How soon can I get pregnant after going off the shot?

I want to get pregnant soon.

Apr 18, 2016

If you’re already on Depo and you’ve decided you want to get pregnant, you’re going to have to wait it out. There’s no way around it. But 12 weeks after your last injection, you’ll be ready to start trying. It may take some time, though. Sometimes it can take up to 10 months after the last shot for fertility to come back completely.

Still not working?

If you think you’d like to become pregnant sometime in the near future, you might want to choose one of the hormonal methods that allows a faster return to fertility, such as the pill, patch, ring, or IUD. You might also consider a non-hormonal method, like male condoms or female condoms.

Want to learn more?

Select one of the related topics to find more.

birth control shot (Depo-Provera)

Related methods

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

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
Internal condom (FC2)
Very effective if you use them correctly, but not super effective the way most people use them. Hormone free, protect against STIs, and great for those with latex allergies.
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
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
Birth control ring
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you don't have to worry about it every day.
birth control
Condom
Very effective if you use them correctly, but not super effective the way most people use them. Hormone free, protect against STIs, and don't require a prescription, but they do require work.
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.