One suction abortion without complications has not been shown to have any negative effect on a woman's ability to conceive or carry a later pregnancy to term. Your normal period should begin 4-6 weeks after the abortion. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. Generally, you should avoid intercourse, swimming, deep tub baths, douching, and tampons until you have had your post-abortion exam. This is usually performed 2-4 weeks after the abortion.
Any unprotected intercourse following an abortion can result in another pregnancy.
To avoid pregnancy in the future, you need to choose and use a method of contraception if you decide to be sexually active. Most birth control pills are started the Sunday following the abortion. A diaphragm or cervical cap is usually fitted or checked 2-4 weeks following the abortion. If you would like to discuss birth control, make an appointment to see the family planning counselor at 616-2495. The emotional effects of abortion depend in part on the meaning each woman attaches to the pregnancy and the abortion, and partly on the hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy.