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Does Abortion Affect Fertility? What You Need to Know

If you’re considering an abortion in Colorado but hope to have children in the future, you may be asking, Does abortion affect fertility? This is a valid concern, as reproductive health decisions can have both immediate and long-term effects. 

Understanding the potential risks and outcomes is crucial for making an informed choice. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between abortion and fertility, focusing on medical evidence, potential complications, and how they might impact future pregnancies. 

Can Abortion Cause Infertility?

While most abortions are safe when performed by qualified medical professionals, there are risks associated with the procedure that could, in rare cases, affect fertility. 

Two conditions often linked to abortion and fertility concerns are Asherman’s Syndrome and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Understanding these conditions can provide clarity on how abortion might influence your ability to conceive later.

What is Asherman’s Syndrome?

Asherman’s Syndrome is a condition where scar tissue, known as intrauterine adhesions, forms inside the uterus. This scarring can reduce the uterine lining’s ability to support a pregnancy, potentially leading to infertility or recurrent miscarriages. 

Asherman’s Syndrome is often associated with Dilation and Curettage (D&C), a surgical procedure commonly used in first-trimester abortions or to manage miscarriages.[1]

Women with a history of multiple surgical abortions are particularly at risk, as repeated procedures can cause more extensive scarring.[2]

The risk of developing Asherman’s Syndrome increases with multiple D&C procedures. According to medical research, up to 13% of women may develop this condition after a single D&C in the first trimester, while the risk rises to approximately 30% for those undergoing late-term abortions.[3] 

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. 

It often results from untreated sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, but it can also occur when the cervix is disrupted, allowing bacteria to enter the reproductive tract. This disruption can happen during or after an abortion, particularly if proper post-procedure care is not followed.[4]

If left untreated, PID can increase the risk of infertility.[5] Scar tissue from the infection may block or damage the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from traveling to the uterus. 

Over 100,000 women in the United States experience infertility each year due to PID.[6] Early detection and treatment with antibiotics are critical to reducing these risks.

Can Abortion Affect Future Pregnancies?

Beyond fertility, abortion may influence the outcomes of future pregnancies. One significant concern is the increased risk of ectopic pregnancy[7], where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes. 

Untreated PID caused by an abortion can create scar tissue in the fallopian tubes, trapping the embryo and leading to this dangerous condition[8], which requires immediate medical attention.

Additionally, research suggests a potential link between surgical abortion and an increased risk of preterm birth or low birth weight in subsequent pregnancies.[9] Babies born with low birth weight may face immediate health challenges, such as[10]:

  • Difficulty maintaining body temperature
  • Jaundice
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Increased susceptibility to infections
  • Breathing difficulties

Long-term, low birth weight can contribute to chronic conditions, including[11]:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Learning disabilities
  • Delayed motor and social development

While these risks are not guaranteed, they highlight the importance of discussing potential complications with a healthcare provider before deciding on an abortion.

Making an Informed Decision

Deciding whether to proceed with an abortion is deeply personal and often complex. It’s wise to consult a licensed medical professional who can provide personalized guidance. They can answer your questions, discuss potential risks, and help you weigh your options based on your health and future goals.

At Marisol Health, we’re here to support you through this process. Our compassionate client advocates offer confidential, no-cost consultations to help you understand your choices and make a decision you feel confident about. We encourage you to reach out to discuss your concerns, including how abortion might affect your fertility or future pregnancies.

Get Support at Marisol Health

Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Marisol Health, we provide free, confidential services to help you make an informed decision. 

Give us a call at our Denver or Northern Colorado office or request an appointment online to get started.

Request An Appointment

Please be aware that Marisol Health does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

  1. Asherman’s Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, January 8). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16561-ashermans-syndrome  
  2. Tobah, Y. B. (2022, August 3). Elective abortion: Does it affect subsequent pregnancies? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551  
  3. Smikle, C., Yarrarapu, S. N. S., & Khetarpal, S. (2022, June 27). Asherman Syndrome. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459280/ 
  4. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594 
  5. See source #4.
  6.  Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 8). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9129-pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid 
  7. See source #4.
  8. See source #4.
  9. See source #2.
  10. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022, September 20). Birth Weight. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/birthweight.html 
  11. See source #10.