What should I do before stopping my birth control?

Nov 02, 2021 Updated: Aug 28, 2025

If you’re just not vibing with your choice of birth control, it might be time to switch things up! Before you do, ask yourself some questions to make sure you know what’s not working and what you might want in a new method. Thinking about why you want to switch methods and what your needs are going forward will help you figure out next steps that work for you.

If you’d like to stop your birth control and try to get pregnant, you can get pregnant pretty quickly after stopping most methods.

Want to learn more?

Select one of the related topics to find more.

IUD how-to pregnancy and fertility birth control shot (Depo-Provera) birth control patch birth control pill implant (Nexplanon)
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Related methods

Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.

birth control
IUD
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private (though some partners can feel the strings). You can choose hormonal or non-hormonal.
birth control
Implant (Nexplanon)
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private.
birth control
Birth control shot
Very effective if you use it correctly. Lasts for months, is private, and is a good hormonal option for those who can't take estrogen.
birth control
Birth control patch
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you only have to worry about it once a week.
birth control
Birth control pill
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use, but you have to remember to take it every day.