Signs of Pregnancy After Stopping Depo-Provera

So, you’ve recently stopped having your Depo-provera shots, and you’re wondering if you could be pregnant… 🤰

Or, you may be thinking of coming off Depo, but you’re unsure what to expect?

It can be tricky to know when Depo is fully out of your system. 😵‍💫

And you may mistake a few withdrawal signs for pregnancy signs.

But, that’s why we’re here to help. 🤗

So, let’s jump right in and give you the 411 on getting pregnant after stopping Depo-Provera. 💉

In this article: 📝

How Depo-Provera works

Also known as the birth control shot, Depo-Provera works by releasing the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream.

This prevents the release of an egg each month (ovulation) — without this crucial fertility ingredient, you’re not able to get pregnant.

The shot also thickens up your cervical mucus, meaning that sperm have a trickier time trying to break through that barrier to move through the cervix. ❌

Protection lasts for 13 weeks, and then you’d need to get a top-up shot to make sure you’re protected.

But, in short, during those 13 weeks, you can relax, kick back, and not have to worry about becoming pregnant… 😌

Depo can make your periods irregular, it can stop them altogether, and it can also affect how heavy or light they are, too.

How long does Depo stay in your system after stopping?

It varies largely person-to-person — but, it’s thought it can take up to 1 year for your fertility to return to normal after the shot wears off.

Depo-Provera manufacturer says most people who try to get pregnant after using Depo do so within 18 months of their last shot.

That’s why, if you are planning on having a baby in the near future, it’s recommended to come off Depo sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, you could use other methods of birth control that are non-hormonal (such as condoms), meaning you’re giving your body a break from hormones and regulating your natural fertility.

How to tell if you’re pregnant after coming off Depo-Provera

So, here’s the thing…

The symptoms for stopping taking Depo-Provera can be very similar to those you’d experience in early pregnancy. 🫣

So, both pregnancy symptoms and withdrawal symptoms could look like:

• A missed period
  
• Sore breasts
  
• Nausea
  
• Weight changes
  
• Bloating

(… all the fun and games )

So, it can be tricky to identify if you’re pregnant, or whether you’re just experiencing withdrawal symptoms from the shot wearing off. 🤷‍♀️

Best way to tell?

Head to your local drugstore and pick up a home pregnancy test.

This is the most accurate and reliable way of knowing whether you’re pregnant or not.

You may mistake a missed period for just being a side effect of the shot wearing off, but actually, you could have a little babe on the way. 🤰

Or, vice-versa!

How long does it take to start ovulating again after Depo? 🥚

If you had regular periods before starting the shots, it takes roughly around 12 months for your periods to normalize after stopping taking Depo-Provera, indicating regular ovulation.

This timeline might vary if you have irregular periods.

But this depends on a number of things, including your age, your weight, and the dosage level you’ve had.

For example, it’s thought that fertility is likely to return quicker in women who weigh less, rather than women who tend to weigh more.

Wondering how to tell whether your ovulation has returned? 🤔

Watch out for signs of regular periods, changes in your discharge, any bloating or abdominal pain, or changes to your basal body temperature.

If your periods haven’t returned within two years of your last Depo shot, make sure you book an appointment with your doctor.

🔍 Get Clued Up: How To Tell When You’re Ovulating 🥚

Tips on getting pregnant after Depo-Provera

Ready to take that next step in your fertility journey and start a family? 🤱 

We’re here to help.

First things first…

• 🙅‍♀️ Stop taking Depo: It may sound simple, but as soon as you start to feel broody and are seriously considering bringing your own tiny human into the world, stop taking the shots and switch to another form of contraception (just until you’re completely ready to start trying). The best contraception choice to switch to is only one discussion away with your doctor.
  
• 🥚 Track ovulation: Using an app or your diary, track your ovulation signs. You may not ovulate right away for a few months… but, once you do, keep a sharp eye on things. 👀 You can use ovulation tests, too, to keep on top of it as, when that magic window arrives, it’s go-time. 😈
  
• 📅 Get prepped for your fertility journey: While you’re waiting for your natural fertility to return, you can use this time to get organized. Get your diet and exercise regime in check, manage any existing health conditions, and start taking prenatal vitamins with advice from your doctor. Also, downloading Peanut and getting advice from women in the same boat as you is a great place to start. 🥜

Can Depo cause infertility?

No — Depo-Provera is not thought to cause infertility.

What it does do, though, is affect fertility for up to a couple of years.

So, if you are looking to start a family fairly soon, another method of birth control — such as the contraceptive pill, or an IUD — may be a better choice, as their effects on the body are quicker to reverse.

But no, Depo is not thought to affect long-term future fertility.

So, conclusion time…

If TTC is on the horizon, consider coming off the Depo shots, and moving over to a non-hormonal contraception (like condoms) in the meantime.

And remember, you don’t need to go through any of this alone.

There’s a whole Community of women waiting for you on Peanut to offer support and advice each step of the way. ❤️