After an abortion, it is possible to get pregnant right away, so you may consider using contraception.
These are some of the most common contraceptive methods:
Non hormonal
External or internal condoms
There are condoms for external (worn over the penis) or internal (worn inside the vagina) use. Condoms are for one-time use only, use a new one every time you have sex. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that also protects from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Copper IUD
A small device made of plastic and copper that is inserted into the womb through the vagina. It can be placed as soon as the abortion is confirmed and can usually remain 5-12 years. It can also be used as emergency contraception if placed within 5 days after unprotected sex. Common side effects are heavier bleeding and cramps during periods.
Vasectomy
A small surgical procedure, which usually take place under local aesthesia in which the tubes that carry sperm through the penis are blocked. Ejaculation still takes place, but the semen has no sperm. This is a permanent, non-reversible method without side effects.
Tubal ligation
A surgical procedure in which the tubes that carry the egg from the ovary to the womb are blocked. This is a permanent, non-reversible method without side effects.
Hormonal
When you start hormonal contraception within 3 days after the abortion, it provides immediate protection as it prevents ovulation. If you start later, you need to abstain or use an additional protection method (condom) during the first 7 days.
Any hormonal contraception can have side effects such as fatigue, nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight changes, decreased libido, irregular bleeding, changes in vaginal discharge, mood swings, and depression.
Combined oral contraceptive pills
These pills combine two hormones (estrogen and progestin). They need to be taken daily. Most combined oral contraceptive pills provoke a monthly bleeding similar to a period.
Contraceptive injections
There are different types of hormonal contraceptives that can be injected either monthly, every 2 months, or every 3 months. In most cases, menstruation becomes irregular or absent.
Implants
Common brands are Norplant or Implanon. These small rubber rods are implants under the skin of the upper arm where they continuously release the hormone. Depending on the type of implant, the protection lasts 3-5 years. In most cases, menstruation becomes irregular or absent.
Hormonal IUD
A small device made of plastic that is inserted into the womb. It contains a (progestin) hormone that is released continuously. It can be placed as soon as the abortion is confirmed. Depending on the type, the protection lasts 3-8 years. In most cases, menstruation becomes irregular or absent.
Morning-after pill/ emergency contraception
These pills are most effective when taken within 3-5 days after unprotected sex, depending on the type. The sooner used, the more effective: their effect is delaying ovulation. You can also use most combination oral contraceptive pills as emergency contraception, this is also called the “Yuzpe method”: take one dose of 100 μg of ethinyl estradiol plus 0.50 mg of levonorgestrel (2 to 4 pills, depending on the amount in each pill), followed by a second dose 12 hours later.
