Maybe right now isn’t the best time for you to be pregnant, but you’d like to be in the future. If you’re considering abortion in California, you may be wondering if it could affect your fertility down the road.
Unfortunately, abortion is not without its risks—both short and long-term. It’s important to be aware of the impact abortion can have on your body now and how it can affect future pregnancies. Keep reading to learn more!
Can Abortion Cause Infertility?
Abortion increases the risk of two conditions that can lead to fertility issues: Asherman’s Syndrome and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
What is Asherman’s Syndrome? How Common is Asherman’s Syndrome After a D&C?
Asherman’s Syndrome is a condition where scar tissue builds up inside the uterus. It can be caused by Dilation and Curettage (D&C), a procedure used to perform abortions[1].
Women who have had multiple surgical abortions are at greater risk of developing Asherman’s Syndrome and experiencing difficulty becoming pregnant in the future[2]. In the first trimester, up to 13% of women develop the condition after a D&C. The risk rises to 30% for women who have late-term abortions[3].
What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, which occurs when bacteria spread from your vagina to your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can develop when the barrier created by the cervix is damaged and bacteria spread to the reproductive tract, which can happen after an abortion[4]. When left untreated, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease significantly increases your risk of infertility[4]. In fact, more than 100,000 women become infertile because of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease[5].
Can Having an Abortion Affect Future Pregnancies?
Untreated Pelvic Inflammatory Disease from an abortion drastically increases the chance of having ectopic pregnancies in the future[4]. This can occur when the infection causes scar tissue to form in the fallopian tubes. This scar tissue traps the fertilized egg in the fallopian tubes and prevents it from reaching the uterus[4].
Additionally, research indicates that there is a connection between surgical abortion and an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight[2]. Babies with low birth weight are more likely to experience certain health conditions, such as[6]:
- Jaundice
- Trouble keeping warm
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Breathing problems
- Infections
Long-term complications from low birth weight include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Delayed motor and social development
- Learning disabilities
Complications from abortion can have a lasting impact on future pregnancies. We encourage you to speak to a nurse so you can ask questions, get answers, and make the most informed decision for your health and future!
Abortion Information in Bakersfield, CA
We understand how scary this present moment is. It may feel like the rest of your life hinges on a single decision. You don’t have to do this alone. Our compassionate client advocates are here to answer all of your questions and help you make a decision you can be confident in!
We are a CDPH-licensed Primary Care free clinic and will never profit off of the choice you make. Schedule your appointment today!
Please be aware that Bakersfield Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Asherman’s Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, January 8). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16561-ashermans-syndrome
- Tobah, Y. B. (2022, August 3). Elective abortion: Does it affect subsequent pregnancies? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
- Smikle, C., Yarrarapu, S. N. S., & Khetarpal, S. (2022, June 27). Asherman Syndrome. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459280/
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 8). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9129-pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022, September 20). Birth Weight. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/birthweight.html