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What Are Signs of Ovulation After Stopping the Pill?

Clara Siegmund
Clara Siegmund

After you stop taking birth control pills, your body and your menstrual cycle take some time to readjust. Here’s how to understand the signs of ovulation after stopping the pill.

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May 3, 2023
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After you stop taking birth control pills, your body and your menstrual cycle take some time to readjust. Here’s how to understand the signs of ovulation after stopping the pill.

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After you stop taking birth control pills, your body and your menstrual cycle take some time to readjust. Here’s how to understand the signs of ovulation after stopping the pill.

There are lots of different forms of birth control, and lots of reasons why someone might choose to stop using it. For example, maybe you’re starting to try to conceive; maybe you’re stopping because of side effects. Regardless of what situation you’re in, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of ovulation after stopping the pill (or intrauterine device, or ring, or implant, etc.)

Some birth controls work by blocking sperm from reaching the cervix. These are called barrier methods: think condoms, spermicide, or diaphragms. Other types of birth control, however, work by completely or partially suppressing ovulation. This includes forms of hormonal birth control, like the pill, the patch, the ring, the implant, the shot, or IUDs. Depending on the type of birth control you use and when you stop, you may have a different timeline for when ovulation returns.

So, how will you know when ovulation is back? What are the signs of ovulation after stopping the pill? And how does any of this relate to whether or not you get pregnant? Here’s a quick rundown.

What is ovulation and how does birth control affect it?

To understand ovulation — and learn the signs of ovulation after stopping the pill — we first have to look at the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle refers to the series of changes that your body goes through monthly in preparation for a potential pregnancy. The length of your menstrual cycle is counted from day one of your period one month to day one of your period the next month.

>>RELATED: Why You Should Track Your Cycle Beyond Your Period

Ovulation is a phase in your menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries. The timing of ovulation can vary for different people, but it generally happens around the midpoint of your cycle. After the egg gets released, it travels down the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized by sperm. An egg can hang out in the fallopian tube for 12 to 24 hours.

This is the time when you can get pregnant, sometimes referred to as your “fertile window.” If the egg is fertilized in the hours after it’s released, the resulting embryo then implants in the lining of your uterus. If the egg isn’t fertilized, your body sheds the thickened uterine lining. This “shedding” is your period, and it generally happens about two weeks after ovulation.

If you’re taking birth control that suppresses ovulation, you either don’t ovulate, or the functions around ovulation are impeded to keep you from getting pregnant. Once you stop taking birth control, your body may need some time to readjust and begin regularly ovulating again. This is normal! The length of time depends on the type of birth control you were using, among other factors unique to you.

Certain signs can indicate when your body has started ovulating again. Whether you’re trying to achieve pregnancy or avoid it, identifying the signs of ovulation after stopping the pill will help you keep track of what’s happening in your body and determine what you want to do next.

Signs of ovulation after stopping the pill

Ovulation is accompanied by hormonal changes as your body prepares for a potential pregnancy, and then returns to a normal state if you don’t become pregnant. These hormonal changes come with detectable physical signs that occur both before and after you ovulate. Some people may also experience physical symptoms during ovulation.

These signs are not only present prior to birth control use — they will also return after. Here are some of the most common signs of ovulation after stopping the pill.

Changes in cervical mucus

Your cervical mucus changes prior to ovulation. Before the egg is released, developing follicles in your ovaries cause a spike in estradiol, a type of estrogen. This hormone causes your body to produce cervical secretions that are clear and stretchy. Often referred to as “egg white mucus,” this cervical mucus is intended to help sperm travel through the vaginal canal. You will generally notice egg white mucus beginning about three to four days before ovulation.

If you’ve recently stopped using hormonal birth control, you may also notice changes in vaginal discharge at other moments throughout your cycle. In most cases, this is not cause for concern. Your body is adjusting to changes in hormone levels, and this can be observed in many different ways, including in your discharge.

Increase in basal body temperature (BBT)

Your basal body temperature (BBT) also changes with ovulation. Elevated BBT can be a sign of ovulation for people who aren’t using birth control and people who have stopped birth control, alike.

