Concerns About Pregnancy After Medical Abortion and Unprotected Sex

Engaging in sexual intercourse one week after a medical abortion?

Hello, I used RU486 (mifepristone) for a medical abortion from September 1st.
I took the third dose of medication on September 3rd, and after about three hours, I started bleeding, which lasted until September 7th.
Later, on September 14th, I had sexual intercourse and purchased emergency contraception (Plan B) about an hour afterward.
As of September 16th, I have not experienced any bleeding.
My question is, could I be pregnant again? I understand that pregnancy tests after a medical abortion may not be very accurate.
What should I do in this situation?

Ms. Huang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/17

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for examination and evaluation four weeks after your most recent sexual intercourse.
2.
The menstrual cycle can be influenced by various psychological and physiological factors.
If your period is more than two months late, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist for examination and evaluation.

Reply Date: 2021/09/17

More Info

After undergoing a medical abortion using RU486, it is understandable to have concerns about the possibility of becoming pregnant again, especially after having unprotected sex shortly after the procedure. Let’s break down your situation and address your concerns.

First, it’s important to understand how RU486 works. RU486, or mifepristone, is a medication used to terminate early pregnancies. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. Following the administration of RU486, a second medication, misoprostol, is usually taken to induce contractions and expel the pregnancy tissue. The bleeding you experienced from September 3 to September 7 is a normal part of the abortion process, indicating that the procedure was effective.

Regarding your sexual activity on September 14, it’s crucial to note that the risk of becoming pregnant again is present if you engage in unprotected intercourse after a medical abortion. The menstrual cycle can take some time to regulate after an abortion, but ovulation can occur as early as two weeks post-abortion. If you had unprotected sex on September 14, there is a possibility that you could have conceived, especially if you ovulated around that time.

You mentioned taking emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") shortly after the unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy if taken within a certain time frame after unprotected sex. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is. However, it is not 100% effective, and there is still a chance of pregnancy, especially if ovulation has already occurred.

As for your concern about pregnancy testing after a medical abortion, it is true that the hormones from the pregnancy can linger in your system for some time, which may affect the accuracy of a pregnancy test. Generally, it is recommended to wait at least a few weeks after an abortion to take a pregnancy test for the most accurate result. If you take a test too soon, it may still show a positive result due to residual hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) from the previous pregnancy.

If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant again, the best course of action is to consult with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a blood test, which can detect pregnancy earlier and more accurately than a home urine test. Additionally, they can provide guidance on what to expect in terms of your menstrual cycle and any potential complications.

In summary, while there is a possibility of becoming pregnant after a medical abortion and subsequent unprotected sex, taking emergency contraception may reduce that risk. It’s essential to monitor your body and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to address any concerns you may have about your reproductive health moving forward. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and seeking professional guidance is always a wise choice in such situations.

Similar Q&A

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...

Can You Get Pregnant After Medical Abortion and Unprotected Sex?

Is it possible to get pregnant if unprotected intercourse occurs one week after a medical abortion?

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Theoretically, it should not happen. 2. For pregnancy concerns, please take a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for examination and evaluation four weeks after your most recent sexual intercourse.

Post-Abortion Concerns: Understanding Symptoms and Pregnancy Risks

My girlfriend had a medical abortion a little over two weeks ago. We had intercourse while she was not bleeding, but I used a condom that did not break. She took the medication on August 19, but she is experiencing abdominal pain and nausea. Is there a possibility of pregnancy? W...

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear You, May I ask if you will return for a follow-up examination in obstetrics and gynecology to check if everything has cleared out? Please make sure to visit the obstetrics and gynecology department to confirm the success of the medical abortion. Dr. Huang Zifei, Nantou H...

Can You Get Pregnant After Medical Abortion and Unprotected Sex?

I would like to inquire about my situation. I underwent a medical abortion on July 18, and during my follow-up appointment on July 22, the doctor confirmed that the pregnancy had been expelled. On July 25, I stopped bleeding, so I took the first pack of medication. However, that ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is not impossible. I recommend that you still take post-coital contraceptive measures. If your period is delayed, you should take a urine test to check for pregnancy. Thank you! Wishing you peace and healt...