Yes, you can still get pregnant after stopping Depo-Provera® shots even without having a period. While many women experience delayed periods after discontinuing the shot, ovulation can happen before your first period returns, meaning pregnancy is possible.
The absence of periods doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not fertile, as your body may be preparing to ovulate without the typical menstrual signs.
What is the Depo® shot, and how does it work?
The Depo® shot (Depo-Provera®) is a birth control injection containing the hormone progestin (medroxyprogesterone acetate) that prevents pregnancy for three months. It works by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining. The injection is typically given in the arm or buttock every 12–13 weeks by a healthcare provider.
Depo-subQ Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a lower-dose, self-administered, subcutaneous (under the skin) birth control shot given every 3 months
Can you get pregnant after Depo® even without a period?
Yes, pregnancy is possible after stopping Depo® even without a period returning. Your body can release an egg (ovulate) before you see any menstrual bleeding, which means you could conceive before your periods resume. Many women get pregnant within 12-18 months after their last injection, regardless of when their periods return.
Can you get pregnant while using Depo® and not having periods?
While actively using Depo-Provera® as directed, pregnancy is extremely unlikely, even without periods—missing periods while on Depo® is normal, as the hormone suppresses your menstrual cycle.
Why have I had no period after stopping Depo®?
After stopping Depo®, it’s common to experience delayed return of periods for several months or even up to a year. The synthetic hormone from your last injection can remain in your system for 12-18 months, continuing to suppress ovulation and menstruation. Your body needs time to resume its natural hormone production and restart regular cycles.
Additional factors that may delay period return:
- Previous irregular cycles before starting Depo®
- Body weight and overall health
- Age and individual hormone levels
- Stress or other medications
- Length of time on Depo®
How do I know I’m fertile after Depo®?
Fertility typically returns gradually after stopping Depo®, though the timeline varies significantly between individuals. Many people begin to ovulate again in around 12–18 months after their last injection. You may be fertile before obvious signs appear, so tracking multiple indicators can help you tell when your reproductive system is functioning normally again.
What are the signs of ovulation to track fertility?
Watch for these physical signs that suggest ovulation is returning:
- Cervical mucus changes (clear, stretchy, egg-white consistency)
- Mild cramping or ovulation pain on one side
- Slight increase in basal body temperature
- Breast tenderness
- Increased libido
- Light spotting
What tests help confirm fertility return?
Several tests can help determine if your fertility has returned after Depo®:
- Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) detect luteinizing hormone surges
- Basal body temperature charting shows ovulation patterns
- Blood tests measuring hormone panels (FSH, LH, estradiol)
- Ultrasound monitoring by a provider
How soon after stopping Depo® can I get pregnant?
Some women can conceive within 12–18 months of their last Depo-Provera® injection, while for others it may take longer. The timeline varies depending on how quickly your body clears the hormone and resumes regular ovulation.
What can I do if I haven’t had a period after stopping Depo®?
If you’re concerned about no period after stopping Depo® and if you can still get pregnant, consulting with a healthcare provider in person can help you evaluate your individual situation.
We at Nurx offer convenient access to birth control consultations and fertility guidance through our online platform. While Nurx doesn’t prescribe Depo-Provera®, our medical team can discuss alternative contraceptive options, fertility concerns, and provide personalized recommendations based on your health history.
Visit Nurx.com to learn more about birth control options and expert support for your reproductive health journey.
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.
Services not offered in every state. Medications prescribed only if clinically appropriate, based on completion of the required consultation. Individual results may vary
Depo-SubQ Provera 104® (medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension, 104mg/0.65mL for subcutaneous use), Rx only, is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including dysfunctional uterine bleeding (irregular, increase, decrease, spotting), headache, and weight gain. Meningiomas have been reported after repeated administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate, primarily with long-term use. Patients using this form of birth control should be monitored for signs and symptoms of meningioma, and treatment should be discontinued if a meningioma is diagnosed. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here. Depo-SubQ Provera 104® may be prescribed by a Nurx affiliated provider but is not fulfilled through a Nurx pharmacy.