Following ovulation, your body releases progesterone to prepare for a potential pregnancy. This hormone in turn causes your hypothalamus to increase your body temperature. For many people, BBT increases around 0.5°F following ovulation, but for others, a significant change in BBT may not occur.

You can track your BBT daily using a thermometer that measures temperature to one-tenth of a degree (two decimal places). For accurate readings, take your temperature first thing in the morning, before doing anything else. Be sure to record your temperature at exactly the same time with the same thermometer for best results. If you record a BBT higher than the previous six days for three days in a row, it may be an indication that you ovulated.

Pelvic or abdominal pain

You may experience mild pelvic or abdominal pain during ovulation. Ovulation pain is known as “mittelschmerz,” German for “middle pain,” as it occurs mid-cycle. Mittelschmerz pain usually lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, though it can last for as long as one or two days. You can try keeping track of when in your menstrual cycle you feel abdominal pain: if the pain occurs mid-cycle and goes away without treatment, it’s likely mittelschmerz.

You may notice that mittelschmerz pain occurs on one side of your abdomen at a time. The side where you experience pain is the side of your ovaries that’s ovulating. For some people, pain may feel dull and achy, like menstrual cramps, but it can also be sharp and sudden at times.

In most cases, ovulation pain is not a sign of anything serious and doesn’t require medical treatment. You may find relief from minor mittelschmerz pain with home remedies, like over-the-counter painkillers, or taking a hot bath. If you experience severe pain, however, consider consulting a doctor as it could be a sign of different health problems.  

>>RELATED: Period Cramps vs. Early Pregnancy Cramps: What's the Difference?

Breast pain

Some people experience mild breast pain or tenderness during ovulation. This may be felt in the nipples and/or in the breasts. Similar to tender or sensitive breasts during your period, this pain may be felt as a dull ache or heaviness. For some people, breast and/or nipple discomfort can last until the start of their period.

Bloating

Similar to bloating during periods, some people experience bloating during ovulation. Levels of hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen surge prior to ovulation. These hormonal changes can trigger bloating in some individuals.

Mood changes

Hormones can have a large impact on your mood. Many people experience mood swings during ovulation, which can be linked to changes in hormone levels as your body prepares for a potential pregnancy. Hormonal changes can also affect your energy level and libido.

For individuals who have recently stopped using a form of hormonal birth control, these fluctuations can sometimes be amplified as their body readjusts.

>>MORE: Hormones May Be To Blame for Mood Changes, But Your Emotions Are Still Valid

The return of pre-birth control symptoms

Some people take birth control to regulate hormones and manage hormone-related issues. If this is the case for you, you may notice the return of symptoms that were previously suppressed after you stop birth control. The return of pre-birth control symptoms can also be a sign that you’re ovulating again.

Examples of symptoms that may come back after stopping birth control include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Heavy periods
  • Longer periods
  • Painful cramps
  • Pain related to endometriosis
  • Hair growth related to hirsutism
  • PCOS symptoms
  • Acne
  • Mood swings

Even if you weren’t using birth control to suppress symptoms, you may notice changes like heavier or longer periods after stopping birth control. In general, you may experience irregular periods and irregular menstrual cycles for some time as your body readjusts.

How long after coming off the pill will I ovulate?

While the amount of time it takes for your body to start ovulating again partly depends on the type of birth control you were using, ovulation generally returns almost immediately after stopping the pill. For most birth control methods, ovulation is back to normal within a few weeks.

Here’s a rundown, in very general terms, of what the time to ovulation can be after stopping hormonal birth control:

How soon can you get pregnant after stopping birth control?

First, it’s important to note that birth control, regardless of the type and duration of use, does not affect your fertility in the long term after you stop taking it.

So, the best way to find out how soon you can get pregnant after birth control is to know when you're ovulating again — which is usually immediately after you stop using birth control, but it can vary based on what type of birth control you use and personal factors.

Hormonal birth control

With many types of hormonal birth control, it’s possible to get pregnant soon after stopping use, or even immediately after stopping.

According to a National Library of Medicine 2018 research review, 83.1% of participants included in the studies reviewed got pregnant within one year of stopping birth control. The research review also found that this statistic was not significantly different across hormonal birth control methods.

Keep in mind that the time it takes your body to readjust after birth control, and for your body to be able to get pregnant, are personal to you. What might be immediate for some people can take a couple of weeks or a couple of months for others.

