Abortion is a common, safe, effective, and sometimes lifesaving choice. Some people like to begin birth control right away, while others may wait or choose not to use it. It is critical to understand that nobody should feel pressured to start contraception at the time of an abortion.
You do not have to rush into choosing contraception immediately after an abortion to avoid another one. So, is there a right answer as to when to start the pill after abortion1?
If you decide to start birth control after abortion, the timing depends on the method you choose. You can consult reproductive healthcare about the pill or even use different types of contraceptive methods.
1. What is an Abortion?
Abortion, in simple words, means “termination of pregnancy”. When pregnancy does not result in the birth of a child, whether due to unwanted pregnancy or any medical concern, then abortion is declared. Approximately 60% of unintended pregnancies reported globally result in abortion.
2. Types of Abortion
Abortion refers to a medical means of ending a pregnancy. There are primarily two ways to perform an abortion:
2.1. Medical Abortion
Medical abortion2 is an effective and protected Plan C abortion. It involves the deliberate intake of specific pills or medications for the termination of pregnancy.
Medication abortion is often a preference in case of an unplanned pregnancy. It is the simplest abortion technique and is typically approved for women who are pregnant from 10 weeks.
2.2. Surgical Abortion
Surgical Abortion is an “in-hospital abortion”. This termination is faster; hence, it results in less bleeding.
Surgical termination is approved for women who are pregnant for less than 14 weeks. It is done by giving pain-relieving medicines like local anesthesia.
Please note that the type of abortion you should opt for depends on your health choices and pregnancy stage. Therefore, it is wise to consult with a trained doctor.
3. When Can You Get Pregnant After Abortion?
You can ovulate as soon as within 2 weeks after an abortion. Whether you have a surgical or medical abortion, ovulation can occur before your next period.
The duration of pregnancy before the abortion also influences the ovulation. Opting for an abortion at a later stage may reduce the chances of getting pregnant for several weeks afterward.
As a result, using contraception is crucial to avoid pregnancy soon after an abortion.
4. Contraceptive Methods
Contraception also means birth control. As the name suggests, it is a way to prevent pregnancy. Here are some most used contraceptive options you can consider in your list after referring to reproductive healthcare.
4.1. Simplest and Shortest Method
To not get pregnant, you can take the contraceptive pill daily. It is the simplest way to reduce the chances of pregnancy.
4.2. Barrier Contraception Methods
Barrier methods are the methods that prevent sperm from entering the vagina. This includes condoms, which not only prevent pregnancy but also protect you against STIs.
4.3. Emergency Contraception Methods
Emergency methods include two possibilities on the list- emergency contraception pills or a copper IUD.
You can use emergency contraceptive pills for three days after unprotected intercourse. Meanwhile, copper IUD offers a safer and more promising alternative with a 99% success rate in preventing pregnancies.
4.4. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Method
Long-acting reversible contraception methods last for a long period. It includes intra-uterine devices lasting for three, five or ten years. You don’t have to use this method every day or even every month.
4.4. Permanent Contraception Method
This method is also known as sterilization. Permanent methods prevent all future birth control via vasectomy or tubal ligation.
Before moving on with this method, remember that it is nearly impossible to reverse permanent contraception3. Hence, consider consulting with your doctor about your previous ways of contraception. It will ensure that the chosen method is safe and secure for you after an abortion.
5. When to Start the Pill After Abortion?
It is a very common question. Following an abortion before 12 weeks of pregnancy, it is advisable to promptly begin taking oral contraceptives.
Further, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting any contraceptive pills. If your doctor advises against pills for a specific period, alternative contraception methods, such as condoms, can be used right after the abortion.
6. When Can Your Contraception Start Working After Abortion?
The response to your contraceptive options depends on the method you use for it. Along with this, the type of abortion you use also determines how long it will take for contraceptives to work. Here we will look at both medical and surgical implants.
