If you’re thinking about abortion and wondering what it might mean for your future fertility, you’re not alone. It’s completely natural to have questions about how your body may respond and what the long-term effects could be.
At Next Step, we’re here to help you explore all aspects of your decision, including how it might affect your ability to become pregnant later.
The truth is, many women can and do become pregnant again after an abortion. But the type of abortion procedure, your personal health history, and how your body heals afterward can all play a role in what comes next.
How Abortion Can Impact Future Fertility
Abortion procedures, both medical and surgical, are designed to end a pregnancy but not to prevent future pregnancies. However, some risks can affect fertility, especially with surgical abortion.
Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix and using medical instruments or suction devices to remove the pregnancy. While most women recover without long-term complications, some may experience issues that affect future pregnancies.
According to the Mayo Clinic, surgical abortion may slightly increase the risk of problems such as:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Miscarriage
A rare but serious complication called Asherman syndrome can also occur when scar tissue forms inside the uterus after a procedure. This can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle and make it harder to get pregnant later.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Reproductive Health
If you’re considering abortion, one of the best ways to care for your future fertility is by getting a complete picture of your pregnancy first. An ultrasound can confirm how far along you are and whether or not the pregnancy is in the uterus. These details help determine what options are available to you and what risks may apply.
At Next Step, we offer free ultrasounds and pregnancy testing to give you the clarity you need. We believe that the more you know about your body and your pregnancy, the more educated you’ll feel about making the right decision for yourself.
You’re Not Alone
Contact us at Next Step, we support you with understanding, accurate, educational information, and a safe place to discuss your concerns.
If you’re thinking about abortion and want to understand better how it may impact your future, we’re here to walk with you, step by step.
All abortion information in this blog is based on medically accurate sources at the time of writing.