Key Takeaways
- It usually takes 10 to 18 months to get pregnant after stopping Depo-Provera.
- Watch for pregnancy signs like nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue after stopping Depo-Provera.
- Your period may be irregular for months after stopping Depo-Provera.
Nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue are among the signs indicating the possibility of pregnancy after stopping Depo-Provera, though restoring fertility often takes up to 18 months. Knowing what to expect can help to manage the wait and navigate the uncertainty.
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How Can I Tell if I Am Pregnant After Depo-Provera?
A missed period is a common pregnancy sign but is not reliable if you’ve just stopped Depo-Provera. About half of those using Depo-Provera stop having periods after a year. It can take months for periods to resume after stopping, even when fertility returns.
Other early signs of pregnancy to watch for include:
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness and/or swelling
- Frequent urination
- Mood changes
- Diet and appetite changes
- Headaches and nasal congestion
- Spotting light blood
If you think you might be pregnant, take an at-home test or visit your healthcare provider. Remember, some symptoms can also appear when you stop using Depo-Provera.
How Depo-Provera Shots Work
Depo-Provera is a hormonal birth control given by injection every three months. The hormone in it prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg.
If you get your shots as directed, Depo-Provera is as effective as a tubal ligation for preventing pregnancy.
You should get your first Depo-Provera shot during the first five days of a period to ensure you’re not pregnant. (If you get the shot at any other time in your cycle, get a pregnancy test first.) When given during the first five days of a person’s period, Depo-Provera provides immediate pregnancy protection.
Common Side Effects of Depo-Provera Use
While you’re not likely to experience signs of pregnancy while on Depo-Provera, you may encounter other types of discomfort as potential side effects of the injections.
These may include:
- Bleeding and spotting, which may be irregular or prolonged
- Weight gain
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Bone density loss (Depo-Provera users should switch to a different birth control method after two years to prevent excessive bone loss)
- Depression, which affects about 9% of people who use this form of birth control
Planning to Get Pregnant After Depo-Provera
To stop Depo-Provera, simply do not get your next injection.
Depo-Provera’s contraceptive protection lasts about three months. After stopping, it usually takes six months or longer to start ovulating again, which is necessary for pregnancy.
Ovulation occurs when your body releases an egg (usually each month), enabling you to become pregnant.
The return of ovulation can depend on factors such as:
- Weight
- Age
- Previous dosage level
One study found the average time for ovulation to return was 170 days (five to six months) for people taking the 45 milligram (mg) dose, and 226 days (more than seven months) for those who had been on a 75 mg dose.
Ideally, you should stop receiving Depo injections about one year before you want to become pregnant. An estimated 50% of people who stop using Depo-Provera will get pregnant within 10 months, and the majority do so within 18 months after their last shot.
Signs of Ovulation
Watch for these signs of ovulation:
- Bloating and/or abdominal pain
- Changes in cervical mucus
- Changes in your basal body temperature
Apps and home ovulation tests can help you keep track of signs and symptoms, or test for a rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs right before ovulation.
Tips For Getting Pregnant After Depo-Provera
It may take some time to get pregnant after Depo-Provera. Here are some tips for conceiving:
- Stop birth control as soon as possible: Ideally, you should discontinue Depo injections about one year before you want to become pregnant.
- See your healthcare provider: They can get you caught up on vaccines you may need, discuss any questions you have, and suggest a prenatal supplement.
- Track your ovulation: Most women ovulate between day 11 and day 21 of their cycle, counting from the first day of their last period. Having sexual intercourse near ovulation is key to getting pregnant.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying excess weight during pregnancy increases the risk of complications, including high blood pressure and miscarriage.
- Don’t drink or smoke: Both habits are associated with negative effects on fertility.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you’re considering pregnancy, discuss your plans with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your overall health and suggest lifestyle changes and prenatal supplements.
When you’ve stopped taking Depo-Provera but feel you’re still not ovulating, be sure to schedule an appointment. That’s especially true if:
- Your cycles are still irregular two years after your last injection.
- You don’t conceive within 12 months of ovulation returning (or six months if you’re age 35 or older).
- You have other risk factors or signs of a possible fertility problem.
Can Depo-Provera Cause Infertility?
Depo-Provera does not usually lead to permanent or long-term infertility. However, there may be a delay in ovulation resuming once you stop the shots. However, this is temporary. In most cases, the common signs of ovulation return, and infertility does not last more than two years.
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