Can You Have Sex Before an Abortion?

Jun 7, 2024

Before any medical procedure, there are often things you need to avoid. So, if you’re considering an abortion, you may be wondering what you need to avoid before, such as whether you can have sex. 

As you consider your options and before you move forward with decisions about an abortion, there are a few things you should know. Today we’ll explore whether you can have sex before an abortion. Keep reading to learn more. 

 

Can You Have Sex Before an Abortion?

Some abortion providers advise women to avoid sex before an abortion. There’s a chance you can contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and increase the risk of developing an infection from an abortion.1

Before choosing an abortion, call (865) 977-8378 for free STI testing.

 

How Long After An Abortion Can You Have Sex? 

Always speak with a qualified healthcare provider to determine specific post-abortive guidelines. 

After taking the abortion pill, women should abstain from sex for two to three weeks to prevent infection and because bleeding can last for up to four weeks.2 After a surgical abortion, healthcare providers will evaluate women and clear them for activity. All women should ensure that they have follow-up after an abortion. Further, some women report a decrease in their sexual drive after an abortion because of the complex emotions they experience.3

 

How Long After Abortion Can You Get Pregnant? 

On average, women can ovulate three weeks after an abortion4, even if they’re still bleeding. If a woman chooses to be sexually active around that time, she could get pregnant again. So, before choosing abortion, women may want to consider whether they want to prevent future pregnancies. 

 

How Do I Know If I’m Pregnant? 

At-home pregnancy tests can tell you if you have pregnancy hormones, but they cannot tell you if the pregnancy is progressing or in the uterus. So, before choosing an abortion, you should confirm that your pregnancy is in the correct location. 

Call Pregnancy Resource Center for free medical-grade pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.

 

Does Abortion Affect Your Relationships? 

Women may experience a variety of emotions after an abortion that can affect the ways in which they interact with their partners. Some partners also experience sadness or grief after an abortion and have difficulty communicating how they feel. 

Call us at (865) 977-8378 for support for your partner, too.

 

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

With the abortion pill, a woman intentionally takes medication to terminate her pregnancy. Abortion pills may also be called a medical abortion, chemical abortion, RU-486, or at-home abortion. 

The process involves two medications. The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with progesterone receptors and prevents the pregnancy from developing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.2 Women qualify for the abortion pill only up until 10 weeks of gestation.5 

 

What Do I Need to Know Before Taking the Abortion Pill? 

Women should speak with a qualified healthcare professional and verify their eligibility for the abortion pill before taking it. This will include: 

  • Estimated gestational age. Gestational age (how far along you are in pregnancy) can be estimated based on a woman’s last menstrual period, but an ultrasound is the most exact way to determine the gestational age.6
  • Location of the pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside of the uterus and can be life-threatening if not properly treated. So, before taking abortion pills, it is recommended that a woman receive an ultrasound first. 
  • Viability of pregnancy. Almost 10-20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and almost 80% of those occur within the first three months of pregnancy.7

Call Pregnancy Resource Center at (865) 977-8378 today to receive a free ultrasound. 

 

Abortion Pill Information in Maryville, Tennessee 

Weighing the pros and cons of an abortion can feel overwhelming. But, you aren’t alone! Visit Pregnancy Resource Center to speak with our qualified and compassionate staff. We provide a confidential space for you to sort through all of your options. 

Schedule Appointment Now
Please be aware that Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.

 

Sources

  1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
  2. Medical Abortion. (2024). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
  3. Coleman, P. K., Rue, V. M., & Coyle, C. T. (2009). Induced abortion and intimate relationship quality in the Chicago Health and Social Life Survey. Public health, 123(4), 331–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2009.01.005 
  4. Schreiber, C. A., Sober, S., Ratcliffe, S., & Creinin, M. D. (2011). Ovulation resumption after medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol. Contraception, 84(3), 230–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2011.01.013 
  5. Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. 
  6. Ultrasound in Pregnancy. (2022). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
  7. Miscarriage. (2022). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage
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