Can You Have Sex Before an Abortion? Understanding the Risks

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. One common concern is whether it's safe to have sex before an abortion. 

Understanding the medical recommendations and potential risks associated with sexual activity 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 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.

STIs pose a particular risk. If you have sex and contract an STI 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 (STIs) 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 STI, it's crucial to get tested immediately. The Women's Center of Eastern Connecticut offers free referrals for STI testing and treatment, so you can protect your health. Schedule an appointment today to get started.

Increased Risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Having sex before an abortion, especially if an undiagnosed STI 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 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 during and after an abortion. 

Additional Pre-Abortion Guidelines and 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

• STI screening

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]

The Women's Center of Eastern Connecticut provides free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. 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.

The Women's Center of Eastern Connecticut can answer all of 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 860-576-8072 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 Eastern CT

At The Women's Center of Eastern Connecticut, 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:

• Medical-grade pregnancy testing

• Limited ultrasound examinations

• Pregnancy options education

• Referrals for community resources 

Give us a call at 860-576-8072 or schedule your appointment online. All services are confidential and free of charge!

Please be aware that The Women's Center of Eastern Connecticut does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594

2. 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/ 

3. See source #1.

4. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 22). Cervicitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15360-cervicitis 

5. See source #4.

6. See source #1.

7. See source #1.

8. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - Diagnosis & Treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352600 

9. See source #1.

10. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy - Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088 

11. 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