Tips on getting pregnant after Depo-Provera® | Nurx

Want to get pregnant after using Depo-Provera®? It’s pretty normal to have questions about what comes next when you’re stopping birth control.

This birth control method is long-acting and effective, but it can take some time for your body to start ovulating regularly again. For most, fertility returns within a few months after the last injection. Paying attention to your overall health and learning how to track ovulation can help you understand what to expect and how to move forward with confidence.

Your path to pregnancy may take a little patience, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can take it on without unnecessary worry.

How the Depo-Provera® shot affects fertility

Depo-Provera® works a little differently than other forms of hormonal birth control. Each injection contains a long-acting form of progestin—a hormone that prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to help block sperm from reaching an egg. One shot provides protection for about three months.

What sets the birth control shot apart is how long it stays in your system. Unlike the pill, which stops working as soon as you stop taking it, the hormone from your last injection gradually leaves your body over time. That means your menstrual cycle and ovulation may take a little longer to return.

This delay can come as a surprise. Even after you’ve stopped getting injections, your body may need several months to fully reset. During this time, your ovaries begin to wake up and start producing eggs again, and your hormones naturally shift back into balance. It’s a slow, steady process, and that’s completely normal.

The reassuring part? Depo-Provera® doesn’t cause long-term fertility problems. Most people go on to conceive at the same rate as those who used other birth control methods—the main difference is the timeline. If you’re planning for pregnancy, tracking ovulation and giving your body time to adjust can help you feel more in tune with your cycle.

What happens after stopping the birth control shot

When you stop using Depo-Provera®, your body begins the process of returning to its natural hormone rhythm. Because the shot is long-acting, the synthetic hormone (progestin) leaves your system slowly over time—usually over the course of several months. As this happens, your reproductive system gradually begins to reboot.

In the first few weeks after skipping your next scheduled shot, you may not feel much different. That’s because the hormone is still active in your body. But as levels begin to decline, your brain (via the pituitary gland) starts sending signals to your ovaries again. This is what eventually triggers ovulation and the return of your menstrual cycle.

What you experience during this transition can vary—and all of it can be normal:

• Spotting or irregular bleeding is common as your body adjusts
• Some people don’t get a period for several months—that’s normal, too
• Mood shifts, energy changes, or PMS-like symptoms may show up as your hormones rebalance
• Weight changes are possible, since Depo-Provera® can influence appetite and metabolism

Everyone’s timeline looks a little different. Some people start ovulating again within a few months, while others may wait a year or more. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong—it’s simply how this form of birth control works in the body. With patience and support, your cycle will find its rhythm again.

Tips for getting pregnant after Depo-Provera®

After stopping Depo-Provera®, your body needs time to restart its natural rhythm—and there are practical things you can do to support this process. Fertility doesn’t always return immediately, but paying attention to your body and adopting healthy habits can help you feel more connected and confident as you prepare for pregnancy.

Track your cervical mucus

Your cervical mucus is one of the most reliable indicators of where you are in your cycle. After stopping Depo-Provera®, you may not notice much cervical mucus at first, but as your hormone levels normalize, this will likely change.

As ovulation approaches, cervical mucus typically becomes:

• Clear
• Stretchy
• Slippery (similar to raw egg whites)

This type of mucus helps sperm travel more easily through the cervix, increasing your chances of conception. Checking your cervical mucus daily—ideally around the same time each day—can help you learn your body’s patterns. In the beginning, the changes may be subtle, but with time they usually become easier to recognize.

Use ovulation tests

Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) are a helpful tool you can use. These tests detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which usually occurs 24–48 hours before ovulation. It may take several months post-Depo-Provera® for your body to produce a detectable LH surge, so don’t worry if your first few tests are negative.

When you do start seeing positive results, you’ll know that ovulation is likely just around the corner.

Focus on nutrition

Nutrition is key during this time. Focus on whole foods rich in nutrients that support reproductive health.

Leafy greens provide folate, which is essential even before conception to help prevent neural tube defects.

Omega-3s from fish and antioxidants from colorful fruits and veggies also support your body’s recovery.

Protein fuels hormone production, and healthy fats help your body create the hormones needed for ovulation.

Starting a prenatal vitamin now can give you an extra boost, too.

Keep moving with moderate exercise

Regular, moderate exercise is great for fertility, too. Choose activities you enjoy—whether it’s walking, swimming, or dancing—so movement feels good, not like a chore.

The goal is consistent, gentle activity. Be mindful not to overdo it; intense workouts can sometimes throw off your hormone balance. Many women find yoga especially helpful for combining movement with stress relief.

Prioritize rest and stress management

Stress impacts your whole body—including your reproductive system. When your body is stressed, it produces cortisol, which can interfere with the hormones that regulate ovulation.

Getting consistent, restful sleep—ideally 7 to 9 hours a night—supports hormone production and helps your body recover. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and keeping your bedroom cool and dark can improve sleep quality.

Besides sleep, find healthy ways to manage stress that work for you, whether it’s meditation, journaling, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature. Reducing stress won’t guarantee pregnancy, but it helps create a healthier environment for your hormones and mental well-being.

Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, and recreational drugs

Smoking harms egg quality and reduces fertility by affecting hormone levels and blood flow to reproductive organs. 

