Abortion and Future Fertility

How soon can I get pregnant again after a medical abortion?

You can get pregnant again as soon as 8 days after a medical abortion. If you have sex, you should consider using contraceptives to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

References

Clinical practice handbook for safe abortion. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2014 https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/97415/9789241548717_eng.pdf?sequence=1
FIGO's updated recommendations for misoprostol used alone in gynecology and obstetrics. FIGO; 2017 https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijgo.12181
Medical management of abortion. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/278968/9789241550406-eng.pdf?ua=1
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Best practice in comprehensive abortion care. RCOG. 2015. London, Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. Best Practice Paper No. 2. https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/best-practicepapers/best-practice-paper-2.pdf

Who Can Use Abortion Pills?

If I am a very big woman (or very overweight), do I need to take more pills?

What if I find out that I’m pregnant with twins?

Is the abortion pill less effective if I’ve used it before?

Can I take misoprostol while I have an IUD inserted?

Can I take misoprostol while breastfeeding?

Can I use abortion pills if I have HIV?

Can I take the abortion pill if I have anemia?

Is the abortion pill unsafe if I have had a C-section?

If I use the abortion pill and I’m still pregnant afterwards, will the baby be born with birth defects?

How can I have an abortion if I have been diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy?

Types of Abortion Pills and Their Use

How do abortion pills work?

What does misoprostol do?

What does mifepristone do?

Can I use misoprostol at home?

Can I drink water after taking misoprostol?

Can I drink water after taking mifepristone?

Should I take misoprostol sublingually or vaginally?

What is the difference between taking misoprostol only and taking both mifepristone and misoprostol?

How effective is misoprostol and how effective is misoprostol + mifepristone?

Why do I need to take more misoprostol if I take mifepristone first?

Will anybody know that I had an abortion using the abortion pill?

Abortion Pill Contraindications

Under what circumstances should I avoid taking abortion pills at home?

Side Effects and Complications of Abortion Pills

How much bleeding and cramping is normal after taking misoprostol?

What if I don’t bleed after taking misoprostol?

What if I bleed too much after taking the abortion pill?

What can I do to manage any pain after taking the abortion pill?

Can I eat normally after taking the abortion pill?

Can I drink liquids normally after taking the abortion pill?

Can I drink alcohol during and after taking the abortion pill?

How long does it take for the side effects of the abortion pill to go away?

Is it normal to feel sick or nauseous after taking misoprostol?

What should I do if I am still pregnant after taking the abortion pill?

Abortion and Future Fertility

How soon can I get pregnant again after a medical abortion?

Will the abortion pill cause birth defects in a baby I have in the future?

Will taking the abortion pill make it harder for me to get pregnant in the future?

Other FAQs

Is abortion a method to prevent pregnancy?

What is the difference between the abortion pill and the morning-after pill (emergency contraception)?

Is medical abortion the same thing as abortion pills? Is medical abortion the same as surgical abortion?

How can I contact you for more information?

Abortion Pill Frequently Asked Questions

Abortion and Future Fertility

How soon can I get pregnant again after a medical abortion?