Switching or stopping contraception

Before changing contraception, ask how to switch without leaving a gap in protection. Some changes need temporary condoms or an overlap between methods. A coil removal also needs planning beforehand if you do not want to become pregnant.

Explain what you want to change

You may want a different method because of side effects, practical difficulties or a change in pregnancy plans. Start the conversation with 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 a wish to change methods.

Bring the name of your current contraception and any method you are considering. Include medicines you take and any change in your health. These changes are part of checking whether a progestin-only pill is still suitable for you.

You could say: “I want to change this method, and I want to avoid a gap in protection.” If you are considering pregnancy instead, say that. Ask the clinician to explain the plan in terms of your own methods, rather than a general rule about switching.

Covering the gap between methods

A clinician may recommend a barrier method or an overlap with your existing contraception while the new method becomes effective. CDC guidance for switching to progestin-only pills gives different instructions for different formulations. This is why there is no single waiting period that works for every switch.

Ask what to use, when extra protection is needed and when you can rely on the new method. Plan any prescribed-medicine change with the prescriber or pharmacist. Ask for written instructions if the switch involves several steps, and check what to do if the 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. Pregnancy is possible as soon as either has been removed. If you do not want pregnancy, NHS guidance calls for another method before removal, rather than waiting until afterwards to arrange it.

Tell the clinic about recent sex when arranging removal or a switch. CDC explains that sperm remaining in the genital tract can matter when moving from an IUD to a pill. The clinician may need to plan overlap, temporary barriers or emergency contraception around the circumstances.

Discuss the removal date and the new method together. If you have already had sex without the additional cover you were advised to use, tell the clinic before the procedure so it can review the plan.

When fertility returns

The NHS says fertility usually returns to previous levels about a month after stopping the combined pill. After a copper IUD or hormonal IUS is removed, pregnancy is possible straight away. After the contraceptive injection, return to previous fertility levels can take up to 1 year.

These timings cannot predict when you will conceive. They also do not tell you how long you are protected from pregnancy. If you are avoiding pregnancy, use the transition plan agreed for your methods. If you are thinking about pregnancy soon, ask about the possible delay after the injection when discussing options.

Periods and symptoms may need a separate plan

Hormonal contraception may have changed your bleeding. Periods can change after you stop hormonal contraception, for example if it had made your bleeding lighter. The combined pill can also help with acne, heavy or painful periods, PMS and endometriosis. Include any of those benefits in the discussion about changing it.

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

If a gap has already happened

Contact a pharmacist, sexual health clinic or GP today in the UK, or a pharmacist or reproductive health service in the US and elsewhere, after sex during a possible gap in protection. Emergency contraception may be needed and works best when used promptly. Explain which methods were involved and the dates.

For side effects or bleeding changes that 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 the method without having decided which one you want next.