Women who have been using intrauterine devices or implants experience the quickest return to fertility on cessation of contraception, whereas those using injectables take longer, a study shows.

Researchers examined outcomes for nearly 18,000 women seeking to conceive who were enrolled in three prospective cohorts — one in North America and two in Denmark.

The participants had been trying to conceive for fewer than six menstrual cycles and they were followed for up to a year.

Oral contraceptives (OC) were used by 38%, barrier methods 31%, natural methods 15.4%; hormonal IUD 7.8%, copper IUD 4%, ring 2.7%, implant 1%, injectables 0.5% and patches 0.4%.