Do You Ovulate on Birth Control?

Women take birth control for all sorts of reasons, but the main purpose is to stop the body from getting pregnant. So what does that mean for ovulation? 

“What week do you ovulate on birth control?” 

“Does birth control work during ovulation?” 

“Do you still ovulate on birth control?”

These are all common questions for most women on birth control and we are here to explore this topic in detail. We’ll answer how birth control affects ovulation, from different types of birth control to fertility and cycle symptoms. 

Let’s go! 

Do You Still Ovulate on Birth Control?

Ovulation is the process by which an egg is released from an ovary and is ready to be fertilized. The entire process is controlled by hormonal signals that mature the egg and trigger its release. Hormonal birth control contains hormones that interfere with your menstrual cycle’s regular patterns.

Usually, rising and falling levels of estrogen and progesterone throughout your cycle let your body know, for example, when to ovulate or when to menstruate. But because hormonal birth control releases steady amounts of these hormones all the time, they keep hormone levels more consistent, masking the signals your body would usually send to tell you to ovulate or menstruate.

Many women wonder, “Does birth control stop ovulation?” Each type of hormonal birth control affects ovulation in a different way. Depending on the hormones and the dosage found in your particular type of birth control, you may or may not ovulate when using birth control.

Changes in your normal cycle due to birth control make it nearly impossible to track your ovulation while on a hormonal contraceptive, but that doesn’t mean you should stop tracking. By cycle tracking birth control via an app like the free Mira App, you can track symptoms, side effects, and hormone changes to understand how your body responds. 

How Ovulation Works in a Natural Cycle

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovaries. For most women, it occurs about halfway through the menstrual cycle. In order to understand how birth control affects ovulation, we need to comprehend what happens in our bodies during ovulation.

During the first phase of your menstrual cycle after your period, the follicular phase, follicles containing immature eggs start to develop in your ovaries. Eventually, one follicle emerges as dominant, meaning it grows larger than the rest.

When you are about to ovulate, your body’s hormone levels start to shift. Luteinizing hormone (LH) surges 24 to 36 hours prior to ovulation. This LH surge tells the ovaries that it’s time to release an egg. Estrogen levels also rise prior to ovulation.

The ovary containing the dominant follicle receives these hormonal signals and releases an egg. That egg travels down the fallopian tubes, where it stays alive for just 24 hours. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm within 24 hours of ovulation, pregnancy occurs. If not, the egg dies off and your menstrual cycle continues as usual.

The average menstrual cycle lasts anywhere between 21 to 35 days, and it is generally believed ovulation occurs about halfway through a cycle, approximately 14 days before the onset of your next period. Your fertile window is the six days in your cycle when you have the highest chance of conceiving through having sex. 

It’s important to note that sperm can live in the body for up to five days, and an egg can only live for 24 hours. This is why the fertile window lasts six days: five days to account for sperm viability and one day to account for egg viability.

Does Birth Control Stop Ovulation?

Typically, your hormones rise and fall throughout your cycle. When you are on birth control such as an oral contraceptive, however, your progesterone and estrogen levels stay more consistent through your cycle. Ovulation on birth control is affected because the birth control prevents surges in natural hormones as well as pregnancy by:

• Blocking the signal for the ovary to release an egg

• Thickening the cervical mucus so sperm cannot reach the egg (if ovulation occurs)

• Thinning the uterine lining, making it inhospitable for implantation of a fertilized egg

Non-hormonal forms of birth control, such as condoms or the copper IUD, do not affect ovulation because they do not release hormones. Hormonal forms of birth control containing synthetic progesterone (progestin) or a combination of progestin and synthetic estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) release steady amounts of these hormones to keep hormone levels consistent.

Normally, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) work alongside each other to facilitate the reproductive process. Synthetic estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progesterone (progestin) interrupt this cycle by suppressing production of FSH and LH, so no LH surge and FSH surge happen and therefore no ovulation.

In general, combined forms of birth control containing both progestin and ethinyl estradiol work to prevent ovulating on birth control as long as you use them consistently and effectively. Progestin-only forms of birth control usually halt ovulation but do not do so in a consistent manner. About 4 in 10 women using progestin-only birth control still ovulate. 