Barrier birth control

Barrier birth control methods, like condoms, diaphragms, or spermicide, only work on a case-by-case basis, meaning that you can get pregnant anytime you don’t use them during sex.

The same 2018 research review found that 85.2% to 94% of study participants got pregnant within one year of stopping barrier birth control methods. The researchers suggest that this slightly higher rate as compared to hormonal birth control users may be partly due to the fact that it can take longer for hormones to leave the body, which can delay time to pregnancy.

Other factors

Your timeline to pregnancy also depends on your menstrual cycle and its return to normalcy. Your cycle can be influenced by lots of factors, including weight, stress, exercise, and existing diagnoses (like PCOS, PID, or endometriosis). No two bodies are the same, and all of these elements make for different journeys for each person.

It’s important to note that it’s possible to start ovulating before you get your period again, meaning that you can get pregnant before your period comes back. If you’re trying to avoid pregnancy, you should consider immediately using other forms of contraception (such as barrier methods, like condoms) after stopping your previous form of birth control.

>>MORE: How To Get Pregnant Quickly After Birth Control

Signs of ovulation after stopping the pill: the takeaway

Regardless of the possible timelines for your version of normalcy, it’s important to know the signs of ovulation after stopping birth control so that you know what’s happening in your body. This is true for people who want to get pregnant and for people who want to avoid it: recognizing when you’re ovulating again tells you that it’s possible for you to get pregnant, and this knowledge gives you the power to act.

If you’re trying to conceive, you can track your new, post-birth control cycle and your ovulation to determine your fertile window and figure out the days when you should have sex.

Getting “back to normal” after stopping birth control can be a difficult and complex process. Your normal doesn’t look like anyone else’s: things happen differently for each body, and there isn’t one, single timeline for readjusting. Remember that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling.

If you’re trying to conceive and it’s been taking some time, you may want to consider seeing a fertility specialist. Reproductive endocrinologists (REI) and reproductive urologists can help figure out what’s going on and determine what you can do next. In general, it’s recommended that you see a specialist after one year of trying if you’re under 35 years old, or after six months of trying if you’re over 35. You may want to consider seeing a specialist sooner if you have a history of certain diagnoses, including PCOS, PID, or endometriosis.

