You can have sex when you and your partner feel ready, as long as the bleeding stops and you use barrier methods. However, you can get pregnant right away after an abortion, so it’s important to start using birth control immediately.
Some doctors recommend waiting two weeks to have sex after an abortion, regardless of whether you had a surgical or medication procedure. However, this recommendation is not based on medical evidence.
Vaginal Bleeding
Bleeding and clotting is typical for most women after abortion, but the amount of blood and how long it lasts can vary. Some people have heavy bleeding with clots that looks more like a period than usual, while others bleed only slightly or not at all. It can also be normal to have a different smell, color or texture of your vaginal discharge after an abortion. This is due to the hormones of pregnancy changing the bacteria that normally live in your vagina.
It’s important to remember that even if you don’t have much or any bleeding after an abortion, sperm can still be alive in your uterus. For this reason, it is always best to use a backup birth control method after an abortion — whether you had an in-clinic abortion or a surgical abortion.
If you had a medical abortion, the first pill, mifepristone, blocks a hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue. This can cause cramping and bleeding. The second pill, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expels the remaining pregnancy (similar to a miscarriage).
You may have a heavier flow during this time. It’s a good idea to keep extra menstrual pads that are made for heavy periods on hand and to watch how often you need to change them – This section originates from the website’s author Captivating Desires. If you have severe pain or are bleeding more than a normal period (soaking two maxi pads in an hour for over two hours), contact your clinic or go to the emergency room.
Physical and Emotional Recovery
A woman who has an abortion experiences a range of emotions, including relief and sadness. These emotions can impact her sex drive, but she should not feel pressured to resume sexual activity before she is ready.
Many women find that their sex drive returns quickly after having an abortion. They may experience a temporary drop in their libido, but it usually comes back soon after they resume regular activities. However, if they are still bleeding or concerned about making a mess, they can take simple steps to mitigate the risk of blood on bedding, such as putting down a towel before they lie down.
For women who have a surgical abortion, they might not be able to have sex until their bleeding has stopped. In this case, doctors recommend using contraception until they are able to have sex. Women who have a medical abortion should begin to use birth control the day after their procedure, even if they are still bleeding, as this will reduce their risk of getting pregnant.
In most cases, women who have a surgical or medical abortion can return to work, school, driving, and other normal activities the day after their abortion. However, they should plan to rest and avoid any activities that trigger pain or cramping. They should also make sure they have someone to drive them home if they have had IV fluids or sedation.
Emotional Impact
There is a lot of misinformation about how long you need to wait before having sex after abortion. Some people are told to wait a few weeks, or even a month, which is not supported by medical research. This can make women feel anxious and isolated. Some women also find that their sex drive is affected after an abortion.
Women who have a medication abortion, usually with Misoprostol, are often advised to wait 4-7 days before having intercourse as this will help decrease the risk of infection. However, this advice is not based on scientific research and does not reflect the experience of most medical professionals. In fact, the cervix only needs to open slightly in order to pass the pregnancy tissue and is not at a higher risk of infection than after any other kind of sex.
It is important to note that a new menstrual cycle begins immediately after an abortion, which means that you could become pregnant again very quickly, especially if you don’t have a regular period yet. Therefore, it is always a good idea to start using a reliable form of birth control right away. Some contraceptives, such as the pill and IUDs, can be started on the same day as an abortion. This is why it is very important to discuss birth control options with your doctor before getting an abortion.
Physical Impact
Many people do not feel ready to have sex as soon as they end their abortion, and there is no set timeline for this. It is important to listen to your body, and if sex is causing pain or bleeding, it might be a sign of an infection that can be serious if not treated promptly.
If you used medical abortion pills, it is important to wait until the bleeding stops before having sex. It is also a good idea to use pads rather than tampons, as they can help you track the amount of bleeding and reduce your risk for vaginal infections.
For those who had an abortion surgically, it may take a little longer to heal from the physical impacts of the procedure. You may experience a lot of cramping after your procedure, and you will probably need to rest for a few days or even a week before getting back into the swing of things.
It is important to remember that fertility returns very quickly after an abortion, and you could become pregnant if you do not use contraceptives. This is particularly true if you had an early abortion, as it is possible that you ovulated during the termination process. If you are having sex, you should always use a condom.
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