Similarly, drinking large amounts of alcohol can disrupt menstrual cycles and lower the chances of conception. Recreational drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and others may interfere with fertility and increase risks during pregnancy. 

Quitting your use of drugs and reducing your alcohol and smoking use as you plan for pregnancy creates a safer, healthier environment for conception and supports your overall health. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance or resources if you need help with quitting.

Stay hydrated

Water is essential for every bodily function, including reproductive health. Staying well-hydrated supports healthy cervical mucus production, which is important for sperm survival and movement through the reproductive tract.

Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day—around 8 glasses (about 2 liters) is a good goal for most people, but individual needs vary. Hydration also helps your body flush out toxins and supports circulation, both of which contribute to a healthy reproductive system.

Communicate with your healthcare provider

Keeping your primary medical provider or gynecologist in the loop ensures you have expert support tailored to your needs. Regular check-ins allow you to discuss any concerns or questions about your cycle, symptoms, or fertility journey.

If you’re not pregnant within a year of trying (or six months if you’re over 35), your provider can help evaluate potential fertility issues and recommend next steps. Preconception visits are a great opportunity to review your health history, update vaccinations, and discuss any medications or supplements.

They might suggest blood work to check vitamin levels or screen for conditions like thyroid issues or diabetes that could affect pregnancy. Having a healthcare partner you trust means you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Signs your ovulation is returning

After stopping birth control like Depo-Provera®, your body gradually begins to return to its natural rhythm—and one of the most important signs that your fertility is returning is ovulation. Even before your period becomes regular again, there are small but meaningful ways your body may be letting you know that ovulation is on its way.

Noticing these signs can help you feel more connected to your cycle and better understand when your body is ready to conceive.

Here are a few common signs that ovulation may be returning:

• Mild cramping or twinges (mittelschmerz): You might feel a subtle ache on one side of your lower abdomen when your ovary releases an egg. Not everyone feels this, but if you do, it’s often a sign that ovulation is happening.
• Basal body temperature (BBT) shifts: Tracking your temperature first thing in the morning can reveal small rises that occur after ovulation. Over time, these patterns can give you valuable insight into your cycle.
• Breast tenderness, increased libido, or mood changes: These are common around ovulation due to natural hormone fluctuations. Some people feel more energetic or social during this time, too.

When to see a healthcare provider

Waiting for your fertility to return after stopping birth control is normal, but there are times when checking in with a provider makes sense. Knowing when to seek care can help you feel supported and catch any concerns early.

If you haven’t had any menstrual bleeding within 6-12 months after your last Depo-Provera® shot, it’s a good idea to schedule an in-person appointment. Your provider can check your hormone levels and rule out other causes of missed periods. If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if you’re over 35) after your cycles returned, a fertility evaluation could be helpful.

Certain symptoms also warrant medical attention. If you experience severe pelvic pain, very heavy bleeding, or bleeding lasting more than 10 days, reach out to your in-person primary care or gynecology provider. These aren’t typical side effects of stopping Depo-Provera® and might signal another issue. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s worth getting checked.

Even if everything feels normal, a preconception in-person visit can still be valuable. Your provider can review your health history, make sure your vaccinations are up to date, and discuss any medications you’re taking. They might recommend blood tests to check for vitamin levels or screen for conditions that could affect pregnancy.

Supporting your journey to conception

Getting pregnant after stopping Depo-Provera® takes patience—and knowing what’s happening in your body can help you feel more in control along the way. After your last injection, your body needs time to clear the synthetic hormones and restart natural ovulation. For most people, this process takes a few months, but every timeline is unique.

During this transition, focusing on healthy habits like balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and managing stress can support your fertility and overall well-being.

Pay close attention to your body’s signals—like changes in cervical mucus and ovulation test results—to recognize when your fertility is returning. It’s normal to have irregular cycles at first, and that doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant once ovulation begins again.

Stay connected with your healthcare providers for personalized support and guidance.

Above all, be patient and kind to yourself as your body finds its natural rhythm again. With informed choices and compassionate support, you can navigate this transition with confidence and clarity—and take meaningful steps toward your next chapter. These tips on getting pregnant after Depo-Provera® can help you navigate this transition with confidence and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

How to get Depo-Provera® out of your system faster?

There’s no way to flush Depo-Provera® out of your system—it just takes time. The shot works by releasing a hormone that stays in your body for several months. For most people, it takes about several months after the last injection for ovulation (and fertility) to return. That timeline can vary, and that’s completely normal.

No period after stopping Depo-Provera®can I still get pregnant?

Yes. It’s possible to ovulate—and get pregnant—before your first period comes back. That’s why it’s important to use birth control if you’re not trying to conceive.

First period after Depo-Provera®can I get pregnant?

Yes. Your first period is a strong sign that your body is ovulating again, which means pregnancy is possible. If you’re hoping to conceive, that first period can be a helpful signal that your fertility is returning.

How long did it take you to get pregnant after Depo-Provera®?

On average, it takes about several months after your last shot for fertility to return—but everyone’s body is different. Some people conceive sooner, and for others, it may take a little longer. If you’re feeling unsure or want support with next steps, a healthcare provider can help you understand your cycle and talk through your options.

The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.

Depo-SubQ Provera® 104 may be prescribed by a Nurx affiliated provider but is not fulfilled through a Nurx pharmacy. Learn more about Depo-SubQ Provera® here.