The birth control pill works to prevent pregnancy by changing progesterone and estrogen hormone levels in a woman's body. Most pills have an efficacy rate of 99.9 percent when used properly. The hormones in birth control pills prevent ovulation, or the release of an egg by the ovaries. Oral contraceptives are not known to impact fertility after they are discontinued. Getting pregnant after the birth control pill is possible.
Step 1
Discuss your pregnancy plans with your medical care provider when possible. This is not necessary, but it may be helpful to ensure you are healthy and identify any possible problems after the pill has been discontinued.
Step 2
Stop taking the pill and discontinue any other pregnancy prevention methods you were using. Unprotected sex during ovulation offers you the greatest chance at getting pregnant.
Step 3
Begin tracking your ovulation on a calendar to identify the optimal time for you to engage in sexual intercourse. Mark the first date of your menstrual period on the calendar. Continue doing this every month for at least 3 months to determine a more accurate pattern of ovulation. The Mayo Clinic suggests that ovulation occurs around the 14th day of the cycle in women who have a 28 day cycle.
Step 4
Engage in sexual intercourse when you notice an increase in clear, vaginal secretions. The Mayo Clinic indicates that this type of discharge or lubrication occurs during ovulation and becomes cloudy, sticky or disappears when ovulation ends.
Tips and Warnings
- It may take several months before the body gets back to normal hormone levels. Pregnancy may be difficult to achieve until this point. If after 6 months you have not had success, contact your doctor for help.
