Abortion Aftermath: Fertility Concerns and Health Risks

Abortion

I am 25 years old and have never given birth.
I had an abortion over four years ago at a clinic that charged lower fees.
Later, I found out that the female doctor who performed the abortion was operating under a rented license and was primarily making money from abortions.
Since the abortion, my menstrual cycles have included blood clots, and I experienced a high fever reaching 41 degrees Celsius that lasted for two to three days, during which I even fainted.
However, I did not have a cold or any other illness at that time, and I only improved after taking strong medication.
In retrospect, I suspect it may have been due to inflammation.
I would like to know if this could lead to infertility.
Does the presence of blood clots during menstruation indicate that the uterus was damaged? My current boyfriend is an only child, and I am worried about the possibility of infertility or habitual miscarriage preventing me from having children.
What tests can be done to check this? Currently, my boyfriend and I are not using contraception and are practicing withdrawal, but I have not become pregnant.
Is withdrawal a reliable method of contraception?

Miss Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/09/29

Dr. Wei Fumao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I apologize for the delayed response due to a computer malfunction.
It is normal to experience blood clots during the second or third day of menstruation.
Uterine fibroids can also cause blood clots during menstruation.
If pelvic inflammatory disease leads to fallopian tube obstruction, it may result in infertility.
Currently, you are using external ejaculation, which can reduce the likelihood of conception, but it does not guarantee contraception.
To determine if pregnancy is possible, you may need to try regular sexual intercourse (internal ejaculation) for a period of time (6 months to a year) before reaching a conclusion.
If you are eager to know whether there is a fallopian tube obstruction, please consult a gynecologist for diagnosis.

Reply Date: 2000/09/29

More Info

The aftermath of an abortion can raise several concerns regarding fertility and overall health, especially for someone who has experienced complications or has had a negative experience with the procedure. In your case, it’s important to address both the potential impacts of your past abortion and the current concerns you have about fertility.

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that while many women are able to conceive after an abortion without any issues, complications can arise depending on various factors, including the method of abortion, the skill of the provider, and any subsequent medical issues. In your situation, the fact that you experienced a high fever and possibly an infection after the procedure raises some concerns. Infections can lead to conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect fertility by causing scarring or damage to the reproductive organs.

The presence of blood clots during menstruation can be a normal occurrence for some women, but it can also indicate underlying issues such as hormonal imbalances or uterine abnormalities. If your menstrual cycles have changed significantly since the abortion, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or other imaging studies to assess the health of your uterus and ovaries.

Regarding your concerns about infertility, it’s important to note that many factors can influence a woman’s ability to conceive. Age, overall health, lifestyle factors, and the presence of any reproductive health issues all play a role. Since you are currently not using any form of contraception and have not conceived, it may be beneficial to discuss this with a fertility specialist. They can conduct tests to evaluate your hormone levels, ovarian reserve, and the patency of your fallopian tubes.

As for the method of contraception you mentioned—withdrawal or "pulling out"—it is generally considered less effective than other forms of contraception. While it can prevent pregnancy, it requires a high level of self-control and timing, and pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, which poses a risk of unintended pregnancy. If you are concerned about your fertility and are actively trying to conceive, it might be worthwhile to explore other contraceptive methods or to seek guidance on optimizing your chances of conception.

In summary, while your past abortion and subsequent complications may raise concerns about your fertility, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies after similar experiences. Consulting with a healthcare provider who can assess your reproductive health and provide personalized advice is essential. They can help you understand your menstrual changes, evaluate any potential issues from your past abortion, and guide you on the best steps to take moving forward in your journey toward conception.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Abortion Procedures and Future Fertility Concerns

I accidentally became pregnant, and we are not ready to have a child. I went for an abortion. On January 31, the doctor first gave me a pill that I didn't know what it was, and then prescribed me three doses of Misoprostol, instructing me to take all three after breakfast on...

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The oral abortion medication RU-486 combined with misoprostol is generally required for pregnancies less than 7 weeks gestation (calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period). It is also necessary to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy. The most common complica...

Concerns About Second Abortion: Impact on Future Fertility and Health

Hello, doctor. I am 30 years old and had an abortion two years ago. Recently, due to high stress, my ovulation has been irregular, which has led to another pregnancy. Since I have immigrated overseas and my financial situation is very unstable, I cannot keep this child. However, ...

Dr. Xu Junzheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The likelihood of experiencing complications from surgical abortion and RU486 is the same, so there is no need for concern. Thank you!

Understanding Post-Abortion Concerns: Fertility and Surgical Procedures

Hello doctor, I had a medical abortion on February 25 and took medication to induce uterine contractions to expel blood clots until March 18. On March 18, I underwent a minor procedure to remove the blood clots. I would like to ask if my boyfriend and I had unprotected intercours...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of pregnancy. It is recommended that if your period is more than a week late, you should take a urine test to check for pregnancy. There is a risk of complications with intrauterine procedures, and if you experience difficu...

Concerns About Fertility After Abortion: Understanding Ovarian Cysts and Fibroids

I discovered I was pregnant for over two months when I was 20 years old, about 14 years ago, and underwent an abortion. Now, at 34 years old and recently married, I plan to conceive. Two months ago, I found out I have a 4x4 cm chocolate cyst on my right ovary and a 2x2 cm fibroid...

Dr. Wu Zongcheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The Tainan Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dr. Wu Tsung-Cheng from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology responds: (1) Having had an abortion does not affect fertility, so there is no need to feel anxious. (2) Endometriomas may impact infertility and require...