Healing and Sexual Health Post-Abortion
Understanding the Timing
After a medical or surgical abortion, it’s important to watch for signs of complications and to take care of yourself. You may continue to bleed and cramp for a few weeks after having an abortion.
While not always required, it’s recommended to follow up with your provider between 7 and 14 days after the abortion to ensure that you are no longer pregnant and that your body has expelled all of the contents of your uterus. IIf the abortion was incomplete (which can happen up to 11% of the time), you may need to have a D&C to remove what was not passed. If remaining tissue is not removed, it can cause infection.”
While there are no hard and fast rules on when you can have sex after an abortion, the general recommendation from most doctors is to wait until you have stopped bleeding or until you have had one menstrual cycle. As long as the cervix remains partially dilated and your immune system is lowered due to supporting the pregnancy, both the cervix and uterus are at elevated risk of infection, so nothing should be placed in your vagina (including tampons, sex toys, or fingers). The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends waiting 2 weeks before resuming intercourse to prevent infection.
Patients should expect to experience bleeding for 2 weeks following either a medical or surgical abortion, though bleeding is reported to be heavier and may last longer than the expected two weeks following a medication abortion.
The Importance of Listening to Your Body
Signs that you’re ready for sexual intercourse after abortion can include:
- cessation of bleeding and cramping
- a negative pregnancy test
- feeling mentally ready
After you have an abortion, it’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions and for those emotions to impact sexual desire. Your partner may also be feeling a number of emotions. Communication during this time is essential to make sure that neither of you feel uncomfortable or unready to resume sexual intercourse after abortion.
Potential Risks Associated with Early Intercourse
Because abortions involve dilation of the cervix, intercourse too soon can put both the cervix and uterus at risk for infection. Additionally, your immune system may be more at risk during the recovery period because pregnancy lowers your adaptive immunity, and can take up to three months before your immune system is at it’s pre-pregnancy state.. While your body is healing, most providers recommend waiting at least two weeks before resuming normal sexual activity.
If the uterus is exposed to Chlamydia, which is asymptomatic up to 80% of the time, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If left untreated, PID can lead to chronic pelvic pain or infertility and increases your risk of future ectopic pregnancy.
Birth Control Considerations
Ovulation can resume as soon as two weeks after an abortion, so it’s important to ensure that contraception options are in place so that you do not become pregnant again. In case of birth control failure, Plan B can be used, but should not be relied upon as your main form of contraception. Ensure that you have talked to your doctor about birth control and which methods may be right for you, or that you are using a barrier method, such as a condom, before having sex.
Seeking Support and Guidance
If you experience pain, prolonged bleeding, or any other signs of infection following sex after an abortion, you should contact your doctor.
If you have recently had an abortion, you may be feeling a wide range of emotions,or none at all. Abortion affects everyone differently, but if you do desire support, know that you’re not alone. Alpha Center can connect you with one of our After-Abortion Support staff. Fill out the contact form and someone will get back to you within a few days. Additional resources can be found at Support After Abortion.
Authored by Kristen Long, Alpha Center. Reviewed for medical accuracy by Meghan Downing, RN, Nurse Manager
Related Articles:
Side Effects of the Abortion Pill
What is a Pre-Abortion Screening?
Frequently Asked Questions About Medication Abortion
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References
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Abu-Raya, B., Michalski, C., Sandarangani, M., & Lavoie, P. M. (2020, October 6). Maternal Immunological Adaptation During Normal Pregnancy. Frontiers. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.575197/full
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. (n.d.). Early Pregnancy Loss. ACOG. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/early-pregnancy-loss?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=otn
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Mayo Clinic. (2025, July 1). Mifepristone (oral route) – Side effects & dosage. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123
Parks, E., & Martinez, C. L. (2025, June 22). Abortion Complications – StatPearls. NCBI. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430793/
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Symptoms & Treatment. (2023, February 8). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9129-pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid
UCLA Health. (n.d.). Medical vs. Surgical Abortion – Family Planning. UCLA Health. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/family-planning/patient-resources/medical-vs-surgical-abortion
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How long after an abortion can you have sex? Find out what to consider for your recovery, including signs of readiness and birth control options.