There are two ways of ending a pregnancy: in-clinic abortion and the abortion pill. Both are safe and very common. If you’re pregnant and thinking about abortion, you may have lots of questions. We’re here to help.
Both in-clinic and medication abortions are very safe. In fact, abortion is one of the safest medical procedures out there. Overall, about 1 in 4 women in the U.S. will have an abortion by the time they’re 45 years old.
Serious problems after an abortion are very rare. But like any medicine or medical procedure, there are some risks.
Most patients are able to return to work or school the next day. We will provide an “excused absence” slip for the day you are in the clinic.
We advise that you do not have sex for one week following your procedure. During this 1 week period, you should not use tampons either. Basically, we advise that you put NOTHING in the vagina for one week.
Depending on your contraception plan, it can be 3-8 weeks before your next period.
Having a safe (legal), uncomplicated abortion will not affect getting pregnant or staying pregnant in the future.
There is no increased risk of any type of cancer related to having an abortion.
- Nausea and vomiting goes away quickly, usually in 24 hours or less
- Breast changes take a little longer (up to 4-6 weeks)
- Energy comes back quickly (usually in less than 2 weeks)
- “Pelvic exam” (cervix and uterus) should be back to normal (non-pregnant) in less than 2 weeks
- No one should be able to tell that you had an abortion by examination. You will have to share that information with an “outside” care provider if you are comfortable doing so.
Abortion starts a new menstrual cycle, so your period should go back to normal 4-8 weeks after your abortion. The birth control method you use will affect when your next period will come.
You should have a period by 8 weeks after your abortion, if you are not using any birth control. If you’re not using birth control and you don’t get your period 8 weeks after your abortion, let your doctor know.
You may have some bleeding right after your abortion that’s different than your period. You could have heavy bleeding with clots for a few days, or spotting for several weeks. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup — whatever’s the most comfortable for you. You might want to use pads so you can track how much you’re bleeding. If you’re concerned about bleeding after your abortion, give us a call.
Abortion Related Resources
Women are much more likely to feel relief rather than regret after having an abortion.
Over 40% of women in the US will have at least one abortion by age 45.
Being “Pro-Choice” means believing in the freedom to choose.
Almost 50% of pregnancies in the US are unintended; 1 in 5 pregnancies ends in abortion.
Women will never be truly free until they are able to choose whether or not to become mothers. – Margaret Sanger (1933)