Switching or stopping contraception

Before you change contraception, ask how to switch without a gap in protection. Some changes need condoms for a while, or an overlap between methods. If you don’t want to get pregnant, having a coil taken out also needs planning first.

Explain what you want to change

You may want a different method because of side effects, practical problems or a change in your plans for pregnancy. Start by saying what you want to be different. If you use progestin-only pills, you can contact your provider at any time about side effects, problems or wanting to change.

Bring the name of your current contraception and any method you’re thinking about. Mention any medicines you take and any change in your health. These help check whether a progestin-only pill still suits you.

You could say: “I want to change this method, and I want to avoid a gap in protection.” If you’re thinking about getting pregnant instead, say so. Ask the clinician to explain the plan for your own methods, not a general rule about switching.

Covering the gap between methods

A clinician may suggest a barrier method, or overlapping with your current contraception, while the new method starts to work. CDC guidance on switching to progestin-only pills gives different instructions for different pills. That’s why no single waiting time works for every switch.

Ask what to use, when you need extra protection and when you can rely on the new method. Plan any change to prescribed medicine with your prescriber or pharmacist. If the switch has several steps, ask for written instructions. Check what to do if your appointment or supply of the new method is delayed.

Plan before a coil comes out

A trained doctor or nurse removes a copper IUD or hormonal IUS. You can get pregnant as soon as either is taken out. If you don’t want to get pregnant, NHS guidance says to start another method before removal, not to wait until afterwards.

When you arrange removal or a switch, tell the clinic about any recent sex. CDC explains that sperm still in the body can matter when moving from an IUD to a pill. The clinician may need to plan an overlap, a barrier method or emergency contraception to suit what has happened.

Talk about the removal date and the new method together. If you’ve already had sex without the extra protection you were advised to use, tell the clinic before the procedure. They can then check the plan.

When fertility returns

The NHS says fertility usually returns to what it was about a month after stopping the combined pill. After a copper IUD or hormonal IUS is taken out, you can get pregnant straight away. After the contraceptive injection, it can take up to 1 year for fertility to return to what it was.

These timings can’t predict when you’ll get pregnant. They also don’t tell you how long you’re protected from pregnancy. If you’re avoiding pregnancy, follow the switching plan you agreed. If you’re thinking about pregnancy soon, ask about the possible delay after the injection when you look at your options.

Periods and symptoms may need a separate plan

Hormonal contraception may have changed your bleeding. Your periods can change after you stop it, for example if it made your bleeding lighter. The combined pill can also help with acne, heavy or painful periods, PMS and endometriosis. If it helps you in any of these ways, bring that up when you talk about changing.

Ask how symptoms will be managed if they bother you after the change, and what should prompt another appointment. Note down when you changed methods, along with any bleeding and symptoms. The related article, Periods after stopping hormonal contraception, looks more closely at how bleeding comes back.

If a gap has already happened

If you’ve had sex during a possible gap in protection, contact a pharmacist, sexual health clinic or GP today in the UK. In the US and elsewhere, contact a pharmacist or reproductive health service. You may need emergency contraception, and it works best when used soon. Explain which methods were involved and the dates.

If side effects or bleeding changes are bothering you, book with a GP or sexual health clinic in the UK, or your healthcare provider in the US and elsewhere. You can ask to review your method before you’ve decided what you want next.