Can Abortion Affect Getting Pregnant in the Future?

Can an abortion have an effect on a woman’s ability to get pregnant in the future? Let’s talk about some risks associated with abortion. There are two different types of abortion, chemical and surgical. The risks vary with each. 

Risks with a surgical abortion

During a surgical abortion, a suction catheter or curette is used to remove the fetus from the uterus through the vagina. During this type of procedure, there is a higher risk of scarring to the lining of the uterus, which can cause difficulty getting pregnant in the future, especially after multiple surgical abortion procedures. This is called Asherman’s Syndrome. Some studies also show that there is a link between prior surgical abortions and an increased risk of premature birth for future pregnancies. 

Risks with a chemical abortion

With a chemical abortion or pill abortion, the chances of your fertility being negatively affected in the future are low if the abortion works the way it’s intended to. In some instances, your body may be unable to shed all of the fetal tissue and products of conception on its own. When that happens, a surgical abortion is needed to remove the rest of the tissue left behind, which means you may be at risk for the problems listed above.

How do I know if I’ll experience complications with abortion?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to know ahead of time who will experience complications of these abortion procedures and who will not. It’s important to understand all the risks so that you can make an informed decision.

Considering an abortion? It’s important that you get an ultrasound first to confirm that you’re still pregnant (haven’t miscarried without knowing), that the pregnancy is where it’s supposed to be (in the uterus), and to know how far along you are. 

We provide free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds here at The Pregnancy Network in Greensboro and Winston-Salem. Book an appointment to get answers and discuss your options with a registered nurse.