Can You Have Sex After an Abortion?

After any medical procedure, your body needs time to heal. If you’ve recently had an abortion, you may have questions about when it’s safe to resume sexual activity and what precautions you should take during recovery. Understanding the timeline for physical healing and the risks associated with having sex too soon after an abortion is essential for protecting your health.

How Long Should You Wait to Have Sex After an Abortion?

Medical professionals typically recommend waiting at least two to three weeks to have sex (or insert anything into the vagina) after an abortion.[1] This will help prevent a vaginal infection.[1]

Understanding the Risks of Having Sex Too Soon After Abortion

Resuming sexual activity before your body has fully healed can put you at risk for several complications. Being aware of these risks can help you make informed decisions about your recovery.

Increased Infection Risk

One of the most significant risks of having sex shortly after an abortion is developing a vaginal infection. During and immediately after an abortion, your cervix is dilated and your uterine lining is healing. This creates an opportunity for bacteria to enter your uterus more easily.

Infections can develop into more serious conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause long-term complications including chronic pelvic pain and fertility issues.[2]

Prolonged Recovery

If you develop an infection after an abortion, it could prolong the recovery time. You may need to wait even longer to be treated for and recover from the infection, in addition to the abortion.

Physical Discomfort

Even if you feel emotionally ready, your body may not be physically prepared for intercourse. Many women experience bleeding, cramping, and pain in the days and weeks following an abortion. Attempting sex too soon can cause pain and discomfort that could have been avoided by waiting for complete healing.

How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After an Abortion?

One of the most important things to understand about abortion recovery is how quickly fertility can return. Many women are surprised to learn that pregnancy is possible much sooner than they might expect.

Ovulation After Abortion

Women can ovulate as soon as three weeks after having an abortion.[3] This means your body can release an egg and you can get pregnant again if you have sex during this time.

When Do Periods Return After Abortion?

Most women get their first period within four to six weeks after an abortion.[1] However, initial cycles may be irregular as your body readjusts to its normal hormonal patterns.[1]

What If You’re Pregnant Again After a Recent Abortion?

If you discover you’re pregnant again shortly after having an abortion, it’s essential to take immediate steps to understand your situation and explore your options.

Get an Ultrasound

Your first step should be scheduling an ultrasound. This diagnostic imaging provides critical information about your pregnancy:

Gestational Age: An ultrasound accurately determines how far along you are in pregnancy. This information is vital because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[4] Knowing your exact gestational age helps you understand which options are available to you.

Pregnancy Location: 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.[4]

Pregnancy Viability: Between 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, with approximately 80% of these occurring in the first trimester.[5] An ultrasound can determine whether the pregnancy is viable or if a miscarriage has already begun, which determines your next steps and medical care.

Taking Care of Yourself After Abortion

Physical healing is just one aspect of recovery after an abortion. This experience represents a significant life event, and it’s normal to need time to process emotionally as well as physically.

Don’t Rush Your Recovery

While medical guidelines provide general timeframes, every woman’s recovery is unique. Listen to your body and don’t feel pressured to resume sexual activity. Give yourself all the time you need to heal, both physically and emotionally.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care

All women should receive follow-up care after an abortion to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. This appointment gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your recovery and confirm that the abortion was complete. Never skip this important step in your recovery.

Abortion Information in East Central, Minnesota

Being pregnant when you don’t want to be can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve already gone through an abortion. But, you aren’t alone!

Visit Lex Specialty Clinic to speak with our qualified and compassionate staff. We provide a confidential space to get the answers you deserve and make an informed and empowered decision.

Call us at (763) 689-4319 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are free and confidential!

Please be aware that Lex Specialty Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sex After Abortion

Can you have sex immediately after an abortion?

No, you should not have sex immediately after an abortion. Healthcare providers recommend waiting at least two to three weeks to allow your body to heal and reduce the risk of infection. Your cervix needs time to close completely, and your uterine lining needs to recover before it’s safe to resume sexual activity.

What are the signs of infection after an abortion?

Warning signs of infection after abortion include[6]:

Fever greater than 100.4 °F that lasts for more than 4 hours
Severe abdominal pain
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Rapid heartbeat
Heavy bleeding that soaks through more than two pads per hour for two consecutive hours
Fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical care.

Is it normal to not want sex after an abortion?

Yes, it’s completely normal to not feel ready for sex after an abortion. Many women need time to heal emotionally as well as physically. Don’t feel pressured to resume sexual activity until you’re truly ready, even if you’ve passed the recommended waiting period.

Can you use tampons after an abortion?

No, you should avoid using tampons for at least two weeks after an abortion, or until your healthcare provider clears you.

Tampons can introduce bacteria into your uterus while your cervix is still dilated and healing. Use pads instead during your recovery period.