About the author

https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can I take progesterone if I'm breastfeeding?
Yes, progesterone is generally safe while breastfeeding and doesn't significantly affect milk supply. However, always discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any hormone supplementation while nursing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Is it safe to take progesterone throughout pregnancy?
Yes, when prescribed by your healthcare provider. Progesterone supplementation in early pregnancy is safe and can reduce miscarriage risk in women with low progesterone or a history of pregnancy loss. Most providers continue supplementation through the first trimester (weeks 10-12) when the placenta takes over.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can progesterone supplementation cause weight gain?
Progesterone can cause temporary water retention and bloating, which may show up as a few pounds on the scale, but it doesn't cause true fat weight gain. Most women don't experience significant weight changes from progesterone supplementation.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can I switch from pills to suppositories or vice versa?
Yes, but only under your doctor's guidance. The dosing and timing may need adjustment when switching between forms since they're absorbed differently. Never switch on your own, especially if you're pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Will progesterone supplementation delay my period?
Yes, progesterone keeps the uterine lining intact, so if you're not pregnant and continue taking progesterone, your period will be delayed. Once you stop taking it, your period should start within 2-10 days. If you are pregnant, progesterone helps maintain the pregnancy and you won't get a period.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Should I take progesterone pills orally or vaginally?
For fertility and pregnancy support, vaginal progesterone is usually preferred because it delivers higher concentrations directly to the uterus. For perimenopause or general hormone balance, oral progesterone often works well and is more convenient. Your doctor will recommend the best route based on your specific needs.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
When should I start taking progesterone after ovulation?
Typically, progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support starts 2-3 days after ovulation (confirmed by LH surge or temperature rise). Your doctor will give you specific timing based on your protocol. Some women start immediately after a positive ovulation test.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
What's better: progesterone cream or pills?
Pills (oral micronized progesterone) are generally more effective and reliable than creams because absorption from creams is inconsistent. For medical conditions like fertility issues, low progesterone, or HRT, prescription pills or suppositories are strongly recommended over over-the-counter creams.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
How can I tell if I have low or high progesterone?
The only definitive way to know is through hormone testing via blood tests or at-home urine tests that measure progesterone metabolites. However, symptom patterns can provide clues: anxiety and irregular periods suggest low progesterone, while bloating and extreme fatigue suggest high progesterone.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
When during my cycle should I test progesterone levels?
Test progesterone levels during the luteal phase, typically 7 days after ovulation or around day 21 of a 28-day cycle. This is when progesterone should be at its peak, making it easier to identify if levels are too low or too high.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
What are the main differences between low and high progesterone symptoms?
Low progesterone typically causes irregular or heavy periods, anxiety, hot flashes, and sleep issues. High progesterone causes bloating, fatigue, intense breast tenderness, and depression-like mood changes. Low progesterone symptoms persist throughout your cycle, while high progesterone symptoms are most intense during the luteal phase.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
Can you have symptoms of both low and high progesterone?
Some symptoms like breast tenderness and mood changes can occur with both low and high progesterone, making it confusing. However, the timing, intensity, and accompanying symptoms differ. Hormone testing is the best way to determine which imbalance you're experiencing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can stress affect 10 DPO symptoms?
Yes, stress can worsen or mimic 10 DPO symptoms. Stress increases cortisol, which can cause cramping, fatigue, and mood changes similar to both PMS and early pregnancy. During the two-week wait, try stress-reduction techniques like gentle exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is it better to test at 10 DPO or wait?
It's better to wait until 12–14 DPO for more accurate results. Testing at 10 DPO often leads to false negatives because hCG levels may still be too low. If you absolutely can't wait, use a sensitive early detection test with first morning urine, and be prepared to retest in 2–3 days if negative.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does implantation bleeding look like at 10 DPO?
Implantation bleeding at 10 DPO is typically light pink or brown, much lighter than a period, and lasts 1–2 days. It's often just spotting when you wipe or a few drops on a panty liner. However, only 15–20% of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding—most don't have any bleeding at all.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Why am I cramping at 10 DPO?
Cramping at 10 DPO can be caused by elevated progesterone (whether you're pregnant or not), implantation (if you're pregnant), or premenstrual cramping. Unfortunately, cramping alone can't tell you if you're pregnant since progesterone causes similar symptoms in both scenarios.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What are the chances of a BFP at 10 DPO?
If you're pregnant, you have about a 50–60% chance of getting a positive test at 10 DPO. This means there's a 40–50% chance of a false negative even if you conceived. Chances improve significantly by 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What DPO is most accurate for pregnancy testing?
14 DPO (the day of your missed period) is the most accurate time to test, with 99% accuracy. 12 DPO offers 80–90% accuracy. 10 DPO has only 50–60% accuracy. For best results, wait as long as you can—ideally until 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is 10 DPO too early to test?
10 DPO is considered early for pregnancy testing. While some women get positives at 10 DPO, accuracy is only 50–60% if you're pregnant. For best results, wait until 12 DPO (80–90% accuracy) or 14 DPO/missed period (99% accuracy).
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you have implantation at 10 DPO?
Yes, implantation can still occur at 10 DPO, though 84% of women have already implanted by this point. Late implantation at 10–12 DPO is normal. If implantation happens at 10 DPO, you won't get a positive pregnancy test for another 2–3 days.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does a negative test at 10 DPO mean?
