If you’ve had an abortion in the past and think you might be pregnant again, you may have a lot of questions.
- “Can I get pregnant again after an abortion?”
- “Did the abortion affect my fertility?”
- “What should I do next?”
The answer is that yes, it is possible to become pregnant again after an abortion. In fact, fertility can return sooner than many women expect. However, it’s also important to understand that, although uncommon, certain abortion-related complications can affect future fertility.
Read on to learn more about fertility as it relates to abortion, and what to do if you think you might be pregnant. Or contact Friends for Life Pregnancy Center to find a safe, caring space to ask questions and find answers.
Fertility Can Return Soon After an Abortion
Many women assume they can’t become pregnant again until they’ve had another menstrual period, but that’s not necessarily the case.
Ovulation can return as early as two to three weeks after an abortion, which means pregnancy is possible before your next period begins. Every woman’s body is different, but if you’re sexually active after an abortion, it’s important to know that fertility may return quickly.
If you’ve missed a period, are experiencing pregnancy symptoms, or are concerned you could be pregnant again, the best first step is to take a pregnancy test.
If Your Pregnancy Test Is Positive, Schedule an Ultrasound
If your pregnancy test is positive, an ultrasound is an important next step.
A pregnancy test confirms that pregnancy hormones are present, but it can’t tell you important medical information about your pregnancy.
An ultrasound can determine:
- Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
- Whether the pregnancy is viable (meaning you haven’t miscarried)
- Approximately how far along you are
This information is important for protecting your health, regardless of which pregnancy option you’re considering. For example, an ultrasound can also identify conditions such as an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate treatment to prevent serious complications.
Can an Abortion Affect Future Fertility?
While some women go on to have future healthy pregnancies after an abortion, other women can experience fertility issues.
For women who have experienced a severe infection after an abortion, the damage can affect reproductive organs if it isn’t treated promptly.
In addition, some women who undergo a surgical abortion may develop Asherman’s syndrome, a condition in which scar tissue forms inside the uterus. Although uncommon, this scar tissue can interfere with future pregnancies by making it more difficult for an embryo to implant or by increasing the risk of miscarriage.
Symptoms may include lighter-than-normal periods, missed periods, pelvic pain, or difficulty becoming pregnant.
We’re Here to Help
If you’ve had an abortion and think you might be pregnant again, Friends for Life Pregnancy Center is here to support you.
We offer no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing and, if you qualify, limited ultrasounds so you can receive accurate information about your pregnancy in a caring environment. Whether you’re looking for answers, have concerns about your reproductive health, or simply want someone to talk with, our compassionate team is here to help.
Contact Friends for Life Pregnancy Center today to schedule your confidential appointment. We’re here for you.
Friends for Life Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
