Can You Get Pregnant Two Weeks After Abortion? Expert Insights

Is it possible to get pregnant two weeks after an abortion?

Hello, doctor.
I underwent an abortion on July 19 of this year.
I had two follow-up visits two weeks post-operation, and the clinic doctor said that my uterine recovery was satisfactory.
During this period, I experienced some light bleeding and brown discharge.
On August 8, I had my third follow-up appointment in the afternoon, and that night, during intercourse with my boyfriend, the condom broke, resulting in ejaculation inside.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy? Should I take emergency contraception as a precaution?

A You, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/09

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On July 19th, I underwent an abortion procedure.
I had two follow-up appointments two weeks post-operation, during which the clinic doctor stated that my uterine recovery was satisfactory, although I experienced some light bleeding and brown discharge during that time.
On the afternoon of August 8th, I had my third follow-up appointment, and that evening, during intercourse with my boyfriend, the condom broke, resulting in ejaculation inside.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy? Should I take emergency contraception as a precaution?
Answer: Since I had an abortion on July 19th and had intercourse with my boyfriend on the night of August 8th, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.
However, taking emergency contraception would be a safer option.

Reply Date: 2017/08/09

More Info

After an abortion, the body typically requires some time to heal before a woman can safely conceive again. In your case, since you had the abortion on July 19 and had follow-up appointments indicating that your uterus was healing well, it is possible to become pregnant shortly after the procedure.
The menstrual cycle can resume as early as two weeks post-abortion, and ovulation may occur within that timeframe. If you had unprotected intercourse on August 8, which is about three weeks after your abortion, there is a chance that you could become pregnant if you ovulated around that time. The risk of pregnancy is particularly heightened if you have a regular menstrual cycle, as ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period.

Regarding the use of emergency contraception, it is generally recommended to take it as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills (like Plan B or Ella) decreases the longer you wait, with the best results occurring when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after the incident. However, some forms of emergency contraception can be effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Given that your condom broke and you had internal ejaculation, it would be prudent to consider taking emergency contraception if you have not already done so.

It's also important to note that while the body can become pregnant soon after an abortion, some healthcare providers recommend waiting at least one menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again. This allows for better dating of the pregnancy and can help ensure that the uterine lining is fully healed, which may reduce the risk of complications in a subsequent pregnancy.

In terms of your concerns about the healing process, it is normal to experience some light bleeding or spotting after an abortion, which can last for several weeks. If you notice any heavy bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection (such as fever or foul-smelling discharge), you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

In summary, yes, it is possible to become pregnant two weeks after an abortion, especially if you have had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, taking emergency contraception as soon as possible is advisable. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that your reproductive health is being monitored appropriately.

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