How soon can you get pregnant after an abortion?
If you’ve had an abortion, you might have a few questions about getting pregnant again afterwards. In this blog, we’re answering, how soon you can get pregnant after an abortion?
This article includes:
- Dealing with abortion
- How soon can you get pregnant after an abortion?
- How long after an abortion do you ovulate?
- How long does it take for periods to get back to normal after abortion?
- What are the chances of getting pregnant after an abortion?
- Signs of ovulation after abortion
- What can help to support a healthy pregnancy after abortion?
- Getting pregnant after an abortion
Dealing with abortion
Abortion is a tricky thing to go through, and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and many women go through them. It’s very important to go to the doctors about an abortion. This is the only way to have it completed properly and safely.
There are two types of abortions – medical abortion and surgical abortion. Medical abortions involve being given tablets which will cause an induced abortion. A healthcare professional will make sure you have all the information you need regarding taking the tablets.
In contrast, surgical abortions involve surgery being performed to remove the pregnancy. As with all surgeries, there is a slight risk that you may experience an infection after this. If you are treated early, you should experience no issues.
Those who are left untreated may end up developing pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease is what could impact fertility after an abortion, but it is very rare. If you are worried, speak to a doctor who will talk to you about the very minimal risk of this disease.
The medical professionals will give you information on abortion care and let you know the symptoms of PID to look out for. Being treated promptly can help to reduce the woman’s risk of complications with future pregnancies. See a doctor immediately if you notice any signs after your abortion procedure.
How soon can you get pregnant after an abortion?
You might be surprised to know that you can become pregnant again soon after having an abortion, even after a few weeks. Therefore, if you don’t want to become pregnant, you should avoid having unprotected sex. You will need to use some form of birth control after surgical and medical abortions.
Many contraceptive methods are available, such as birth control pills, Depo Provera injections and the intrauterine device. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s up to you which you choose. You may find that some work better for you than others do.
During your appointment, a healthcare professional will likely discuss contraception with you. This is when you can ask any questions you have. They’ll explain everything you need so that you can make an informed decision.
How long after an abortion do you ovulate?
Having an abortion doesn’t tend to affect your ovulation. You could actually find yourself ovulating just five days after the pregnancy termination. When you’re ovulating, you could get pregnant.
Research has found that those who have a surgical abortion may wait longer before ovulating again. This is due to leftover pregnancy hormones in the body.
As we mentioned, a medical provider will give you information about each contraceptive method. You can make a decision based on the information they provide.
They will let you know when to start taking the contraception and how often you will need to take it. Some methods, such as the pill, must be remembered daily. In contrast, the IUD can be fitted and left for 5 – 10 years.
How long does it take for periods to get back to normal after abortion?
Everyone is different and, therefore, will experience varying times for when their body returns to normal. Some women may experience their next period on time, while others may wait a few months.
There could be many reasons why your periods are taking longer to return to normal. If your periods haven’t returned three months after treatment, seek advice. A healthcare provider may want to conduct some tests on you. This will help to rule out any conditions that may be causing your periods to be delayed.
What are the chances of getting pregnant after an abortion?
You might be wondering, does abortion affect future pregnancies? In most cases, your chances of getting pregnant are the same regardless of whether you’ve had an abortion. Those who may experience a lower chance may have had some complications with their previous abortion.
If there is a chance that your ability to conceive has been affected, a healthcare provider will let you know. They will be able to support you and give you advice regarding future pregnancies.
Signs of ovulation after abortion
Increase in the Lutenizing hormone (LH)
LH is a hormone that is often monitored by women who are trying to conceive. You may have heard of ovulation tests which use LH to determine when you are ovulating. Knowing your ovulation cycle can make it easier to understand the menstrual cycle.
Mild cramps
When the body ovulates, you may notice some mild cramping. These cramps shouldn’t cause you extreme discomfort. You may notice cramps on either side of the abdomen, as it depends on which ovary is releasing an egg.
Other signs of ovulation include:
- Changes to cervical mucus
- Libido changes
- Body temperature changes
Remember that if you suspect a new pregnancy, a pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure. You should then let your doctor know so they can book you in for some tests. They will also book you in for ultrasound scans.
What can help to support a healthy pregnancy after abortion?
Your body has been through a lot, so you should rest and give yourself time to recover. Some women may struggle emotionally during this time, so you should seek advice if you need it. There is always someone to talk to if you’re feeling down.
Look after your body and rest
It’s very important to take time out for yourself. This might mean reading a book or taking a nice walk at lunchtime. You may also feel quite tired, so it might be a good idea to get some early nights. A good sleeping routine will help you feel more energised.
It’s a good idea to wait until you’ve experienced a few menstrual cycles before trying to get pregnant again. This will allow your body to get back into its typical routine.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can include exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet. A healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of infections and illnesses. It can also help to improve your physical and mental health.
Monitor your ovulation
Monitoring your ovulation can have many benefits, especially when you’re trying to conceive. There are a number of things you can do to try and monitor your ovulation. For example, using ovulation tests or monitoring your body temperature.
Getting pregnant after an abortion
Many women feel confused about whether to let their new midwife know about their medical or surgical abortion during a previous pregnancy. It’s a good idea to let them know so they are aware of your full medical history.
Letting them know allows them to give you more support and means they can help you to make more informed decisions throughout pregnancy.
After a medical abortion, there is a low risk of ectopic pregnancy, low birth weight, preterm birth and miscarrying. With all pregnancies, there is a risk that one of these situations could occur. So, you should try not to worry too much. If you feel worried, you should speak to a healthcare provider. They can support you.
A surgical abortion can increase the risks of these a little more. Again, a medical professional will be able to give the best advice on this. It’s best to chat with them and see what can be done to reduce your worries regarding any future pregnancy complications.
A pregnancy test is the only way to confirm your pregnancy. You can purchase a pregnancy test from many shops. All pregnancy tests have different instructions. Make sure you read the instructions properly to establish which day of your menstrual cycle you need to complete the test. The home pregnancy test will measure the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine during early pregnancy.
We hope this blog has been useful. Going through an abortion can be challenging, so make sure you give yourself time to rest and relax.
If you enjoyed this article, why not check out our similar article: chance of getting pregnant after a vasectomy?
Hey there, I’m Abigail!
In 2022, I graduated with a First Class Degree in Marketing and since then, I have been working as a blogger and Marketing Assistant. Before heading to university, I also achieved a BTEC in Children’s Play, Learning and Development.
I have been blogging for over four years and have covered many topics during this time. My focus has been on pregnancy, babies, sleep and baby name ideas.
I am passionate about learning new things and helping others. I hope that you find my blogs useful and informative. See you in the next article!