A negative test at 10 DPO does not mean you're not pregnant. It's very common to get negatives at 10 DPO even if you conceived. Your hCG levels may still be too low, or implantation may have occurred later. Wait until 12–14 DPO to retest for more accurate results.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you get a positive pregnancy test at 10 DPO?
Yes, but only about 50–60% of pregnant women will get a positive at 10 DPO. The other 40–50% have hCG levels that are still too low to detect. If you test negative at 10 DPO, wait 2–3 days and test again.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
Can high progesterone cause weight gain?
Yes, elevated progesterone can cause temporary weight gain through water retention and bloating. This is a normal part of the luteal phase and early pregnancy.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
Does stress affect estrogen levels?
Yes, chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can suppress estrogen production and disrupt hormonal balance. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, adequate sleep, and self-care practices helps maintain optimal estrogen levels.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
When should I consider medical treatment for low estrogen?
Consider medical intervention if natural methods don't improve symptoms after 3 months, if symptoms severely impact quality of life, if you're experiencing early menopause (before 40), or if you have fertility concerns. Hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate in these cases.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
What are the signs that my estrogen is increasing?
Signs of rising estrogen include more regular menstrual cycles, reduced hot flashes, improved vaginal lubrication, better mood stability, increased energy, and improved skin elasticity. You may also notice reduced symptoms that originally indicated low estrogen.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
Can exercise increase estrogen levels?
Yes, moderate exercise stimulates estrogen release and helps maintain hormonal balance. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate cardio weekly plus strength training twice per week. However, excessive exercise can actually lower estrogen, so balance is key.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
How long does it take to increase estrogen naturally?
With consistent dietary and lifestyle changes, you may notice improvements in symptoms within 4-8 weeks. However, significant hormonal changes typically take 2-3 months. Tracking your cycle and symptoms can help you monitor progress.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
What foods increase estrogen levels naturally?
Foods high in phytoestrogens can help increase estrogen naturally. The best options include flax seeds (high in lignans), soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame), lentils, chickpeas, whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice), and garlic. These plant compounds mimic estrogen's effects in the body.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What helps relieve hot flashes quickly?
Cool environments, layered clothing, herbal teas, and medical treatments like gabapentin or HRT may help—depending on severity. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol can also provide relief.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Are there tests to confirm perimenopause?
Yes. Tests measuring estradiol, LH, and FSH levels can indicate hormonal shifts—but diagnosis is often symptom-based since hormone levels fluctuate widely during perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
How do I know it's perimenopause and not something else?
A doctor may recommend hormone testing (like LH, E3G, and PdG) and track symptom timing. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms combined with age and menstrual pattern changes.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What's the earliest age perimenopause can start?
Some women begin experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-30s, though perimenopause typically starts between ages 38-45.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Does perimenopause affect mental clarity?
Yes. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating are common during hormone fluctuations in perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
What happens after the last sign of perimenopause?
After your final period, you enter postmenopause. You'll need 12 consecutive months without a period to confirm menopause. Many symptoms gradually improve, though some like vaginal dryness may persist without treatment.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
When do perimenopause symptoms finally stop?
Some symptoms like brain fog improve after menopause, while others like hot flashes may continue for up to 10 years post-menopause. Vaginal symptoms often persist or worsen without treatment. Each person's timeline is different.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
Is high progesterone a sign of pregnancy?
Yes, high progesterone is one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy. Progesterone levels rise significantly after conception to support the developing embryo and reach their peak during the third trimester.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
Can you still get pregnant in late perimenopause?
Yes, you can still get pregnant during perimenopause as long as you're having periods, even if they're infrequent. Continue using birth control until you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period and have officially reached menopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
Do symptoms get worse before perimenopause ends?
Yes, most perimenopause symptoms intensify in the final 1-2 years before menopause. Hot flashes peak around your final period, vaginal symptoms worsen, and mood changes increase. However, brain fog typically improves in late perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
How long does late perimenopause last?
Late perimenopause typically lasts 1-3 years before your final period. However, the exact duration varies significantly from person to person. You've reached menopause after 12 consecutive months without a period.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
What are the symptoms of high progesterone?
High progesterone symptoms include fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, anxiety, depression, headaches, and food cravings. During pregnancy, you may also experience increased nipple sensitivity and muscle aches.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
What are the first signs that perimenopause is ending?
The earliest signs include longer gaps between periods (60+ days), intensifying hot flashes that peak around your final period, and worsening vaginal dryness. These symptoms typically increase in late perimenopause before you reach official menopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
When should I be concerned about high progesterone?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience high progesterone symptoms outside your luteal phase when not pregnant, or if symptoms include severe pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or rapid weight gain while on hormone therapy.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
How do you test progesterone levels?
Progesterone can be measured through blood tests at your doctor's office or at-home urine tests that measure PdG (a progesterone metabolite). Testing is typically done during the luteal phase, about 7 days after ovulation.

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