If you’ve experienced or are considering an abortion, you may be wondering how it could affect your ability to have children in the future. This is a common question, and the answer is that, in most cases, you can get pregnant again after an abortion.
However, certain factors may impact your fertility, and it’s important to be aware of them.
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, we’re here to help. Schedule a no-cost and confidential appointment at Hope Women’s Center today to learn more about your options and protect your reproductive health.
How Abortion May Affect Future Fertility
For most women, abortion does not cause long-term issues with fertility. That said, complications can sometimes occur, and these could make it harder to get pregnant in the future. A few examples include:
- Untreated infections or STDs: If an abortion is performed while you have an untreated infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea, it can spread into the reproductive system and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID may lead to scarring, infertility, or chronic pelvic pain.
- Uterine scarring: Rarely, surgical abortions can result in scar tissue forming inside the uterus, a condition called Asherman’s syndrome. This can cause irregular cycles, miscarriage, or difficulty becoming pregnant.
- Complications without follow-up: Sometimes, tissue remains in the uterus after an abortion, leading to infection or heavy bleeding. Without medical follow-up, this can be life-threatening (due to sepsis or too much blood loss) or cause reproductive damage and Asherman’s syndrome as well.
Special Considerations for Rh-Negative Women
If your blood type is Rh-negative (A-, B-, AB-, O-) and your pregnancy is further along (usually beyond the first trimester), your provider may recommend a RhoGAM injection. This helps prevent your body from developing antibodies that could affect future pregnancies with an Rh-positive baby.
Protecting Your Health Moving Forward
If you want to have children in the future, there are steps you can take now to protect your reproductive health:
- Get tested and treated for STDs before undergoing any procedure.
- Always follow up with a medical professional if you experience heavy bleeding, fever, or unusual pain.
- Ask about RhoGAM if you are Rh-negative.
- Maintain regular health checkups to monitor your fertility and wellness.
Visit Us for Support
If you’re considering abortion or wondering how it could affect your future, Hope Women’s Center is here to listen and provide answers. You don’t have to make decisions about your health alone—we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
Schedule a no-cost and confidential appointment today to receive compassionate support and the information you need to make an informed choice for your future.