Different types of birth control have different rates of effectiveness. Some medicines or supplements may interact with your birth control, so it’s not doing the job you think it is. St. John’s Wort is notorious for interacting with the pill ovulation and making it less effective. As is the case with illnesses like diarrhea or vomiting, and missed doses. Overall, using your birth control correctly and consistently is what will make it the most effective. For instance, the pill and the vaginal ring are over 93% effective with typical use, where a hormonal IUD is nearly 99% effective. 

When Do You Ovulate on Birth Control?

As you can see, different types of birth control affect ovulation in slightly different ways. Does birth control stop ovulation? Most of the time, but sometimes you can have breakthrough ovulation and an egg is released. So to answer the question “Can you ovulate while on birth control?” – yes, under some circumstances. 

Breakthrough ovulation can happen with typical use – meaning you might miss a dose, take it later than normal, or start your new pack of pills a day later than you should have. This is especially possible as research shows that you’re more likely to have breakthrough ovulation if you miss a dose at the beginning or end of your monthly course. 

Some situations put you at a higher risk of breakthrough ovulation, like tummy issues that may cause vomiting or diarrhea, medication interactions, switching to a lower dose formation, or starting your pack of pills later than scheduled. Certain medications can also interfere, including antituberculosis drugs, antiseizure medications, and antibiotics.

Regardless of your goals, breakthrough ovulation can be unsettling, and you may be looking for more answers. Whether you’re experiencing breakthrough ovulation or you want to stop birth control altogether, consider consulting with one of our fertility practitioners. Unlike a doctor who can diagnose, treat, or provide medical advice, Mira’s practitioners can offer practical, holistic guidance on lifestyle, nutrition, and general wellness related to fertility. They can guide you in optimizing your fertility after birth control and offer emotional support on your journey. 

Please note: Mira’s fertility practitioners do not provide diagnoses, treatments, treatment adjustments, or medication prescriptions. Our services are not a substitute for a doctor’s advice, treatment plan, or diagnosis.

Different Birth Control Methods and Ovulation

“Can you ovulate on birth control?”

“When do you ovulate on birth control?”

The answer to these common questions depends on the type of birth control you’re using. See the chart below for ovulation on birth control and their different effects. 

Why Do I Have Ovulation Symptoms While on the Pill?

“Do you ovulate on birth control pills?”

“Why do I have ovulation symptoms while on the pill?”

Even though you don’t always ovulate on birth control pills, some people still have ovulation symptoms while on the pill. It depends on the type of birth control you’re using. 

Since nearly 40% of people who take the mini pill will still ovulate, if you’re taking the mini pill the ovulation symptoms you’re experiencing are because you are likely still ovulating. For those taking the combination pill, sometimes the side effects can mimic ovulation but are your body’s reaction to synthetic hormones.

You might experience the following symptoms:

• changes in cervical mucus

• mid-cycle spotting

• increased libido

• pelvic discomfort 

Even though you’re not ovulating, when taking the combined pill your follicles might still develop, causing pressure or pain that can feel like ovulation cramps. The follicle doesn’t develop fully to release the egg but it can still cause discomfort.

Some of these symptoms can also be from other causes, like infection, hormonal fluctuations, or side effects from the hormones in your birth control. Logging your symptoms in an app like the Mira App can help you keep track of what’s going on and get to know your body better.

Although we can ‘feel’ hormonal symptoms, we can’t exactly ‘see’ what our hormones are doing inside our bodies. Mira also offers the ability to do a panel blood test, the Panorama lab test, from home. This minimally invasive blood test measures 5 key hormones with a quick and easy finger prick. You’ll get 5 individual and personalized hormone reports with actionable steps to understand what your numbers mean for your ovarian reserve, thyroid function, menstrual cycle, hormonal balance, and fertility health. This test can help you differentiate between hormonal fluctuations from the pill versus other conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders and actual ovulation. Your results may even help you answer questions like “Do I ovulate on birth control?” as well as other insights.

Signs of Ovulation While on Birth Control

“Do you still ovulate on the pill?”

“Can I ovulate on birth control?” 

It can be hard to tell if you’re ovulating, despite contraception. There are a number of signs and symptoms that may occur during ovulation. Not everyone experiences them, and they can change from month to month.

