Can You Get Pregnant After Abortion? Risks and Options

Can you get pregnant after having sex following an abortion?

Hello, I underwent a medical abortion with RU486 on January 23, at 4 weeks of pregnancy.
On February 13, I had another procedure due to incomplete tissue expulsion.
On February 21, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, but he did not ejaculate.
I would like to know if it is possible to become pregnant under these circumstances.
Can I take emergency contraception within 72 hours? Would taking emergency contraception have any adverse effects on my body? Is the slight abdominal bloating possibly due to inflammation? I apologize for bothering you again, thank you.

Yuang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/22

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On January 23, a medical abortion using RU486 was performed, with a gestational age of under 4 weeks.
On February 13, a follow-up procedure was done due to incomplete tissue expulsion.
On February 21, unprotected sexual intercourse occurred with the boyfriend, but there was no ejaculation.
I would like to know if pregnancy is possible.

Answer: Given that a procedure was performed on February 13 and unprotected intercourse occurred on February 21, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.
Is it advisable to take emergency contraception within 72 hours? Would taking emergency contraception have any adverse effects on the body? Is slight abdominal discomfort a sign of possible inflammation?
Answer: There is no need to take emergency contraception.

Reply Date: 2018/02/22

More Info

After undergoing a medical abortion with RU486 and a subsequent surgical procedure to ensure complete evacuation of the uterus, it is understandable to have concerns about the possibility of becoming pregnant again, especially after engaging in unprotected intercourse.
To address your first question: Yes, it is possible to become pregnant after an abortion, even shortly after the procedure. The menstrual cycle can resume relatively quickly, and ovulation can occur as soon as two weeks after an abortion. Since you had unprotected intercourse on February 21, it is within the timeframe where conception could occur, especially if you were close to ovulating.

Regarding your inquiry about emergency contraception, you can indeed take emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The sooner you take them, the more effective they are at preventing pregnancy. ECPs work primarily by delaying ovulation, and they do not have any long-term negative effects on your health. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for this method and to discuss any potential side effects.

As for your concern about abdominal discomfort, slight abdominal pain or cramping can be common after an abortion due to the uterus contracting as it returns to its normal size. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, heavy bleeding, or foul-smelling discharge, it could indicate an infection or other complications, and you should seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while it is possible to become pregnant after an abortion, taking emergency contraception can help reduce that risk if taken promptly. Additionally, monitoring your symptoms and consulting with a healthcare provider regarding any concerns about your recovery or potential complications is crucial. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking professional advice tailored to your specific situation.

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