Fertility Return Calculator
Fertility Return Calculator
Estimated Fertility Return
Based on your inputs, your fertility is expected to return in approximately:
Your personalized fertility timeline is influenced by factors including age, BMI, and smoking status.
For women under 35 with healthy BMI, the median return time is 1-2 months.
For women over 35 or with higher BMI, it may take longer.
Recommendations for Faster Fertility Return:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in folate, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Stay active with moderate exercise
- Keep BMI within healthy range (18.5-24.9)
- Avoid smoking to reduce fertility delay
When you start thinking about pregnancy, the first thing on many minds is whether the birth‑control pill you’ve been taking will affect your chances. Desogestrel is a synthetic progestin used in the progestin‑only pill (POP), and it’s one of the most popular options for those who want reliable contraception without estrogen.
What Desogestrel Actually Does
Desogestrel works by thickening the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg, and by thinning the uterine lining so that implantation is less likely. It also suppresses ovulation in about 50‑60 % of cycles, which is lower than combined pills that block ovulation almost 100 % of the time. Because it doesn’t contain estrogen, it’s gentler on blood pressure and often recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
How Fertility Returns After Stopping Desogestrel
The big question for anyone trying to conceive is how quickly the body bounces back. Studies from the UK’s NHS and a 2023 meta‑analysis of 12 clinical trials show that most women resume ovulation within one to three months after their last POP pill. The median time to a positive pregnancy test is about 2.5 months, which is comparable to other progestin‑only methods.
| Method | Average Return of Ovulation | Median Time to Conception |
|---|---|---|
| Desogestrel POP | 1-3 months | 2.5 months |
| Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) | 1-2 months | 2 months |
| Levonorgestrel IUD | 2-4 months | 3 months |
| Implant (Nexplanon) | 2-6 months | 4 months |
Factors That Can Slow Down the Process
While the average numbers look encouraging, a few personal factors can stretch the timeline:
- Age: Women over 35 often see a slower return of ovulation, regardless of the pill type.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Higher BMI can interfere with hormone metabolism, delaying cycle regularity.
- Underlying conditions: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders may require extra monitoring.
- Smoking: Smoking impacts hormone balance and can add a month or more to the return of fertility.
What to Do While Waiting for Your Cycle to Reset
Give yourself the best shot at conceiving by adopting a few simple habits:
- Track basal body temperature and cervical mucus to spot the first sign of ovulation.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in folate, iron, and omega‑3 fatty acids - they support egg quality.
- Keep a healthy weight; aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
- Limit caffeine to under 200 mg per day and avoid alcohol excess.
- Stay active with moderate exercise - not intense marathon training, which can suppress ovulation.
Common Myths About Desogestrel and Pregnancy
Myth #1: "The POP will make you infertile forever." - False. Hormonal contraception is reversible, and fertility usually returns swiftly.
Myth #2: "You need a hormone‑free month before trying to conceive." - Not required; ovulation can resume as soon as the pill is stopped.
Myth #3: "Desogestrel causes birth defects if you get pregnant soon after stopping." - No evidence supports this. The drug clears from the bloodstream within a few days, and there’s no increased risk of congenital issues.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you haven’t gotten a period within three months of stopping Desogestrel, or if you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success, it’s time to book an appointment. Your clinician may check hormone levels, perform an ultrasound to confirm ovulation, or discuss other fertility‑enhancing options like timed intercourse or ovulation‑inducing medication.
Quick Checklist for Women Switching from Desogestrel to Trying to Conceive
- Mark the day you take your last pill.
- Start a daily symptom diary: temperature, mucus, mood.
- Schedule a pre‑conception check‑up within 4-6 weeks.
- Consider a prenatal vitamin with 400 µg folic acid.
- Stay relaxed - stress can delay ovulation.
Bottom line: if you’re planning a pregnancy, desogestrel isn’t a roadblock. Most women see a return to natural cycles within a few months, and with a few lifestyle tweaks you can boost your odds of a healthy conception.
How long does it take for ovulation to return after stopping Desogestrel?
Most women start ovulating again within 1‑3 months. The exact timing varies with age, BMI, and overall health.
Can I get pregnant the same month I stop the POP?
It’s possible, but less likely because the pill’s effects on cervical mucus can linger a few weeks. Tracking ovulation helps you know the best time.
Do I need a wash‑out period before trying to conceive?
No formal wash‑out is required. Your body clears the hormone quickly, so you can start trying as soon as you miss your next period.
Are there any risks of congenital defects after stopping Desogestrel?
Research shows no increased risk of birth defects once the pill is stopped. It’s safe to try for pregnancy immediately.
Should I switch to another form of contraception while I’m trying to conceive?
If you’re actively trying, the best approach is to stop hormonal contraception. If you need backup, a copper IUD can be removed later without affecting fertility.
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Comments
Kelly Brammer
22/Oct/2025It is imperative that anyone discontinuing desogestrel consult a qualified healthcare professional before attempting conception, because personal responsibility cannot be ignored. The hormone clearance is rapid, yet the underlying hormonal milieu may require monitoring. Ignoring medical advice could inadvertently extend the time to pregnancy.