When you are on the pill, do you stop ovulating?

Question

How long is the "average normal" time for your body to get back to where it should be? My husband and I are trying to conceive. I went off the pill the end of January, and so far with timing what I think should be my fertile days, I've been unsucessful. I tend to be getting my period anywhere between 31-34 days, so I don't know if I'm doing something wrong, but I do think I'm guessing to early for my best chance to conceive. I'm trying to take the natural, stress-free approach (no BBT readings, no ovulation kits) just doing it every other day when I think I'm close to ovulating. Any words of wisdom from professionals, RNs?

Answer 1

I am an Ob/Gyn. It may take several months for your ovaries to begin ovulation again. The oral contraceptive pill works by inhibiting ovulation not by preventing implantion as was stated in someone elses response. Please know that your time of ovulation is unique for you and may even vary each month. the most reliable way to predict ovulation is to purchase an ovulation predictor kit. They are available in any pharmacy or even cheaper purchased used on the internet. Dont despair yet I do not consider a couple to have infertility until they have had unprotected intercourse for 12-18 months. The best timing of intercourse should be from 3 days before ovulation until 3 days after. Should have intercourse everyday for these 7 to 10 days. your kit should help you to predict this time period. Happy to help.

Answer 2

When you are on the Pill you are supposed to stop ovulating *and* having periods. Technically, you have "withdrawal bleeding", not menstruation. It is very different from the perspective of your biology.

You *cannot* tell without checking when you are likely to be ovulating. Even women who have been charting their cycles for *many* years can't do it. So, the most likely cause of your not getting pregnant is just not having sex when you're fertile!

Women ovulate about 2 weeks (usually 12-16 days) before their *next* period. So you may be ovulating as early as day 15, or as late as day 22. You may also have a "short luteal phase" and be getting your period less than 10 days after ovulation (which would make you technically infertile). Short luteal phases are pretty common when coming off of hormonal birth control. They usually correct themselves within a year of stopping the hormones.

If you really want to conceive, please read _Taking Charge of Your Fertility_ by Toni Weschler. It will help you find the *real* natural, stress-free approach--and one that works!

(By the way, don't bother with ovulation kits--they're less effective than charting signs of fertility. The book explains exactly why.)

Answer 3

I believe the pill prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. You'll need to give your body some time to readjust. I'm not an RN or anything, but I have conceived after birth control. In addition to trying to pinpoint your ovulation, you should check yours and your hubby's eating, sleeping, drinking, and physical habits. Are you two eating junk or healthy? Sleeping at regular times? Drinking alcohol or smoking? Those are also good things to consider. Regular anaerobic physical activity can help as well. If hubby is sitting on his tail all day, his little guys may be a little sluggish.
Hope that helps and good luck.

Answer 4

The pill doesn't prevent you from ovulating, it prevents you from becoming pregnant by manipulating your hormones. Generally it takes 2 or 3 cycles to get back to your normal cycling once you have stopped the pill.

A good key to when you are most fertile..if you don't want to be using ovulation tests or temps..is to check your cervical mucus. When you are most fertile, the mucus becomes clear and thin...just like raw egg whites. And having sex every other day around then is a great plan!

Good luck to you!

Answer 5

It can take several months for your body to get back to "normal" after the pill.