You can get pregnant in as little as 8-10 days after an abortion, which is when ovulation returns. That’s when an ovary releases an egg. After ovulation, sperm can fertilize the egg . A fertilized egg can grow into a pregnancy.
Sperm can live inside your body for up to 5 days after sex. If sperm is in your body within 5 days of an egg’s release, you can get pregnant.
Contraceptive is the best way to prevent pregnancy after abortions:
- Starting a hormonal method (pill, patch, injection, implant, or hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)) within 5 days after the abortion will give you instant protection. Progesterone-only pills start working after 48 hours after the abortion. If you wait longer, you’ll need backup for a week.
- The copper IUD protects you right away. It doesn’t matter when you get it.
- You can use condoms or other barrier methods right away. These are the only methods that prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Learn about your options and how to get them on Find My Method.
Sources
- World Health Organization. 2023. Clinical Practice Handbook for Quality Abortion Care. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240075207
- https://findmymethod.org
