When facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options, you may have questions about what you can and cannot do before a potential abortion procedure. One common concern is whether it’s safe to have sex before an abortion.
Understanding the medical recommendations and potential risks associated with sex before an abortion can help you make informed decisions about your health and safety. Let’s explore what you need to know about having sex before an abortion and why healthcare providers often recommend abstaining.
Understanding the Risks of Having Sex Before Abortion
Increased Risk of Infection
The primary concern with having sex before an abortion is the increased risk of developing an infection. During sex, bacteria can enter into the vaginal canal and cervix, which may lead to complications from the abortion procedure.
STIs pose a particular risk. If you have sex and contract an STI before your abortion, it can:
- Increase the risk of infection after the abortion[1]
- Increase inflammation in the reproductive tract[2]
- Lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)[3]
Cervical Irritation and Inflammation
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from sex before an abortion can cause irritation and inflammation of the cervix.[4] While this might seem insignificant, it can make the abortion procedure more difficult and uncomfortable.
An inflamed cervix may:
- Be more sensitive during the procedure
- Increase overall discomfort
- Bleed more easily[5]
- Take longer to heal
If you think you may have been exposed to an STI, it’s important to get tested immediately. Morning Star Clinics offers free STD testing and treatment, so you can protect your health. Schedule an appointment today.
Increased Risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Having an undiagnosed STI may significantly increase your risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).[6] This is because the cervix is open during the abortion procedure, making it easier for bacteria to spread. PID is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause[7][8]:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Fertility problems
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
- Need for hospitalization
Common STIs that can lead to PID and complicate abortion procedures include chlamydia and gonorrhea.[9] Even if you don’t have symptoms, these infections can be present and increase your risk of complications from an abortion. This risk is greater after a surgical abortion or if surgery is needed after an incomplete medication abortion.
Additional Pre-Abortion Guidelines and Recommendations
Beyond avoiding sexual intercourse, there are other important safety guidelines and recommendations to follow:
Get Proper Medical Evaluation
Before an abortion, you should receive:
- Medical-grade pregnancy testing to confirm pregnancy
- Ultrasound examination to determine gestational age, viability, and pregnancy location
- STI screening to rule out infection
An ultrasound is particularly crucial because it can detect ectopic pregnancies, which require different treatment and can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed.[10]
Morning Star Clinics provides free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and STD testing and treatment. Schedule your appointment today.
Explore Your Pregnancy Options
Before considering abortion, it’s important to explore each of your pregnancy options. Doing so can help you make the decision that aligns best with your values, circumstances, and well-being.
Morning Star Clinics can answer your questions regarding abortion, adoption, and parenting, so you can make the best choice for your future. We offer:
- Free pregnancy services, including pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds
- Accurate medical information about abortion
- Referrals for trusted adoption agencies, with no obligation to commit to an adoption plan
- Free resources and support to those considering parenting
Give us a call at 717-901-2799 to learn more about your pregnancy options.
How Soon After an Abortion Can You Get Pregnant?
It’s important to understand that you can become pregnant again very quickly after an abortion.
Ovulation can resume as early as three weeks after an abortion, even if you’re still experiencing bleeding.[11] This means you could become pregnant again if you are sexually active during this time.
Before having sex (whether before or after an abortion), it’s important to:
- Understand your pregnancy options
- Understand the risks of having sex before and after abortion
- Understand the risks of having multiple abortions
- Consider whether you’re ready to be pregnant again
Abortion Information in Harrisburg, PA
At Morning Star Clinics, we understand that facing an unplanned pregnancy, considering abortion, and protecting your sexual health involve many complex decisions and emotions.
Our compassionate staff offers accurate medical information, free pregnancy services, and unconditional support as you consider all of your options. We’re here to answer your questions and provide clarity.
Our free and confidential services include:
- Medical-grade pregnancy testing
- Limited ultrasound examinations
- STD testing and treatment
- Pregnancy options education
- Referrals for community resources
Give us a call at 717-901-2799 or schedule your appointment online. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Please be aware that Morning Star Clinics does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
- Mwatelah, R., McKinnon, L. R., Baxter, C., Abdool Karim, Q., & Abdool Karim, S. S. (2019, August 30). Mechanisms of sexually transmitted infection-induced inflammation in women: Implications for HIV risk. Journal of the International AIDS Society. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6715949/
- See source #1.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 22). Cervicitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15360-cervicitis
- See source #4.
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – Diagnosis & Treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352600
- See source #1.
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy – Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
- 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