for sex!
• A bloated feeling
• Possibly some spotting or light bleeding

If you want more solid proof that you're ovulating, you can buy an ovulation test. It's very simple: you urinate on a stick that measures the level of luteinizing hormone (LH). This hormone rises 24 to 36 hours before ovulation.

Another way is to track your basal body temperature. That's your resting temperature, in the morning before you get up. When you ovulate, your basal body temperature rises.

Learn more about how to track your cycle using your basal body temperature and cervical mucus here .

Tips when you stop taking the pill

You might be nervous about stopping the pill—fearing side effects or the return of symptoms that stopped when you started. But if you prepare your body for this change, you can prevent the most common side effects, such as mood swings, weight changes, and acne.

Want to know more about stopping the pill? We've written a whole blog post about how to stop taking the pill and get your natural cycle back on track as quickly as possible.

We'll give you some tips in advance...

Prepare yourself

If you're not trying to conceive right now, don't forget to use a condom or another form of contraception. As mentioned, there's a chance you could get pregnant right away. Also, be prepared for physical symptoms. These vary from woman to woman, but you might experience mood swings, acne, or hair loss. Be extra gentle with yourself and remember that all symptoms will likely disappear once your hormones regulate.

Support your body with nutrition and supplements

It's a good idea to support your body with a supplement to ensure you get the right vitamins and nutrients. If you're trying to conceive, make sure your body is balanced and you're getting the right amounts of all nutrients, such as folic acid . Not sure which supplements are right for you? Take the quiz or chat with us . We can help.

Move and rest

Sleep. It's so simple, yet often overlooked. Sleep is incredibly important for your overall well-being, so make sure you get enough. It's not only good for your cycle, but it also keeps you energized and focused, leaving you ready to take on the world.

Exercise is another important part of your lifestyle that can facilitate the return to a natural cycle. By taking care of your body, you can get your cycle and hormones back on track and prepare your body for a potential pregnancy.

Want to learn more about how sleep affects your cycle? Read our blog post about it: Sleep and Your Cycle: How Are They Connected? 

Confused? Feeling a little... lost? We're here for you. Contact one of our experts who can help you on your journey to a natural cycle.