If you’ve had an abortion, you may be wondering if it could affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. While some women go on to have healthy pregnancies, certain risks can arise depending on the type of abortion procedure. Understanding these risks can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

If you think you may be pregnant and need answers, Choices of the Heart offers no-cost, confidential pregnancy services to provide clarity and support. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Medical Abortion and Future Fertility

A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is a two-step process that ends a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

The abortion pill doesn’t increase the risk of fertility issues or future pregnancy complications. Most women’s menstrual cycles typically return within a few weeks, and ovulation can occur shortly after, making pregnancy possible again.

Surgical Abortion and Potential Risks

A surgical abortion removes the pregnancy from the uterus using a combination of drugs, suction, or medical instruments. While the procedure varies depending on how far along the pregnancy is, there are risks that could affect future fertility, including:

• Uterine scarring (Asherman syndrome): Scar tissue may develop inside the uterus, making it harder for an embryo to implant or increasing the risk of miscarriage.
• Weakened cervix: Repeated or forceful dilation of the cervix can weaken it, raising the risk of preterm labor in future pregnancies.
• Higher risk of complications: Some studies suggest an increased chance of preterm birth or low birth weight in future pregnancies after multiple surgical abortions.

No-Cost, Confidential Pregnancy Services

At Choices of the Heart, we are here to help you understand your pregnancy and reproductive health. While we do not provide or refer for abortions, we offer no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds so you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

Your health and future matter. Schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment today for support and compassionate care.

*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.