When facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options, you may have many questions about what you can and cannot do before a potential abortion procedure.
Bridgehaven does not refer or perform abortions, but we do ensure our clients have medically accurate information. One common concern is whether it’s safe to have sex before an abortion.
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 after an abortion. Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the vaginal canal and cervix, which may lead to complications during or after the abortion procedure.
STDs pose a particular risk. If you have sex and contract an STD shortly before your abortion, it can:
- Increase the risk of infection during or after the abortion[1]
- Increase inflammation in the reproductive tract[2]
- Lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)[3]
Cervical Irritation and Inflammation
Sexual activity can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STDs) that 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 STD, it’s crucial to get tested immediately. Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center offers limited STD testing, so you can protect your health. Schedule an appointment today.
Increased Risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Having sex before an abortion, especially if an undiagnosed STD is present, significantly increases your risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).[6] 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 STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, can lead to PID and complicate abortion procedures.[9] Even if you don’t have symptoms, these infections can be present and increase your risk of complications during and after an abortion.
Additional Recommendations
Beyond avoiding sexual intercourse, there are other important safety guidelines and recommendations to follow before considering abortion:
Get Proper Medical Evaluation
Before considering abortion, you should receive:
- Medical-grade pregnancy testing to confirm pregnancy
- Ultrasound examination to determine gestational age, viability, and pregnancy location
- STD testing
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]
Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center provides free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and STD testing. 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 ensure you make the decision that aligns best with your values, circumstances, and well-being.
Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center can help 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 dating ultrasounds
- Accurate, medical information about abortion procedures
- 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 (319) 200-2125 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 Cedar Rapids, Iowa
At Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center, we understand that facing an unplanned pregnancy, considering abortion, and protecting your sexual health involves 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.
We offer free and confidential services including:
- Free medical-grade pregnancy testing
- Limited ultrasound examinations
- Limited STD testing
- Pregnancy options education
- Referrals for community resources
Give us a call at (319) 200-2125 or request your appointment online. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center 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