Having sex after an abortion is a commonly asked women’s health issue. Abortions are still taboo. Even though there were 652,639 abortions performed in the U.S. in 2014 (most recent data collected), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The misconceptions that surround abortions and women’s health leave many women seeking answers. Many want to know about sex after an abortion, and the need for birth control.
Here’s what you need to know!
What Are The Two Types Of Abortions?
To get a better understanding and to know what to expect, let’s look at the two types of abortions, medical and surgical.
- Medical Abortions: Medical abortions account for 25 percent of all legal abortions, said the CDC. This procedure uses medication, mifepristone and misoprostol. This blocks the body’s progesterone and causes the embryo to separate from the uterine wall.
- Surgical Abortion: A surgical abortion is a surgical procedure. A doctor will open the cervix about the width of a pencil and take contents from the uterus.
Whether surgical or medical, sex after an abortion can be tricky. Here are three important things you should know.
How Long Should I Wait To Have Sex After An Abortion?
Having sex right after an abortion is not best. In fact, doctors recommend a minimum of two weeks before having sex after an abortion. Why? You will have bleeding, cramping, and general discomfort after. The two-week minimum let’s your body recover.
Waiting may be more important if you had a surgical abortion. This is due to the risk of infection if you have sex. Pain, bleeding, and fever could be warning signs of infection. If you have these symptoms, you should talk to a doctor right away.
If you are feeling like your body is back to normal after two weeks, you can resume having sex. But it is always a good idea to ask a doctor to get the best answers after two weeks go by.
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Do I Need Birth Control After An Abortion?
After an abortion, you can get pregnant at anytime again. The day of your abortion is day one of your cycle, and periods usually begin four months after the procedure. To ensure you do not get pregnant again, you should begin taking birth control after the procedure.
Can I Use IUD Contraception After An Abortion?
In many cases, you can resume most types of contraception after an abortion. The doctor who performs the procedure often prescribes birth control and will have the contraception discussion with his or her patients.
If you did not have this conversation, it is best to talk to a doctor to discuss the types of contraception best for you after the procedure.
Do You Have Abortion Questions?
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Submitted by Dr. Richard Honaker
