Does Abortion Affect Fertility?

In this blog, we’ll explore abortion, fertility and the risks associated with terminating a pregnancy. To address the main question, several factors can affect fertility, but abortion is not one of them. It is a safe procedure with low risks, and while there are low chances of complications, it is still possible to get pregnant in the future.

Types of Abortion

There are two types of abortion methods available through abortion providers, dependent on the gestation of pregnancy and personal preference.

Medical Abortion – You can have an early medical abortion (EMA) using abortion pills up to 10 weeks and 0 days of pregnancy. It involves taking two different types of medication. See here for more information on abortion pills.

Surgical Abortion– Surgical abortion procedures are provided in our specialist clinics. It is a minor operation offered as a day-care procedure. You do not stay at the clinic overnight. How long you will be at the clinic on the day of your procedure will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and your choice of anaesthetic.

What Are the Risks of Abortion?

A reminder that abortion is a safe procedure, even safer than childbirth! There are risks associated with any medication or health procedure, but these are generally uncommon when taken correctly, and the chances of complications with abortion are low. During an abortion consultation, these risks will be discussed, and your medical history will be taken into consideration when choosing the best method for you.

Incomplete abortion-It is possible that during a medical abortion, the pregnancy is incomplete, meaning there are pregnancy remains that need further intervention to remove this.

Heavy bleeding– Heavy bleeding during an abortion is normal but the risk of prolonged heavy bleeding or haemorrhaging is small. This requires immediate medical attention.

Infection- If you show signs of infection following an abortion, antibiotics can be administered. The chances of infection are 1:100 people.

Injury to organs during surgery- During a surgical abortion procedure, it is possible that the nearby organs, such as the uterus or bladder, are injured by accident. The chances of injury increase the further along a person is in pregnancy.

Is it Possible for Abortion to Affect Fertility?

Abortion will not likely affect your chances of conceiving in the future or increase the chances of complications in pregnancy. It is important that if you do not wish to get pregnant right away after an abortion, you use effective contraception, as fertility can return as soon as 5 days after a termination.

Do Multiple Abortions Affect Fertility?

Uncomplicated abortions are very safe, and no matter the number of abortions a person has, their chances of future conception are generally not affected. However, like any medical treatment, there are small risks of complications, which may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infection, or damage to the womb, which can increase the risks of infertility or an ectopic pregnancy in the future. However, the risks are low.  It is recommended that if you do not wish to get pregnant, contraception be used to prevent conception immediately after your termination. Contraception will be discussed in a consultation as part of abortion care services.

What Factors Can Affect Fertility?

There are a few things that can affect your chances of conceiving, ranging from medical conditions, lifestyle and age. If you struggle to conceive after an abortion, you should consider speaking with a specialist.

Age: The older a woman gets, the chances of fertility generally decrease; however, it’s possible to get pregnant up until menopause. If you want to get pregnant but are having trouble, speak to your GP for advice.

Medical History: Certain medical conditions contribute to difficulties in conceiving. Conditions such as PCOS, Endometriosis, STIs, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and Diabetes are some examples where people can experience challenges.

Partner’s Fertility: If your partner’s sperm count is low or quality is compromised, then conception may be difficult.

Lifestyle & Habits: Certain habits like smoking or drinking can affect your hormones, which can reduce fertility in both partners.

FAQs on Abortion and Fertility

Do Abortions increase the risk of Ovarian Cancer?

No, abortion does not increase the chances of cancer at all.

How soon can you get pregnant after an abortion?

You can conceive as early as 5 daysfollowing an abortion. Without contraceptive use, it’s possible to conceive quickly.

How soon after an abortion can I have sex?

You can have sex as soon as you feel ready. Your fertility returns to normal soon after an abortion. If you do not want to get pregnant again, it is important to use contraception.

When should I start contraception after an abortion?

This will be discussed in your consultation with NUPAS, and it depends on the type of contraception you want to use. The pill, the patch and the vaginal ring can be used immediately following your abortion. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as the IUD require a specialist to fit them and there are often waiting lists for these, so it’s not always possible immediately after an abortion, in which case, short-term contraceptives are recommended.

Book a Consultation with NUPAS for Abortion Care

Our abortion care services offer advice, allow you talk through your options and receive the best treatment for you. Call us on 0333 004 6666 or submit a form online.

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