If you’ve had or are considering an abortion, you may be asking yourself: Will I still be able to have children in the future? This is a very common concern, and the answer is that in most cases, yes, you can get pregnant again after an abortion.
However, you need to be aware of complications that can happen as a result of an abortion procedure. These can jeopardize your fertility, so it’s critical to know about them.
If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy right now, we’re here to walk with you. Schedule a free and confidential appointment at Pregnancy Help Center of Galveston to learn more about your health, options, and next steps.
Complications That Can Impact Fertility
Most women are able to conceive again after an abortion. However, certain complications can affect future fertility if they occur and aren’t treated promptly.
- Infection: If pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, it can cause an infection that, left untreated, may spread and affect reproductive health.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Having an untreated STD like chlamydia or gonorrhea during an abortion increases the risk of PID, which can damage your reproductive organs and cause infertility.
- Uterine Scarring: Though rare, surgical abortions carry the risk of scar tissue forming inside the uterus (Asherman’s syndrome). This can cause irregular cycles, miscarriage, or infertility.
- Missed Follow-Up Care: Without a follow-up exam, complications such as incomplete abortion or infection may go unnoticed and harm long-term fertility.
These issues highlight the importance of proper medical oversight, follow-up appointments, and STI testing either before or after an abortion procedure.
How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After an Abortion?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, you can get pregnant as soon as two weeks after a medical abortion, even before your menstrual period returns. A normal menstrual cycle usually resumes within 4–6 weeks.
Take Care of Your Reproductive Health
Pregnancy Help Center of Galveston is here to help you during your pregnancy. We can answer your questions, provide free services like pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, and offer a safe place to process your options.
Schedule your free and confidential appointment today. We’re here to support you as you consider your next steps and plan for your future.