The term “abortion” refers both to intentional or medically indicated pregnancy termination and to miscarriages. If you have had an induced abortion, it is natural to worry about your fertility and future pregnancies. Generally, abortion does not affect the ability to conceive later. There is, however, a rare exception: the development of uterine scarring after a surgical abortion, a condition known as Asherman Syndrome.

The method used for abortion depends on gestational age, which also determines whether medication or surgery is needed.

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Medical Abortion

Medical abortion involves medication to end the pregnancy. These medications may also be used after a miscarriage to ensure that all pregnancy tissue is expelled, preventing infection and allowing future conception.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion may be performed to terminate a pregnancy or remove retained tissue after a miscarriage. Depending on gestational age, techniques include vacuum aspiration, dilation and evacuation, or induction. When performed in a safe medical environment, these procedures do not affect fertility.

Complications are uncommon but more likely later in pregnancy. Possible risks include:

• heavy bleeding requiring transfusion
• incomplete abortion
• infection
• accidental injury to nearby organs (uterus, bladder)

Essentially, anything that causes inflammation or injury to the uterus has the potential to impact fertility.

What Is Asherman Syndrome?

Asherman Syndrome is a rare complication that may occur after a surgical dilation and evacuation, when the uterine lining is damaged. This leads to scar tissue within the uterine cavity, increasing the risk of miscarriage or difficulty conceiving.

Fortunately, Asherman Syndrome is treatable. Scar tissue is surgically removed, and a small balloon is placed inside the uterus to keep the walls separated during healing. Once recovery is complete, the balloon is removed.

Pregnancy After Abortion

In most cases, abortion does not impact future fertility or increase risks in a subsequent pregnancy. However, sexual abstinence is necessary for a short period to allow healing.

If difficulty conceiving occurs after an abortion, other fertility factors should be evaluated, such as:

• age
• history of sexually transmitted infections
• chronic diseases (diabetes, hormonal or autoimmune disorders)
• partner fertility
• lifestyle

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Repeated Abortions

If you have questions related to repeated abortions or would like recommendations on evaluating and monitoring your newborn during the first days of life, you may request an individual consultation at any time. A thorough assessment helps determine the most suitable monitoring and support plan for your child.

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