Can You Get Pregnant Again After an Abortion?

November 5, 2024

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, many questions are probably racing through your mind. Perhaps you feel this is not the right time to be pregnant, and you are wondering how an abortion may impact getting pregnant in the future. 

First, you should verify you are pregnant and learn critical pregnancy details that will inform your next steps.

Our Darke County Pregnancy Help Center medical team can provide free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. Our experienced team will also give comprehensive information on all three options: parenting, adoption, and abortion. 

Before you move forward, contact us at Darke County PHC to set up a free appointment. We’re here for you, no matter what. 

How Can Abortion Impact Future Pregnancies?

There are two general types of abortion: medical and surgical.

Medical abortion, which involves taking drugs to end and expel a pregnancy, does not seem to raise the risks of future pregnancy complications.

Additionally, many studies show that surgical abortion, ending a pregnancy through tools and suction, has little impact on future pregnancies. However, some studies show an increased risk of premature birth, miscarriage, and low birth rates. 

If any complications arise from either of these abortion procedures, they could impact future pregnancies. These include:

Asherman’s Syndrome After a Surgical Abortion

In rare cases, scar tissue can develop in the uterus after a dilation & curettage abortion (D&C). This condition, known as Asherman’s syndrome, can lead to unusual, absent, or painful periods, future miscarriages, and infertility. However, it can usually be treated with surgery.

Developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

If a woman has an untreated STI/STD and has an abortion, bacteria, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can enter the reproductive tract and spread deeper into the reproductive organs.

If untreated, it can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of one or more of the upper reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It can cause abscesses (scar tissue and pockets of infected fluid) to develop and cause permanent damage, leading to complications such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

Before considering abortion, make sure to receive STI/STD testing. 

Rh Factor Can Play a Role in Future Pregnancies for Some Women

Pregnant women need to be aware of their blood type. Rh (Rhesus factor) is a type of protein that is present in some people (Rh-positive blood) and absent in others (Rh-negative blood).

If your blood type has a positive sign like A+ or B+, you do not need to worry about this. If you have a negative blood type such as A- or B-, you could be at risk for Rh incompatibility during future pregnancies if your partner has a positive blood type.

There is a medication available for women who have Rh-negative blood during pregnancy to prevent issues with future pregnancies. If you miscarry or have an abortion, it’s vital to ask if a medication may be necessary to prevent future pregnancy complications.

Get the Answers and Support You Need

Visit Darke County Pregnancy Help Center for confidential support and free medical services, such as pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.

You can trust us to confirm your pregnancy, answer your questions, and help with your pregnancy needs. Contact us to schedule your free appointment today!