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Sex After the Abortion Pill

If you’re unexpectedly pregnant and considering the abortion pill, you might have a lot of questions flooding your mind. It’s understandable to have concerns when facing such a big decision. You might find yourself searching online for answers about how the abortion pill process works and the possible side effects after taking it. But what about more personal questions? What if you’re wondering about your future sexual experiences? Some women may be hesitant to ask about having sex after taking the abortion pill, but there’s no shame in trying to educate yourself and learn all the facts. It’s actually a common question, and one that’s important to your health to answer.

It can be difficult to reach out and ask your personal and pressing questions about abortion. Avenue Women’s Center can be your first step in finding answers about abortion and abortion alternatives. With over 30 years of experience, Avenue understands that each woman facing an unexpected pregnancy has their own individual concerns. We offer free, confidential, and private pregnancy consultations to speak openly with our compassionate and understanding staff. Contact us today and set up your appointment at one of our six locations in Chicagoland, Illinois!

How long should you wait to have sex after the abortion pill? You are likely wondering about the time frame to physically wait, but an emotional waiting period is equally important to consider.

Physically Waiting

The abortion pill, or medication/medical abortion, requires time to let your body heal from the process. Similar to any medical procedure, the abortion pill involves potential risks and side effects. Infection is a potential concern, and having vaginal intercourse too soon after taking the abortion pill increases a woman’s risk of exposure to bacteria. Like many medical sources, the Mayo Clinic suggests waiting at least two weeks before having vaginal sex to reduce risk of infection. Risk of another pregnancy is also important to consider during the physical waiting period. As the Mayo Clinic explains, “Ovulation usually occurs as soon as two weeks after a medical abortion, and another pregnancy is possible even before your period begins.”

So how long do you physically wait to have sex? The answer depends largely on your personal health and how your body responds to the medication abortion. Speak with your doctor or health care provider before undergoing the process, and be sure to revisit this question afterwards in your follow-up visit.

Emotionally Waiting

It’s common for women to feel a range of emotions following a medical abortion. Some might feel a sense of relief, glad to have the whole experience behind them and ready to move forward past it. Others can feel regret, remorse, guilt, shame, sadness, depression, or despair. It’s also possible to feel all of these emotions at once or in waves. We all feel and think differently, and no one can tell you exactly when you’ll be ready to emotionally handle sex after taking the abortion pill. Some might be emotionally ready when their bodies are healed, while others might need more time to experience and process their feelings fully. Talking with a counselor or therapist beforehand can shed light on your potential emotional recovery. Additionally, some women might find it helpful to join a post-abortion support group to gain perspective from other women who have gone through the process.

Waiting to have sex after taking the abortion pill can be challenging. It is not just about your body’s recovery time, but your mental and emotional healing as well. However you feel, make the time and effort to heal fully before choosing to have sex after an abortion. Your self-aftercare is vital to learning the answer of how long to wait.

The answers provided here are general in nature and might not address all of your concerns about sex after the abortion pill. You might have many more questions and concerns about abortion and seeking information about your options and alternatives. Avenue Women’s Center cares about helping you learn all the facts in a nonjudgmental and supportive environment. When you come in for a free pregnancy consultation at Avenue, our empathetic staff will carefully listen and address your concerns with compassionate understanding. Reach out on our pregnancy helpline and learn more about how we can help you in the first steps of your decision-making process.

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Reference:

Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.

The information provided here is general in nature.  It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center.  If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention.  Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.