Does Abortion Impact Fertility? What the Research Says

Before an abortion, whether it's the abortion pill or an in-office procedure, one question comes up more than almost any other: "Will I still be able to have a baby when the time is right for me?" 

It's a tender, important question, and you deserve a clear, honest answer. So here it is: for the vast majority of people, abortion does not affect future fertility. Decades of research and the country's leading medical authorities agree. Below, we will walk through what science actually says, the rare exceptions worth knowing about, and how we work to keep you safe and supported at every step. 

The Short, Honest Answer 

A safe, modern abortion, performed by trained clinicians like the team at FPA Women's Health, is not linked to infertility. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the leading body of OB-GYNs in the United States, is unambiguous on this point: having an abortion does not increase your risk of infertility down the road. 

This holds true for both medication and surgical abortions we offer. You can learn more about each on our abortion care page. 

How Quickly Does Fertility Return? 

Sooner than most people expect. Your body begins resetting almost immediately, and ovulation can return within 7 days after an abortion. That means it is possible to become pregnant again before your next period even arrives. 

This is exactly why, if you do not wish to conceive right away, we encourage talking with us about birth control options before you leave. Many methods, including an IUD or implant, can be started the very same day, giving you control over the timing of a pregnancy. 

Medication, Abortion and Fertility 

Medication abortion (often called the "abortion pill") uses a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol to end an early pregnancy. According to ACOG's clinical guidance, medication abortion has no adverse effect on future fertility or future pregnancy outcomes. Studies have consistently found no increase in preterm birth, low birth weight, or difficulty conceiving afterward. 

The Mayo Clinic echoes this: a medical abortion does not appear to raise the risk of complications in future pregnancies. If you'd like to understand the process from start to finish, our medication abortion page explains what to expect. With telehealth and abortion by mail options available, the FPA team is committed to comfortable care. 

Surgical Abortion and Fertility 

An in-office surgical abortion is also very safe and is not linked to infertility. At FPA, we use gentle suction (vacuum) aspiration, the modern standard of care, rather than the older "sharp curettage" technique that involved scraping the uterine lining with a curved blade. This matters because this older method was the one that historically was associated with uterine scarring in rare instances. Our surgical abortion page describes the procedure and how we keep you comfortable. 

The Rare Exceptions, Explained Honestly 

We believe in telling you the whole truth, including the uncommon risks, because understanding them is part of feeling at ease. 

• Asherman syndrome is scar tissue inside the uterus that can interfere with pregnancy. It has a historical association with sharp curettage, the older scraping method most clinicians, including ours, no longer use. With suction aspiration, this risk is extremely low. 

• Cervical insufficiency occurs when the cervix does not stay closed during a later pregnancy. This is an extremely rare possibility after a second-trimester procedure and is thought to relate to inadequate cervical preparation. We reduce this risk by gently softening and dilating the cervix beforehand by using osmotic dilators or the medication misoprostol, so the procedure is as gentle as possible. 

These complications are uncommon, and they become even less likely when you receive care from an experienced provider early in pregnancy. 

The Bigger Fertility Picture: Age, Not Abortion 

The factor most likely to affect your fertility is not an abortion; it's time. Fertility naturally declines with age as ovarian reserve decreases, and this happens whether or not you have ever had an abortion. If you're planning to conceive in your late 30s or 40s, speak with your provider, or learn more in our blog on essential health advice for women in their 40s. The key takeaway: an abortion does not speed up age-related fertility decline. 

What About More Than One Abortion? 

Having more than one abortion is still considered very safe, and the research shows no evidence that the number of abortions you've had reduces your ability to get pregnant later. Your reproductive future remains your own. 

A Reassuring Note to Carry with You 

Statistically, most people seeking an abortion are already parents, and many go on to have healthy, planned pregnancies when the timing feels right for them. Choosing an abortion at one point in your life does not close the door to motherhood later. 

If your provider asks you to return for a follow-up visit, please do your best to come in. Follow-up is not always required, but it is one more way we provide expert care for our patients. And if your period seems late or a test result is confusing afterward, our post on a late period with a negative pregnancy test can help you make sense of it. 

Whatever brought you here, you are not alone, and your questions are always welcome. Our compassionate team is here to give you clear answers and gentle, judgment-free care. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can abortion cause infertility? 

No. Leading medical authorities, including ACOG and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, find no evidence that a safe, modern abortion causes infertility. Fertility problems after an abortion are rare and generally linked to uncommon complications rather than the procedure itself. 

How soon can I get pregnant after an abortion? 

Very soon. Ovulation can return within 7 days, sometimes before your first period. If you don't want to conceive right away, ask us about starting a form of birth control the same day. 

Does the abortion pill affect future fertility? 

No. ACOG states that medication abortion has no adverse effect on future fertility or pregnancy outcomes, and studies consistently support this. 

Does a surgical abortion affect fertility? 

No. FPA uses gentle suction aspiration, the modern standard of care, which is not linked to fertility problems. The older scraping technique once associated with rare uterine scarring is no longer in routine use. 

Does having more than one abortion make infertility more likely? 

No. Research shows no link between the number of abortions a person has had and their ability to conceive in the future. 

Will an abortion increase my risk of miscarriage or pregnancy complications later? 

For most people, no. Reliable research has not found that abortion raises the risk of future miscarriage. Any small risks are tied to uncommon complications and are minimized by experienced, early care. 

What is the most common factor that actually affects fertility? 

Age. Fertility naturally declines over time regardless of whether you've had an abortion. If you're planning a pregnancy later in life, talk with your provider about your options. 

Do you offer care if I am coming from out of state? 

Yes. FPA welcomes out-of-state patients. Reach out to our team or book online to get started. 

Sources 

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation — clinical guidance affirming no adverse effect on future fertility. 

• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), The Safety and Quality of Abortion Care in the United States (2018) — comprehensive review finding no association between abortion and secondary infertility. 

• Mayo Clinic, Elective abortion: Does it affect subsequent pregnancies? — patient guidance confirming abortion most often does not cause fertility issues.