Common ovulation symptoms:

• changes in cervical mucus

• breast tenderness

• light cramping (commonly referred to as “mittelschmerz”)

• libido changes

• mood swings

• basal body temperature changes

Tracking ovulation can be useful for a number of reasons, especially if you’re wondering “Does birth control work during ovulation?” (quick answer - it depends!). This is why it can be helpful to track your cycle and log your symptoms. There are a number of ways you can track ovulation and the symptoms like the basal body temperature method or ovulation predictor kits.

To better understand your cycle, you can track your actual hormone concentrations with the help of a digital fertility analyzer. The Mira Hormone Monitor tracks hormone levels and gives you actual LH levels through your cycle. Together with the companion app that uses smart learning to track your cycle over time, you’re able to track personalized information on par with what you get at a doctor's office. Monitoring your hormonal map over time can help you clearly pinpoint ovulation patterns and help answer questions like “Do you ovulate while on birth control?” 

Ovary Pain on Birth Control Pill

You may still experience some minor pelvic pain or cramping while on the pill. Sometimes it’s just cramping, but sometimes it’s something more. If you have an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids, the pill may not mask the pain that can come with these conditions. Other times, ovary or pelvic pain could indicate an issue like infection, pelvic floor dysfunction, ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancy.

Progestin-only pills are linked to the development of ovarian cysts – fluid filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. As cysts develop, they can cause pressure or pain in the pelvic region. Unlike ovulation pain, which is temporary and usually described as a sharp cramp, cysts can cause a different type of pain. Pain from cysts can be dull or sharp, persistent or intermittent, and may be accompanied by other symptoms like bloating, pressure, or discomfort. The timing of the pain can also help differentiate between the two, as ovulation pain typically occurs mid-cycle and resolves on its own.

It can be difficult to know when to see a doctor if you experience ovary pain, but a good rule to follow is that if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, you should seek medical attention. 

Does Birth Control Save Your Eggs?

At birth, women have all the eggs they will ever have. This is known as your ovarian reserve, and it naturally declines as you age. Ovulation isn’t the only way you lose eggs. You naturally lose eggs each month through a process called atresia (the process of ovarian follicles degenerating along with the eggs inside them). It’s a normal bodily process and not dependent on the menstrual cycle.

What some people are really wondering when they ask “Do you ovulate on birth control?” is whether you are saving your eggs by not ovulating. Even though the answer to the question “Do you ovulate on the pill?” is usually no, you are not saving your eggs by not ovulating. Birth control pauses monthly ovulation, but you still lose eggs to natural processes like atresia.

While taking the pill you experience suppressed ovarian function, but normal function should return once the pill is stopped. There is no effect on your future fertility; taking the pill does not cause infertility. 

Key Takeaways

Depending on what type of birth control you use, your ovulation may be affected in different ways – or not at all. Combination oral contraceptive pills, the patch, and vaginal ring reliably stop ovulation if used properly. Other forms of birth control, like the mini pill, birth control shot/injection, and implant, are less reliable at stopping ovulation (but remember they prevent pregnancy in different ways). If you are asking the question “Do you ovulate with IUD?” then the answer is mostly yes. You will probably not ovulate with a hormonal IUD (but you will with a copper one). Overall, combination birth control methods stop ovulation more reliably than progestin-only methods.

Although the pill is incredibly effective when taken correctly, life happens. Remember to take your pill at the same time every day for the most reliable protection. If you forget a pill, are inconsistent with timing, have been sick, or on antibiotics, you might want to look into backup contraception.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms after starting your birth control, it’s important to see your doctor:

• swelling or pain in legs

• legs feel warm to the touch or have skin changes

• fever or chills

• trouble breathing

• chest pain

• coughing up blood

• headaches that get worse 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one get pregnant during ovulation after taking birth control?

Yes. Although rare, it’s possible to get pregnant on birth control. Often incorrect use or the birth control failing can lead to ovulation and therefore pregnancy. 

Can you temporarily take birth control pills and stop to conceive?

Yes. There is no need to take a break and you can conceive as soon as ovulation returns. 

What ways can you get pregnant while you're on the pill?

The leading cause of pregnancy while you’re on the pill is from user error or mitigating circumstances like illness or other medications. You need to take the pill consistently to maintain constant hormone levels to stop ovulation. 

Does my body still go through a cycle even though I use birth control?

Your body does not go through a cycle if you are not ovulating.