Does medical abortion affect the ability to become pregnant in the future?

After an uncomplicated abortion, future fertility is generally expected to return to the level it was at before the pregnancy. Medical information indicates that the chance of becoming pregnant in the future should return to what it was before, and pregnancy can become possible very quickly, including immediately after the abortion. Therefore, fertility does not stop simply because an abortion has occurred. [1] [5]

When is fertility expected to be normal after an abortion?

If there are no complications, an abortion itself is not expected to cause loss of the ability to become pregnant in the future. The likelihood of a later pregnancy depends on underlying fertility and other health factors rather than simply on having had an earlier abortion. The NHS states that the chance of becoming pregnant after an abortion should return to what it was before the pregnancy, and that pregnancy is possible straight after an abortion. Therefore, an uncomplicated abortion should not be assumed to cause a prolonged period of reduced fertility. [5]

The return of the ability to conceive does not, by itself, determine the best time to plan another pregnancy. If you do not want to become pregnant now, discuss suitable contraception with your care team; a previous abortion should not be relied on to prevent a later pregnancy. Tell your clinician about any pre-existing health problem or complication so that fertility concerns can be considered in the context of your complete health history. [1]

How can an untreated infection affect fertility?

The main concern is not the uncomplicated abortion itself but complications that can sometimes occur, including infection. If a womb infection is left untreated, it can in some cases develop into pelvic inflammatory disease, which can increase the risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy in the future. For this reason, symptoms suggesting infection should be medically assessed rather than ignored. [4] [5]

When is medical follow-up needed?

After an abortion, abdominal cramps or pain and vaginal bleeding can occur for a period of time. However, pain or bleeding that does not improve, continuing to feel pregnant, fever, flu-like symptoms, or unusual vaginal discharge should prompt medical assessment. The need for follow-up can also depend on how the abortion was provided and the care arrangement, so any follow-up plan given by the treating healthcare team should be followed. [5]

What warning signs require urgent care?

Heavy bleeding after an abortion requires emergency medical care, and severe symptoms or signs of infection require prompt assessment. Known complications can include heavy bleeding, infection, damage to the womb, or pregnancy tissue remaining, with the likelihood varying according to the stage of pregnancy and the medical circumstances. The important point is not to ignore unusual or severe symptoms or simply wait for them to resolve when they may indicate a complication. [4] [5] Read also: Medical Termination of Pregnancy in Critical Cases and Warning Signs (Arabic)

Medical references

• Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation
• Complications of an abortion - NHS
• Recovery after an abortion - NHS