We get it—now just isn’t the right time for you to be pregnant. But, maybe you’d like to be in the future. If you’re considering abortion or you’ve already had one, you may be wondering if it could affect your fertility down the road.
It’s always wise to think ahead, especially when it comes to big decisions like this. We’re proud of you for taking the time to consider the impact abortion can have on your body now and how it can affect future pregnancies. Keep reading to learn more!
Can Abortion Cause Infertility?
Abortion increases the risk of two conditions that can cause fertility issues: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Asherman’s Syndrome.
What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, which occurs when bacteria spread from your vagina to your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
Can Abortion Cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is commonly caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia infections. However, it can also develop when the barrier created by the cervix is damaged and bacteria spread to the reproductive tract, which can happen after an abortion[1]. When left untreated, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease drastically increases your risk of infertility[1]. In fact, more than 100,000 women become infertile because of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease[2].
What is Asherman’s Syndrome?
Asherman’s Syndrome is a condition where scar tissue builds up inside the uterus. It can be caused by Dilation and Curettage (D&C), a procedure often used to perform abortions[3].
How Common is Asherman’s Syndrome After a D&C?
Women who have had multiple surgical abortions are at greater risk of developing Asherman’s Syndrome and having trouble becoming pregnant in the future[4]. In the first trimester, up to 13% of women develop the condition after a D&C. For women who have late-term abortions, the risk jumps to 30%[5].
Can Having an Abortion Affect Future Pregnancies?
Surgical abortion can also lead to problems with future pregnancies. For example, untreated Pelvic Inflammatory Disease from an abortion significantly increases the chance of having an ectopic pregnancy in the future[1]. This can occur when the infection causes scar tissue to form in the fallopian tubes. This scar tissue traps the fertilized egg in the fallopian tubes, keeping it from reaching the uterus[1].
Additionally, research suggests that there is a connection between surgical abortion and premature birth and low birth weight[4]. Babies with low birth weight are more likely to experience certain health conditions, such as[6]:
- Breathing problems
- Infections
- Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia)
- Jaundice
- Trouble keeping warm
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Long-term complications from low birth weight include:
- Delayed motor and social development
- Learning disabilities
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
Complications from abortion can have a lasting impact on future pregnancies. We encourage you to speak to a licensed medical professional so you can ask questions, get answers, and make the most informed decision for your health and future!
Abortion Information in Pelham, AL
We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the aftermath of abortion. You don’t have to do this alone! Abortion Recovery Alabama provides free, caring, non-judgmental, private abortion recovery programs, so you can get answers and find healing.
Give us a call at (205) 616-9417 today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Abortion Recovery Alabama does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 8). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9129-pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid
- Asherman’s Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, January 8). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16561-ashermans-syndrome
- Tobah, Y. B. (2022, August 3). Elective abortion: Does it affect subsequent pregnancies? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
- Smikle, C., Yarrarapu, S. N. S., & Khetarpal, S. (2022, June 27). Asherman Syndrome. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459280/
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022, September 20). Birth Weight. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/birthweight.html