- 1). Understand how your method of birth control affects your fertility and chance of conception once you've stopped using it. Birth control pills generally allow your body to become ready for conception within one month after stopping the pills. However, progestin-only birth control, such as Depo-Provera, can inhibit reproductive readiness for several months once it is stopped. Barrier methods, such as a diaphragm or condom, have no effect on your ability to conceive as soon as you stop using them.
- 2). Allow your menstrual cycle to resume to normal before trying to conceive. Consider having one or two full menstrual cycles, which allows you to determine when ovulation may occur, before trying for pregnancy. Use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, until your menstrual cycle has resumed.
- 3). Prepare your body for pregnancy by beginning a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, eating well and stopping any bad habits--such as smoking--before trying to conceive. Initiate these baby-healthy steps before quitting birth control, if possible, or as soon as you decide to try and conceive.
- 4). Determine ovulation for the best chance at successful conception. Calculate when ovulation may occur in your cycle by noting the first day your menstrual period begins and counting ahead 12 to 14 days. Consider using an ovulation predictor kit if you have not had a menstrual cycle since stopping birth control or have irregular periods, as ovulation will be harder to predict.
- 5). Engage in unprotected sex around the time of ovulation for the best chance of conception. Have sex a few days before ovulation if possible, as sperm lives up to 72 hours, while the female egg is only viable for 12 to 24 hours after ovulation occurs. This helps ensure sperm is present in the reproductive system once the egg is released.
- 6). Consult a physician if you have trouble conceiving after stopping birth control, your period doesn't return or ovulation is hard to predict, to check for medical or fertility issues which can delay conception.
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