If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering abortion, it’s natural to wonder if it might affect your ability to have children in the future.
While abortion shouldn’t impact your fertility, certain complications could have a long-term impact. Understanding these possibilities can help you make the most informed decision for your health and future.
If you have questions or want to know more about your options, you can schedule an appointment for no-cost, confidential pregnancy services.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease After an Abortion
One of the most common fertility-related complications after abortion is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
This infection can occur when bacteria—often from untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea—spread into the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. An abortion procedure can make it easier for bacteria to move deeper into the reproductive system, increasing the risk of PID.
PID can cause permanent damage from scar tissue and abscesses (collections of pus that form in the reproductive tract that can become infected if untreated), leading to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion and Scar Tissue
Some surgical abortion methods, such as dilation and curettage (D&C), carry a risk of scar tissue forming inside the uterus—a condition called Asherman’s syndrome. This scar tissue can cause changes in menstrual cycles (light or no periods), increase miscarriage risk, and make it more difficult to conceive or stay pregnant in the future.
The treatment usually involves surgery to remove the scar tissue.
Protecting Your Reproductive Health
The risk of fertility issues after an abortion goes up when complications occur.
Protecting your reproductive health starts with getting tested and treated for STIs before any procedure, attending follow-up appointments to confirm the abortion is complete, and seeking medical attention quickly if symptoms of infection or complications develop.
At Cypress Valley Clinic, we provide no-cost pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and STI testing so you can have the information you need to make a confident, informed choice.
Your fertility and future matter. Schedule an appointment today to get answers, care, and support in a safe and confidential setting.
