Abortion
Day 27 after abortion: future pregnancy and fertility
Day 27 · Recovery after abortion
On day twenty-seven, as the series nears its end, the questions move from today to the future. Some women wonder whether they will be able to get pregnant later, others how to avoid getting pregnant again; both are the subject of this page.
Which question you come with is yours and needs no explanation. Below you will find the clinic's recommendations and what you can ask your doctor, set out separately; the decision itself is always yours.
Short answer
Will having an abortion stop me getting pregnant in the future, and when can I get pregnant again?
According to SoftCare Clinic's doctor, an abortion performed properly does not affect later pregnancies. Waiting at least 3 months before a new pregnancy and preparing before it (folic acid, an examination, tests) is recommended. Because ovulation can return about two weeks after the procedure, you can also get pregnant before the first period; that is why the condom continues every time until the first period.
Hormones and the first period
Ovulation returning means fertility is returning too.
Hormone curves on a timeline showing the weeks after the procedure; the ovulation period is highlighted.Does an abortion affect getting pregnant in the future?
According to our clinic's doctor, an abortion performed properly does not affect later pregnancies. The patient information of the American and British colleges of obstetricians and gynaecologists (ACOG, RCOG) points the same way: in most cases an abortion does not affect future fertility.
If you have a concern about your own situation, the assessment is made by your doctor, who knows your examination findings.
How quickly does fertility return?
Ovulation can return about two weeks after the procedure, sometimes even earlier; so you can get pregnant while waiting for the first period.
This information points two ways: it shows that fertility continues, and at the same time explains why contraception is still needed today.
How long should I wait before a new pregnancy?
Our clinic recommends waiting at least 3 months before a new pregnancy. This time can be used for preparing for pregnancy: folic acid, an examination and tests. Discuss with your doctor how to plan the preparation.
If you have become pregnant again before three months have passed, or even before your first period, call the clinic. A patient in this situation is followed with a clinical examination, tests and ultrasound.
What questions can I ask my doctor?
- When should I start preparing for pregnancy?
- How, and for how long, should I take folic acid?
- Which regular method of contraception suits me after my first period?
- Which tests will be needed for the preparation?
Do today
- Tell your doctor clearly about your pregnancy plans or your wish to avoid pregnancy.
- Keep using a condom every time.
- Talk to your doctor about a regular method for after the first period.
- If you are planning a pregnancy, call the clinic about preparation.
Don't do today
- Do not assume you cannot get pregnant because you have not had a period.
- Do not start trying for a new pregnancy before three months have passed.
- If there was unprotected sex, do not turn to the morning-after pill; call the clinic.
Special note
If you do not want a pregnancy
A condom is used every time until your first period comes; after that, a regular method is chosen. For the contraceptive pill and the intrauterine device, our clinic waits for the first period. If you have no regular method, the condom is recommended continuously.
Special note
If you are planning a new pregnancy
Waiting at least 3 months is recommended; you can use this time for preparation. Plan folic acid, an examination and tests with your doctor. Until the period is over, the condom rule applies to you too.
When should you call?
Call 112 first (if you are abroad, that country's emergency number)
- Fainting: If you faint, call 112 first; if you are abroad, call the emergency number of the country you are in.
Call the clinic straight away
- Heavy bleeding: Soaking 2–3 pads within one hour. A total of 2–3 pads over the whole day is normal.
- Fever: A temperature of 38 °C or higher, or fever together with weakness.
- Severe pain: Severe abdominal or back pain that does not ease with painkillers.
- Foul-smelling discharge: Unusual, foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Large clot: Passing a clot the size of a golf ball.
Call the clinic
- If you think you have become pregnant again before your first period or before three months have passed, call the clinic.
- If there was unprotected sex in this period, let the clinic know.
- Dizziness or shivering: Dizziness, chills and shivering that do not pass.
- Hard abdomen: The abdomen becoming hard, or clear tenderness when touched.
- Burning on urination: Burning or stinging when passing urine.
SoftCare Clinic patients can reach the doctor's assistant or a nurse 24 hours a day; when needed, they contact the doctor. Call whenever you are unsure; what your own doctor tells you always comes first.
Frequently asked questions
Does an abortion cause infertility?
According to SoftCare Clinic's doctor, an abortion performed properly does not affect later pregnancies; the patient information of ACOG and the RCOG also states that in most cases an abortion does not affect future fertility. Ovulation being able to return about two weeks after the procedure shows that fertility continues. You can ask your doctor about any concern specific to your situation.
How many months after an abortion can you get pregnant?
In terms of the body, pregnancy can occur even before the first period after an abortion; ovulation returns about two weeks later, sometimes earlier. SoftCare Clinic, however, recommends waiting at least 3 months before a new pregnancy and preparing for pregnancy during this time (folic acid, an examination, tests).
Which method of contraception is used after an abortion?
At SoftCare Clinic, after the first week a condom is used every time until the first period comes; after the period, a regular method is chosen. For the pill, you wait for the first period to be seen; the clinic's doctor does not insert the intrauterine device before the first period either. For other methods, the doctor assesses the patient's situation and makes a personal plan.
Sources
SoftCare Clinic for your questions
Our patients can reach a nurse and the doctor's assistant 24 hours a day.
This page is for general information; it does not replace an examination or your doctor's advice. Every woman recovers differently. The times and rules your doctor gives you always take priority over those on this page.
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus, Obstetrician & Gynecologist · Last medical review: