Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone), used as a contraceptive method, is an injectable medication that suppresses ovulation. If you receive Depo-Provera injections regularly, approximately every three months, they are more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
But what if you’re taking Depo-Provera and decide you’re ready to get pregnant? Unlike other methods of birth control, Depo-Provera can temporarily affect fertility even after you stop using it, so proper planning is key.
Here’s what you need to know about getting pregnant after using Depo-Provera.
How Depo-Provera Prevents Pregnancy
Depo-Provera, also known as the “birth control shot,” is recommended for people of childbearing age who want to prevent pregnancy for a few months or more. You don’t have to remember to take a pill every day, like with oral contraceptives (also called “the pill”). Instead, you see your doctor every 12 to 13 weeks to get an injection.
Each dose of Depo-Provera contains progestin, a hormone that prevents the release of an egg. If you don’t ovulate, your body won’t release an egg each month, so there’s no material for sperm to fertilize. Depo-Provera thickens cervical mucus, limiting sperm movement and reducing the risk of conception.
How long does it take to get pregnant after using depo-provera
If you want to get pregnant within the next year, Depo-Provera is probably not the best birth control option. One Depo-Provera injection can prevent pregnancy for at least three months. However, studies have shown that you may be less likely to get pregnant for several months after you stop taking the injections.
“Although conception is possible after the third month, it usually takes a few more months for the hormones to completely wear off and for ovulation and menstruation to return to normal,” says Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
For some people, normal menstrual cycles (and associated ovulation) may resume as soon as four months after the last injection. For many others, it may take a year or more. Most people who try to conceive after using Depo-Provera do so within 18 months of their last injection, according to Pfizer, the company that makes Depo-Provera.
Tips for getting pregnant after taking Depo-Provera
If you’re using Depo-Provera for birth control but are hoping to get pregnant in the next year or so, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
Stopping Depo-Provera
Immediately stop using Depo-Provera if you plan to become pregnant within the next year. After the injection, it usually takes several months for ovulation (and your cycle) to return to normal, and in some women, ovulation may not return to normal for over a year.
In the meantime, use another method of contraception until you’re ready to start trying to conceive. Consider using a barrier method (such as condoms) or a long-term reversible contraception method (LARC). Studies have shown that pregnancy rates after stopping an intrauterine device (IUD), a common type of LARC, are the same as those in people who have never used any method of contraception.
Track your ovulation signs
Many people who use Depo Provera experience irregular or missed periods, so you may be wondering how to know when Depo is about to wear off. Ovulation occurs before your period, so if you don’t have a period or it’s irregular, it can be hard to know when you’re ovulating. However, there are some signs of ovulation to look out for, including:
- Pain and cramps during ovulation
- Increase in basal body temperature
- Cervical mucus changes
- Chest pain
- Changes in sexual desire
- Light Point
- Dysfunction
- Mood swings
You can also track ovulation by recording your basal body temperature or taking ovulation tests. Options such as ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) can be costly in both time and money, especially if you have irregular or absent periods, so you may want to hold off on those efforts until your period becomes more regular.
Take your time to prepare
Tips for getting pregnant after taking Depo-Provera are similar to general pregnancy tips. One of them is to prepare for your next pregnancy. Things to consider are:
When to see a healthcare provider
In most cases, fertility returns within a year of stopping Depo-Provera, but if you’ve reached that milestone and are worried you’re still not ovulating regularly, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Also, talk to your healthcare provider if you:
If you want to become pregnant and stop taking Depo-Provera, talk to your doctor about which method of birth control is best for you until you’re ready to become pregnant. Your doctor can also advise you on what to keep in mind when you’re ready to start trying to become pregnant.
Remember, everyone’s body is different, so it’s impossible to predict how you’ll react to hormonal contraception like Depo-Provera. Your best option is to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the method of birth control that works best with your body, your lifestyle, and your future family plans.
