Pregnancy Chances After Taking Abortion Pills: What You Need to Know

The likelihood of becoming pregnant after taking abortion pills?

I took RU486 on October 13, and I started bleeding on the 14th, which continued until the 27th or 28th before it stopped.
On November 7, I had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation.
In the days leading up to that, I noticed egg white-like cervical mucus, and I've been experiencing a lot of discharge recently.
If this situation indicates ovulation, do I need to take emergency contraception? Would taking emergency contraception after having taken an abortion pill have a significant impact on my health?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/08

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If you are concerned, you may consider taking emergency contraception.
Generally, emergency contraceptive pills should be taken within 48 hours.
It is always best to use preventive measures beforehand.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/11/08

More Info

When considering the chances of pregnancy after taking abortion pills like RU486 (mifepristone), it is essential to understand the timeline and physiological changes that occur in the body following the use of these medications. RU486 is primarily used to terminate early pregnancies, and it works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. After taking RU486, it is common to experience bleeding, which can last for several days to weeks, as the body expels the pregnancy tissue.

In your case, you mentioned that you took RU486 on October 13 and experienced bleeding from October 14 until around October 27-28. This bleeding is a normal response to the medication and indicates that the abortion process is occurring. After this period, your body may begin to return to its pre-pregnancy state, including the resumption of ovulation.

You also mentioned having unprotected intercourse on November 7, which is a critical point to consider. The timing of ovulation can vary from person to person, but it typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period. Given that you experienced egg white cervical mucus (which is a sign of ovulation) in the days leading up to November 7, it is possible that you were indeed ovulating at that time. If ovulation occurred, there is a chance of becoming pregnant from the unprotected intercourse.

Regarding your question about emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"), it is generally recommended to take it as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse to reduce the risk of pregnancy. The effectiveness of emergency contraception decreases the longer you wait, so taking it within 72 hours is ideal, although some types can be taken up to 5 days after intercourse.

As for the concern about taking emergency contraception after having taken abortion pills, it is important to note that there is no significant evidence suggesting that using emergency contraception after a medical abortion will have adverse effects on your health. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially considering your recent use of RU486.

In summary, if you suspect that you may have ovulated and are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, taking emergency contraception could be a prudent choice. It is advisable to do so as soon as possible and to follow up with a healthcare provider for further guidance and to discuss any potential implications of your recent abortion and subsequent sexual activity. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your individual health history and current situation.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant After Taking Abortion Pills? Key Insights

My girlfriend took abortion pills on August 19, and then on August 23, during a follow-up ultrasound, the doctor said that the pregnancy had passed. By August 25, she had stopped bleeding. We had intercourse on August 26, and I used a condom throughout, which did not break during...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. It is advisable to monitor the situation for now. If discomfort persists, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Chances of Pregnancy After Medical Abortion: Key Insights

I would like to ask, I took the second dose of three pills on July 15, and during my follow-up appointment on July 20, I was told that I still needed to take uterine contraction medication. By my follow-up appointment on July 27, the pregnancy test showed negative results. Howeve...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, there is still a chance. It is advisable to take emergency contraceptive pills just in case. Wishing you good health.

Impact of Abortion Pills on Future Pregnancy Chances

Because I didn't understand things in the past, I have taken abortion pills multiple times. However, I have given birth to children before and after taking the abortion pills. I would like to know what my chances are of getting pregnant again now if I still want to conceive.

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the questioner: RU-486 has a minimal effect on pregnancy levels, and if you plan to conceive, you can still try to get pregnant. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr. Zhang.

Concerns About Pregnancy After Abortion: Your Questions Answered

After undergoing an abortion in mid-July, I took medication for my menstrual cycle, and my period started on August 11, lasting for four days. After that, I experienced intermittent light bleeding. On September 4, I had sexual intercourse with withdrawal method and cleaned the va...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The likelihood of pregnancy is low, but there is still a slight possibility. It is recommended to use contraceptive pills or condoms for more reliable contraception. Withdrawal method or vaginal douching are not considered reliable contraceptive methods. If menstruation does not ...