Maybe you have already had an unexpected pregnancy, and you don’t want to go through it again. Or, you’re worried about abortion’s impact on your fertility because you want to be pregnant in the future.
Regardless of why you’re asking, we have answers. Keep reading to learn them.
Also, if you think you may already be pregnant, you can schedule a confidential appointment at FirstLook Pregnancy Center for free pregnancy testing, an ultrasound, and compassionate support.
How Abortion Can Affect Fertility
In most cases, ovulation returns shortly after an abortion, and women can become pregnant again two weeks later. This means you can ovulate and conceive before the return of your period, which may be around four to six weeks later.
However, complications such as infection, uterine scarring (Asherman’s syndrome), or an incomplete abortion could affect future fertility. These issues are rare but possible—especially without proper medical follow-up after an abortion.
Why Rhesus Factor Matters
The rhesus (Rh) factor is a designation for whether or not your blood has a specific protein. A positive blood type means you have the protein, while a negative blood type means you do not have it.
For miscarriages and abortions beyond twelve weeks of gestation, a healthcare provider may recommend the RhoGAM shot to women who have negative blood types, such as O-, A-, B-, or AB-. This is because if they were carrying a baby with a positive blood type inherited from their partner, their body can make antibodies that can harm future Rh+ pregnancies.
The RhoGAM shot helps ensure women with negative blood types do not make the antibodies that can harm future pregnancies.
However, one recent study recommends that all women with negative blood types receive RhoGAM even in the first trimester.
Get an Ultrasound at FirstLook
If you’re considering an abortion or want to confirm your pregnancy, visit FirstLook Pregnancy Center.
One topic we didn’t address was how an ectopic pregnancy (a non-viable pregnancy outside of your uterus) can affect your future fertility. Women who have undetected ectopic pregnancies have a risk of tubal rupture, which can lead to the removal of a fallopian tube.
An initial ultrasound can help screen for this condition, so women can catch it early and protect their lives and fertility.
You deserve peace of mind about your reproductive health. At FirstLook Pregnancy Center, we offer a safe and judgment-free environment where you can ask questions, gain a deeper understanding of your body, and take control of your next steps.
Schedule your appointment today to receive caring, confidential support.