Does Abortion Affect Fertility?
Maybe right now isn’t the best time for you to be pregnant, but you’d like to be in the future. If you’re considering abortion in Alabama, you may be wondering if it could affect your fertility down the road.
Unfortunately, abortion is not without its risks—both short and long-term. It’s important to be aware of 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 lead to fertility issues: Asherman’s Syndrome and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
What is Asherman’s Syndrome? How Common is Asherman's Syndrome After a D&C?
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[1].
Women who have had multiple surgical abortions are at greater risk of developing Asherman’s Syndrome and having trouble becoming pregnant in the future[2]. 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%[3].
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.
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[4]. When left untreated, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease drastically increases your risk of infertility[4]. In fact, more than 100,000 women become infertile because of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease[5].
Can Having an Abortion Affect Future Pregnancies?
Untreated Pelvic Inflammatory Disease from an abortion significantly increases the chance of having an ectopic pregnancy in the future[4]. 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[4].
Additionally, research suggests that there is a link between surgical abortion and an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight[2]. Babies with low birth weight are more likely to experience certain health conditions, such as[6]:
Trouble keeping warm
Jaundice
Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Infections
Breathing problems
Long-term complications from low birth weight include:
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity
Learning disabilities
Delayed motor and social development
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 Huntsville, AL
We understand how scary this present moment is. It may feel like the rest of your life hinges on a single decision. You don’t have to do this alone. Our compassionate client advocates are here to answer all of your questions and help you make a decision you can be confident in!
Give us a call at (256) 533-3526 or schedule your appointment online today!
Please be aware that HPRC does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
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/
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
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022, September 20). Birth Weight. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/birthweight.html