6.1. Medical Abortion Contraceptive Implants
You can begin most hormonal contraceptive methods like pills, injections, or implants during your medical abortion. The timing might depend on the type of contraception. Your doctor will guide you and suggest starting it with the first medication, the last medication, or after confirming the abortion is done.
Most contraceptive methods are preferable to use before medical abortion. You can schedule a clinic appointment for an IUD. But if you don’t want the chance of getting pregnant, use another contraceptive method in the meantime.
6.2. Surgical Abortion Contraceptive Implants
Contraceptive implants, contraceptive injections and pills are effective and can be considered right after the surgical abortion. If you get the contraceptive injection or start pills more than 5 days later, you should use extra contraception for a week. It is highly recommended to use condoms after the abortion.
You can also get an IUD right after a surgical abortion, even while you are still under anaesthesia. It does not require a separate appointment and is one of the most effective options. However, there is a slight risk in inserting an IUD because it can fall out if you insert it right after the surgical abortion.
7. Is It Okay to Not Select Any Birth Control Method on the Day of Abortion?
It is completely fine to not use any birth control method on the day of abortion. But also for backup, if you are not using any contraception, either do not have intercourse or use condoms not to get pregnant.
8. What are the Side Effects of Contraceptive Pills?
Even though the chances of not getting pregnant by taking contraceptive pills are high, there are still side effects of taking pills. These hormonal contraceptive pills can affect the hormone level of a human being.
If the side effects of a pill last for a long period, you can discuss it with your professional. Here are some common side effects you may experience while taking birth control.
8.1. Nausea
Some women often feel nauseous when they take the pill for the first time. To reduce this effect, take the pill with food and at bedtime. If the nausea is severe, it is best to talk with your consultant.
8.2. Headaches
Consuming high doses of pills raises the probability of getting headaches. It can increase the frequency of pain in the head and cause migraine. Therefore, avoid taking too-high doses of pills.
8.3. Mood Swings
Pills can significantly influence your hormones and can lead to mood swings. It is wise to visit your doctor and change the pills if the mood swings are constant.
8.4. Missed Periods
Intake of pills can lead to missed periods. While pills are generally effective, their improper use may lead to pregnancy. Consider taking a test if you suspect pregnancy.
8.5. Vaginal Discharge
If there is any change in your vaginal discharge, it is not harmful. These changes occur usually because of pills. Even though they are not harmful, a change in colour or smell of discharge can indicate infection.
8.6. Tender Breast
Taking pills can lead to breast tenderness, which is quite normal. Wearing a supportive bra can reduce pain and tenderness. But consult your doctor if you are going through severe pain in the breast or a change in breast lump.
In The End
Now you know about all the contraceptive methods you can use after an abortion. It is worth noting that taking a contraceptive pill immediately after abortion can lead to mood changes or other side effects. Therefore, it is better either not to have any intercourse for at least a week or to use condoms not to get pregnant.
Remember to consult your reproductive healthcare before taking any contraceptives. It will not only reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy but will also save you from any unnecessary side effects.
FAQs
Q1. What to do if sperm entered inside?
Emergency contraception (EC) is the sole effective method to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex when sperm has entered the vagina.
Q2. Is it okay to switch birth control methods before abortion?
Yes, it is fine to switch your birth control before an abortion. It is ideal to consult with your provider to learn about better alternatives.
Q3. When will the periods return after abortion?
Mostly, women get periods on the day of their abortion. It is also normal for your periods to go on and off.
- Gemzell-Danielsson, Kristina, and Helena Kopp Kallner. “Post abortion contraception.” Women’s Health 11.6 (2015): 779-784. ↩︎
- Costescu, Dustin, et al. “Medical abortion.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 38.4 (2016): 366-389. ↩︎
- Okpo, Emmanuel, L. Allerton, and Susan Brechin. “‘But you can’t reverse a hysterectomy!’Perceptions of long acting reversible contraception (LARC) among young women aged 16–24 years: a qualitative study.” Public Health 128.10 (2014): 934-939. ↩︎
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