What happens when you stop taking birth control?

Why would you consider stopping birth control?

There are myriad reasons why you might want to stop using birth control. Everyone is different, but some common reasons include:

• You’re planning a pregnancy: If you want to become pregnant, the first step is to stop using birth control. It’s best to speak to your doctor in the first instance if you’re thinking about planning a pregnancy, so they can advise you on the best time to stop using birth control, as well as any other specifics regarding your personal situation.
• You have side effects: Some people experience side effects when using hormonal birth control. While these may only last a few weeks or months for some, the symptoms are long-lasting for others. If you’re having persistent or worrying side effects, you should speak to your doctor about both the symptoms and whether you should stop taking your current method of birth control.
• You have health concerns: Some types of birth control aren’t compatible with certain health conditions. If you develop high blood pressure, for example, then the combined pill may not be suitable for you[1].
• Lifestyle changes: If you’ve recently come out of a relationship, are having less sex than before, or are otherwise experiencing significant life changes, you may be reassessing your birth control needs.
• You want to switch contraception: Not every type of birth control works for every person. You may not want to stop birth control altogether, but may be considering switching birth control methods.

What does it feel like to stop birth control

When stopping different forms of birth control, people can experience a range of physical and emotional side effects depending on the type of birth control used and your individual body. 

The birth control pill

If you want to stop taking the birth control pill, it’s simply a case of stopping using the pill —you don’t even need to finish the pack (although it’s always recommended that you speak to your healthcare provider first)[2]. If you’re not planning to get pregnant, you should use another form of birth control, such as condoms.

You may have experienced some side effects when you first started taking the pill, such as nausea and breast tenderness, and some people also experience similar symptoms when they stop taking the pill.

Perhaps the most noteworthy one is the way your body and menstrual cycle may take some time to adjust after stopping the pill. Your periods may be irregular for a few months and you may get some spotting or bleeding between periods — but this is usually temporary, and after a few of menstrual cycles[2], your periods should return to the way they were before you started taking birth control pills.

The patch

Stopping the birth control patch is similar to stopping the pill. You can stop using the patch whenever you want — just peel off your current patch and don’t apply a new one[3]. Again, though, it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor about your specific situation — and if you’re not planning a pregnancy, you’ll want to use another method of birth control straight away[4].

When you stop using the patch, the levels of these hormones begin to drop, and your body starts to revert to its normal menstrual cycle. As with the pill, it can take one to two months for your period to return to its normal cycle after you stop using the patch – although some people may experience irregular periods or even no periods at all for up to six months[5].

The vaginal ring

The vaginal ring works in a similar way to both the patch and the pill, releasing hormones into your blood to stop ovulation. That means stopping the ring feels similar to stopping either of these other two forms of birth control — and, like the patch and pill, you can simply remove the ring when you’re ready to stop using it[6]. Be sure to switch to another form of birth control after removing the ring, unless you’re planning to get pregnant.

It’s possible to remove the ring yourself whenever you want to stop using it, and as with many other forms of hormonal birth control, it may take a few months for your menstrual cycle to regulate after you stop using it[7].

Intrauterine device (IUD)

If you have an IUD and want to stop using it, you’ll need to get it removed by a trained healthcare professional. You can get your IUD removed at any time — but if you don’t want to get pregnant, you should start using another form of birth control, like condoms, seven days before you get the IUD removed[8].

For most people, IUD removal is a quick and simple procedure, which shouldn’t hurt — although you may experience some cramping. After removing your IUD, you may experience some spotting, and your period should return to normal within a few months[9].

Implant

If you have a birth control implant in your arm, it can be removed at any time — but bear in mind that you can only keep a Nexplanon implant for three years before it must be removed[10].

It’s another type of birth control that you’ll need to have removed by a professional. As with IUDs, implant removal is usually straightforward. Your doctor will numb the area of your arm where the implant is located, before making a small incision in your arm and removing the implant. You may feel a sharp stinging sensation when you get the numbing shot, but you shouldn't feel any pain when the incision is made or when your implant is removed[11].

Depo-Provera Shot

If you want to stop using the birth control shot, it’s simply a case of not getting your next shot. But unlike other methods, it can take up to ten months for your period to return[12]. While the effects of the shot can take a while to wear off, it’s important to use birth control if you don’t wish to get pregnant — even if your periods haven’t returned yet[13].

Is there a correct method to stop birth control?

If you’re using the pill, patch, or vaginal ring, you can technically just stop using them. However, it’s really best to speak to your doctor as they’re able to give you personalized advice tailored to the type of birth control you’ve been using, as well as discussing any considerations around planning a pregnancy or switching to another type of birth control.

If you’re using the implant or IUD, it’s crucial that you speak to your doctor in order to get your birth control removed properly. And if you get the birth control shot, it’s a case of not getting the next shot — but it may take some forward planning, especially if you’re planning a pregnancy, as the effects of the shot can take many months to wear off. 

