Getting Pregnant After an Abortion

Many women wonder whether having an abortion affects their ability to get pregnant in the future. Whether it happened years ago or more recently, it's natural to have questions about how your fertility might be impacted. The short answer is: in most cases, abortion does not prevent future pregnancy.

Still, understanding how your body works after an abortion can bring clarity and peace of mind as you look ahead.

Can You Get Pregnant After an Abortion?

Yes, it is possible to become pregnant after an abortion—and sometimes sooner than expected. Ovulation can return as early as two to four weeks after the procedure, even before your next period. That’s why, if pregnancy isn’t your goal right away, starting birth control immediately afterward is recommended.

When to Start Birth Control

If you're not trying to conceive again right away, it's generally advised to begin contraception immediately after an abortion. Most forms of birth control are safe to start right away, though with a medical abortion, an intrauterine device (IUD) is usually placed at a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is complete and healing properly. After a surgical abortion, an IUD can often be placed during the procedure.

Are Pregnancy Tests Accurate After an Abortion?

Pregnancy tests detect a hormone called hCG. After an abortion, it can take days or even weeks for hCG levels to return to zero. During that time, at-home tests might still show a positive result, even though the pregnancy has ended. If symptoms like prolonged bleeding, cramps, or continued pregnancy signs occur, it could mean that the abortion wasn't fully completed. In these cases, follow-up care is important to confirm recovery and rule out complications.

Does Abortion Affect Future Pregnancies?

In general, a safe abortion performed by a medical professional does not increase the risk of infertility or future pregnancy issues. However, certain complications—such as infections or repeated procedures inside the uterus—could slightly raise the chance of placenta-related conditions or preterm birth in future pregnancies. It’s important to remember, though, that large studies show mixed findings, and any risk is considered very low.

Can Abortion Cause Infertility?

This is one of the most common concerns, but evidence shows that fertility is typically not affected by a medical or surgical abortion, especially when done under proper medical supervision. In rare cases, scarring inside the uterus can occur after surgical procedures. This is usually related to infection or trauma and can often be treated easily if discovered early.

Scarring is not unique to abortion—it can also happen after other procedures involving the uterus. That’s why it’s always best to report any unusual pain, bleeding, or discharge to your healthcare provider promptly.

Coping Emotionally After an Abortion

Beyond the physical side of recovery, it’s also important to acknowledge the emotional aspect. People may feel a wide range of emotions—relief, sadness, uncertainty, or even guilt—and these feelings can change from one day to the next. All of it is valid.

Some find it helpful to talk to a trusted friend, family member, counselor, or support group. Others prefer more privacy and reflection. Whatever your path looks like, taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as caring for your physical health.

Abortion is a deeply personal experience. But when it comes to your ability to become pregnant in the future, research shows that with proper care, fertility is typically unaffected. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to seek support or medical guidance—you deserve peace of mind as you move forward.