If you’ve had an abortion or you’re considering having one, it’s only natural to wonder about its long-term implications: Specifically, you may be concerned about its potential impact on your ability to have a baby in the future.
We have good news: In general, abortion does not affect fertility or future pregnancy. But like any medical procedure, there can be complications, and having a complete understanding of abortion and fertility is important not only for family planning, but for your own peace of mind.
As a leading and trusted abortion specialist, our team at Eve Medical of Miami is here to help. Read on as we review the most current data about abortion and future fertility, while providing an overview of the rare complications that could affect future conception or pregnancy.
First, let’s take a quick look at the two primary types of abortions: medical and surgical. A medical (non-surgical) abortion uses two medications to promote a spontaneous miscarriage. This type of abortion usually occurs at home. A surgical abortion uses surgical techniques, including suction, to end a pregnancy and clear out the uterus.
Both surgical and non-surgical abortions are very safe and use time-tested and proven methods to end pregnancies early, carrying a very low risk of problems. In fact, data show most women have no issues with fertility or pregnancy following an abortion.
In most cases, normal menstruation begins within a few weeks of having an abortion, with ovulation beginning as soon as two to three weeks afterward. Once ovulation begins, pregnancy can occur, so if you don’t plan on having kids right now, it’s important to discuss — and begin — birth control when you schedule your abortion.
Having an abortion at a medical facility with trained medical professionals is very safe. That said, as with any medical treatment, complications can and sometimes do occur. Knowing about these complications and their potential impacts can help you make a well-informed decision as you navigate your options.
Uterine infection is one potential complication that could have an effect on your future fertility. While rare, infections can occur, which is why follow-up care is essential after any abortion — and after a miscarriage, as well.
Following all aftercare instructions, attending follow-up visits, and reporting signs of infection — like fever or flu-like symptoms — all play important roles in preventing infections and managing them properly if they do occur.
Scarring is another potential complication that could interfere with pregnancy in the future. Associated with surgical abortions, scarring is more common with repeated surgical abortion procedures, though both scarring and infections are still very rare.
For most women, having a history of abortion won’t have any effect on future family planning. If you’re still concerned or if you have other issues that could affect fertility — like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis — we’re here to help. Request an appointment with the team at Eve Medical of Miami in Miami, Florida, today.