7 side effects of stopping birth control

When stopping birth control, some people may experience various side effects as their body readjusts to its natural hormonal balance. Some of the most common side effects include:

1. Irregular periods

After stopping hormonal birth control, it can take some time for your menstrual cycle to regulate. Many birth control methods, like the pill, patch, and hormonal IUD, work by regulating your hormone levels to prevent ovulation. When you stop using these forms of birth control, it can take your body some time to readjust — similar to how many people have irregular periods when they first start taking hormonal birth control, too. This is usually temporary though, and most people’s period will return to normal within a few weeks or months[14,15,16].

It’s important to note that ‘normal’ here means whatever is normal for you. That means that if you had an irregular menstrual cycle before you started using birth control, then it’s possible your cycle will also be irregular when you stop using contraception[17].

2. Heavier periods

For some people, using hormonal birth control makes their period lighter — or even non-existent. When we say period here, what we really mean is ‘withdrawal bleed’, as the bleeding that happens when you're on hormonal contraception is actually not a period but withdrawal bleeding.

If the contraception you’ve been using has made your period lighter, such as the pill, then it’s likely that your period will be heavier once you stop using it[18].

3. Mood swings

If you found that using birth control helped improve irritability, anxiety, or moodiness, then you may find that these symptoms return when you stop using birth control. That’s because many forms of hormonal birth control help to quell mood related symptoms as they reduce the natural cyclical hormone fluctuations that cause them[19].

When you stop using birth control and your hormones return to ‘normal’, you may find that your mood-related symptoms return — and mood swings may be part of that.

4. Improved mood

Conversely, some people find that they experience worse mood swings when they use birth control. Indeed, one study from 2016 found that there was an association between using the vaginal ring, oral birth control, and the IUD, and an increased likelihood of subsequently starting antidepressants or being diagnosed with depression[20].

So, if birth control affects your mood negatively, then you may find that stopping birth control improves your mood. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your contraceptive method.

5. Changes in libido

The relationship between hormonal contraceptives and libido (or sex drive) is a complex area. It seems that while some people report a reduced sex drive when using birth control, others might have an increased libido[21].

It’s thought that a reduced sex drive is down to reduced testosterone levels in women. Testosterone is linked to sexual desire, and hormonal birth control (like the pill) reduces testosterone levels — so it stands to reason that you may experience a lack of desire when using these forms of contraception[22].

It also stands to reason, then, that if you’ve experienced reduced sexual desire while using birth control, then you may see an increase in your libido when you stop using the pill, patch, IUD, or implant.

6. Headaches

Hormone headaches affect a lot of people, with more than half of all women who get migraines experiencing a link between their headaches and their period. For some women, taking hormonal contraceptives like the pill can reduce these headaches, particularly when taking packs without a break[23].

That means that if you’ve noticed a lull in your headaches while using birth control, they may return when you stop using contraceptives.

On the other hand, some people experience bad headaches when taking birth control — in which case, stopping them will likely mean the headaches stop.

7. Acne

Acne is often treated with a prescription of the combined oral contraceptive pill[24]. That means that while you’re on the pill, your acne may clear up. Unfortunately, that means that when you stop taking the pill, you may find that your acne returns.

Hear from our community

“Honestly, in the beginning, I felt more of a change. I noticed I was more emotional and hungry after I got off of it and that my skin got a little more oily. It took three months for my period to actually start, which I was a little concerned about so I am currently going through what most people experience. I have had cramps which before I never did. And switching to Natural Cycles once I ended my birth control pill has taught me a lot, which I am thankful for.

I am excited to continue this process, hopefully off of birth control. I know my body will be better for it.” - Kylie (Using NC° Birth Control)

How to Manage Birth Control Withdrawal Symptoms

Your body needs time to adjust after stopping birth control. You may experience a range of symptoms when stopping birth control, from irregular periods to mood swings. Some of these are temporary and will typically improve within a few weeks or months as your hormones regulate and your body adjusts to its new normal.

But if any symptoms last for longer, or if there are any that you’re particularly worried about, it’s best to consult a doctor. It can help to keep track of your symptoms, noting down the frequency and intensity of various symptoms so you can chart their changes over time.

In the meantime, it can help to address each symptom individually. If you’re struggling with headaches, for example, painkillers and stress relief can help, while if you’re experiencing mood swings, you may want to consider techniques like exercises and meditation — although it’s important to talk to a specialist about your mental health if your symptoms are particularly bad, or if you have any concerns.

Get to know your natural cycle

Whether you’re stopping hormonal birth control because you want to move away from synthetic hormones and side effects or are planning a pregnancy, Natural Cycles can help. It’s a hormone-free alternative that’s FDA Cleared and certified as contraception — or can be used to plan a pregnancy. You can also log symptoms and cycle changes in the NC° app, making it easy to spot patterns and document anything you’d like to share with your doctor.