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Dr. Jim Shelton's Pearls "Pearl" for the week of June 13, 2005

How Soon Is Contraception Needed after Abortion?

It seems to me that making contraception available after a woman has had an abortion (either induced or spontaneous) makes a lot of sense, since many may want to avoid pregnancy. But how soon after the abortion should a woman start contracepting?

Very soon. While there is probably some degree of disturbance of normal ovulation in some women in the first cycle, the majority of women have a rapid return to ovulation. So for all practical purposes, a women not wishing to get pregnant right away should begin contraception as soon as possible after an abortion.

References:

1. Lahteenmaki P. Postabortal contraception. Ann Med 1993; 25:185-9.
2. Donnet ML et al. Return of ovarian function following spontaneous abortion. Clin Endocrin 1990; 3:13-20.

The "Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" are prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Government or The Johns Hopkins University.