In most cases, the medical procedure itself should not affect fertility in any way. Having said that, like with any other procedure or surgery, there are always potential risks.

There are basically two types of abortion procedures: Dilation and Curettage (D&C) abortion and there are a number of ways in which they can affect your fertility:

1. Bacterial infections leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which in itself causes infertility or the inability to carry a pregnancy full term.

2. Punctures in the uterus or damage to the uterine lining. Again, this can cause infertility.

3. Very heavy bleeding which may require transfusion.

4. A scar tissue that forms in the uterus or cervix also known as Asherman syndrome.

In most cases, your doctor will advise you to wait at least 2-3 weeks before having sex after an abortion. You want that area to fully heal first.

Complications from abortion such as infection, heavy bleeding or PID may require a longer waiting period before trying to conceive again.

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The post Can having an abortion affect your fertility? first appeared on Lisa Olson's Fertility Blog.