After leaving the pill, many women experience longer cycles as well as more variability in the length of the cycle. Specialists have seen an increase in the average length of the menstrual cycle.
The average length of the menstrual cycle in the first three cycles usually exceeds 33 days on average. It is believed that this prolongation of the menstrual cycle after leaving the contraceptive pill is due to the time it takes for the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis to normalize its hormonal secretion which was suppressed by the intake of oral contraceptives.
The contraceptive pill works by preventing ovulation. Once you stop taking the pill, the hormones that it carries are eliminated quickly, usually in a couple of days. This happens in all women alike, regardless of how long the pill has been taking. Once the contraceptive pill hormones have been removed, the body will start to start producing hormones to start menstrual cycles. Some women start ovulating in a couple of weeks, while others take several months. It is important to note that if you have had problems with ovulation before starting the pill, they may return after leaving the pill. However, some women who had had regular periods before starting the pill may have irregular ovulation after stopping the pill.
The lack of menstruation after leaving the contraceptive pill is termed post-pill amenorrhea. The reason for the lack of menstruation in these women is simply that the body takes longer to produce the hormones necessary for ovulation and menstruation. Some women do not have a period after stopping the pill because they immediately ovulate and conceive after stopping treatment.
What are the chances of getting pregnant right after dropping the pill?
In addition to ovulation problems, there are a number of other factors that can delay the achievement of pregnancy. The quality of the cervical mucus decreases after leaving the pill, not only for the first, but for the first six menstrual cycles after the interruption of oral contraceptives. The presence of high-quality cervical mucus during a woman's menstrual cycle is very important for a couple trying to achieve pregnancy because cervical mucus improves the survival and transport of sperm.
Type of contraceptive Months to pregnancy
After its interruption
Condom 4.6 (3.5 - 5.8)
Combined Pill 7.6 (6.8 to 8.3)
Progesterone Pill 5.3 (2.6 to 7.9)
IUD 7.5 (4.9-10.0)
Injection 13.6 (10.7-16.5)
Implant 12.0 (0.5-23.5)
Modified from Hum. Reprod. (2004) 19 (2): 344-351.
In addition, it takes at least six cycles after use of oral contraceptives to return to normal menstrual flow. It is well known that oral contraceptives decrease the duration and flow of menstruation. This decrease in the flow of menstruation and its duration is caused by an important thinning of the thickness of the endometrium in the women who take contraceptives. A thin endometrium is associated with a lower probability of implantation of the embryo.