The World Health Organization acknowledges abortion as a fundamental human right, affirming that individuals have the freedom and responsibility to make informed decisions regarding the number, spacing, and timing of their children without facing coercion or violence. Nonetheless, there are numerous misconceptions and misinformation surrounding abortions and their potential impact on future fertility. In this blog, we will explore the relationship between abortion and fertility in women to better understand any potential effects.
What is abortion, and what varieties exist?
In a medical context, the term “abortion” can encompass both intentional pregnancy terminations and spontaneous miscarriages.
The availability of different abortion procedures depends on the gestational age of the pregnancy. If the pregnancy is within the first ten weeks, a medical abortion can be performed. This involves taking two pills to terminate the pregnancy. The alternative option is a surgical abortion.
When a woman intentionally uses medication to induce an abortion, it is referred to as a medical abortion. However, there are instances where a woman may take these drugs due to a miscarriage. These medications help ensure the removal of all fetal products, which is crucial for preventing infection and facilitating future pregnancies.
The doctor’s recommended course of action usually depends on the gestational age or the number of weeks the person has been pregnant at the time of the medical abortion.
Medical professionals perform a surgical abortion as a medical procedure to either terminate a pregnancy or eliminate any remaining products of the pregnancy. Similar to medical abortions, the specific approach for a surgical abortion may vary depending on the timing of the procedure.
Do abortions have any risks?
Following an abortion, it is common for a woman to experience some degree of bleeding. However, the amount of blood loss is usually not significant enough to require medical intervention.
The likelihood that you may become pregnant and experience subsequent healthy pregnancies is often unaffected by having an abortion. In subsequent pregnancies, it might somewhat raise the chance of an early delivery.
If you get a womb infection after the surgery and it is not quickly treated, there is a very little chance that it will affect fertility in women and future pregnancies.
In cases where an incomplete abortion occurs, resulting in the presence of tissue or fetal products in the uterus, the medical recommendation may be to perform a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove the remaining tissue. Abortion-related medications increase the likelihood of an incomplete abortion and the need for D&C.
A potential obstacle that may hinder your future chances of conceiving is Asherman’s syndrome.
It is a rare condition characterized by the development of scar tissue inside the uterus and/or cervix. This scar tissue, also known as intrauterine adhesions, typically arises following uterine surgery or after a dilatation and curettage procedure. In some cases, the formation of these adhesions may also be contributed to by tuberculosis and schistosomiasis, though they are less frequently associated with the condition.
During an abortion, the doctor can sometimes unintentionally harm adjacent organs. The bladder and the uterus are two examples. The likelihood of this happening grows as a woman’s pregnancy progresses.
Technically, everything that increases uterine inflammation has the potential to impact present and future fertility in women. It’s very unlikely that this will happen, though.
When to get medical help:
If you experience any of the following symptoms after an abortion, it is advised to seek medical attention:
Persistent lower abdominal discomfort that persists even after taking medicine
Extreme bleeding
An increased temperature
How may abortion impact a subsequent pregnancy?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that prior pregnancies do not raise the likelihood of infertility after surgery. The likelihood of pregnancy difficulties for those who do become pregnant following an abortion is minimal.
The safest abortions are those that take place as early in the pregnancy as possible. The risk of complications increases as the pregnancy progresses, regardless of the chosen method of abortion.
Can we decrease the risk of pregnancy difficulties following an abortion?
After any method of abortion, many doctors advise waiting until the bleeding stops before engaging in sexual activity again. A two-week minimum period of bleeding may result from an abortion.
Other medical professionals suggest delaying until at least one menstrual cycle has passed. Delaying sexual activity will decrease your risk of contracting an infection.
If the abortion occurred later in the pregnancy or if there were issues with the abortion operation itself, it may be essential to postpone having intercourse for a longer period of time.
What is the timeframe for getting pregnant after undergoing an abortion?
Ovulation can occur as early as two weeks after an abortion, which means that a woman could potentially conceive again before her next menstrual period. However, the timing of ovulation can vary depending on the length of menstrual cycles. Women whose periods are shorter could ovulate early.
The length of the pregnancy prior to the abortion also plays a role in determining the timing of ovulation. If the abortion takes place later in the pregnancy, it is possible that the woman may not ovulate for a few weeks. This can be attributed to the presence of pregnancy hormones remaining in the body.
How to conceive after having an abortion?
It is possible for individuals to conceive within two weeks after an abortion. Individuals prepared to become pregnant again typically have no medical reason to postpone attempting to conceive, unless specifically advised by a physician.
Getting pregnant after an abortion generally does not require any additional steps or interventions.
However, some doctors may suggest waiting until the first menstrual period after the abortion has ended. This waiting period can help in estimating the due date for the subsequent pregnancy.
For individuals who have had abortions for medical reasons, it may be advisable to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation before attempting to conceive again. This assessment can help identify any potential issues or complications that may arise in future pregnancies.
What is the outlook for fertility after abortion?
Since a previous abortion is unlikely to be the source of your infertility issues, it’s crucial to take into account some of the other circumstances that may have the ability to do so. Other elements that may impact fertility include:
Age: Fertility declines with age. Fertility issues particularly affect women over the age of 35.
Lifestyle choices: Lifestyle choices, including smoking and drug usage, can impact fertility in women.
Medical history: If you have ever experienced a sexually transmitted illness, it may impact your fertility. The same holds true for long-lasting conditions including diabetes, autoimmune illnesses, and hormone problems.
Partner’s fertility: The quality of semen can have an impact on a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Lifestyle choices and ageing may have an impact on your partner’s fertility.
Abortions performed surgically or medically, however, carry minimal risk. The best approach will depend on a person’s preferences and the stage of pregnancy. With this choice, a medical expert could help. A previous abortion does not prevent a subsequent pregnancy. Your gynecologist might provide assistance if you are experiencing trouble becoming pregnant. For anyone who is uncertain or worried about getting pregnant following an abortion, consulting with a medical expert is essential.
