Can You Have Sex After an Abortion?

After any medical procedure, there are often things you need to avoid during the recovery process. So, if you’ve had an abortion, you may be wondering what you need to avoid, such as sexual activity.

Today we’ll explore whether you can have sex after an abortion. Keep reading to learn more. 

How Long After An Abortion Can You Have Sex? 

Always speak with a qualified healthcare provider to determine specific post-abortive guidelines. 

After taking the abortion pill, women should abstain from sex for two to three weeks to prevent infection and because bleeding can last between two to four weeks.1 After a surgical abortion, healthcare providers will evaluate women and clear them for activity. All women should ensure that they have follow-up after an abortion. 

When Do Periods Start After Abortion?

Typically, periods return within four to six weeks after an abortion. However, they may be irregular due to hormonal changes caused by the procedure.2

How Long After Abortion Can You Get Pregnant? 

On average, women can ovulate three weeks after an abortion3, even if they’re still bleeding. If a woman has sex around that time, there is a chance she could get pregnant again. 

Does Abortion Affect Your Relationships? 

Some women report a decrease in their sexual drive after an abortion4, which can affect their relationship with their partners. Some women may experience grief, anxiety, and depression after an abortion5, whether immediately or years later.

I’m Pregnant Again After a Recent Abortion. What Should I Do?

If you’ve become pregnant again after a recent abortion, your first step is to receive an ultrasound! This will determine your: 

• Estimated gestational age. Gestational age (how far along you are in pregnancy) can be estimated based on a woman’s last menstrual period, but an ultrasound is the most exact way to determine the gestational age.6 This is important to know, as the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.7
• Location of the pregnancy. An ultrasound also can show if the pregnancy is inside the uterus. A small number of pregnancies form outside the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancies. Not only can they be life-threatening, but abortion is not the proper way to treat them.8
• Viability of pregnancy. Almost 10-20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and almost 80% of those occur within the first three months of pregnancy.9

If you find out that you’re experiencing either an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage through an ultrasound, you can move forward with the appropriate medical care.

Abortion Information in New York, New York 

Being pregnant when you don’t want to be can feel overwhelming. But, you aren’t alone! Visit Pregnancy Help NYC to speak with our qualified and compassionate staff. We provide a confidential space to get the care you deserve and make an informed and empowered decision. 

Call us at (212) 243-7119 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are free and confidential!

Please be aware that Pregnancy Help NYC does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

1. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, May 1). Mifepristone (Oral Route) Side Effects. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067123?p=1  
2. As stated by abortion providers in June 2024.
3. Schreiber, C. A., Sober, S., Ratcliffe, S., & Creinin, M. D. (2011). Ovulation resumption after medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol. Contraception, 84(3), 230–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2011.01.013  
4. Coleman, P. K., Rue, V. M., & Coyle, C. T. (2009). Induced abortion and intimate relationship quality in the Chicago Health and Social Life Survey. Public health, 123(4), 331–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2009.01.005  
5. Shuping, M., & Shaler, L. (2017). Abortion and Women’s Mental Health. CounselEd (3)11. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/SenateMedicalAffairsCommittee/Shuping%20_Shaler_2017_Abortion_and_Mental_Health.pdf  
6. Ultrasound in Pregnancy. (2022). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy 
7. FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex   
8. Ibid.
9. Miscarriage. (2022). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage