Will abortion affect fertility?

No, abortion does not affect future fertility when completed without complications. This is one of the most misunderstood topics in reproductive health and the clinical evidence is clear and consistent.

What the Research Actually Shows

• Large scale studies show no difference in pregnancy rates between people who have had abortions and those who have not.
• The World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists both state that abortion does not cause infertility.
• Read more about can you get pregnant after an abortion.

When Complications Can Affect Fertility

Uncomplicated abortion does not affect fertility. Untreated complications can.

• Uterine infection left untreated can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes. Recognizing warning signs after an abortion and treating them promptly matters.
• Incomplete abortion left untreated creates conditions for infection that can affect future fertility. Read more about when abortion pills don’t work.
• Asherman syndrome is rare uterine scarring associated with repeated surgical procedures. It is not associated with medication abortion.

How Quickly Fertility Returns After Abortion

Fertility returns quickly after abortion, often faster than most people expect.

• Ovulation can return as early as 2 weeks after a completed abortion.
• Pregnancy is possible before the first post abortion period returns because ovulation precedes menstruation.
• Read more about how fertile you are after an abortion.

Medication Abortion and Fertility Specifically

The abortion pill has no mechanism through which it affects future fertility when completed without complication.

• Mifepristone and misoprostol do not affect ovarian function, egg quality, or reproductive organ structure.
• The uterine lining regenerates fully after medication abortion exactly as it does after a normal menstrual cycle.
• Read more about how the abortion pill works and what it does and does not affect in the body.

Surgical Abortion and Fertility Specifically

Surgical abortion performed correctly by an experienced provider does not damage fertility.

• Vacuum aspiration and dilation and curettage procedures do not affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterine structure when performed correctly.
• Read more about surgical abortion procedures and what they involve clinically.

Multiple Abortions and Fertility

This is a question many patients hesitate to ask directly. The evidence is reassuring.

• Multiple abortions do not cumulatively damage fertility in the absence of complications.
• Read more about how many abortions a woman can have safely.
• The risk factor is untreated complications, not the number of procedures.

What Can Affect Fertility Independently of Abortion

Many people who have difficulty conceiving after an abortion attribute it to the procedure when underlying factors are actually responsible.

• Age related fertility decline affects everyone regardless of abortion history.
• Sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia and gonorrhea cause fallopian tube scarring independently of abortion. Read more about pregnancy risks after abortion.
• Endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and other reproductive conditions affect fertility regardless of abortion history.
• These conditions are often discovered after an abortion because the abortion prompted clinical evaluation that identified them.

When to Contact Your Provider

Reach out to your clinical team if you notice any of the following after an abortion.

• Foul smelling discharge suggesting possible infection after abortion
• Pregnancy symptoms persisting beyond 2 weeks suggesting possible incomplete abortion
• No bleeding starting within 24 hours of misoprostol. Know the signs to go to the emergency room after taking the abortion pill
• Difficulty conceiving after 12 months of trying following an abortion

If you have questions about abortion and future fertility or want clinical guidance throughout your medication abortion, book a confidential consultation at Serenity Choice Health today.