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Can having an abortion affect my fertility?

Having an abortion will not usually affect your chances of becoming pregnant and having normal pregnancies in the future. It may slightly increase the risk of the baby being born early in future pregnancies.

There's a very small risk to your fertility and future pregnancies if you develop a womb infection after the procedure that's not treated promptly.

The infection could spread to your fallopian tubes and ovaries, known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

PID can increase your risk of infertility or an ectopic pregnancy, where an egg implants itself outside the womb.

But most infections are treated before they reach this stage, and you may be given antibiotics before an abortion to reduce the risk of infection.

Get medical advice as soon as possible if you experience any signs or symptoms of infection after an abortion, such as:

  • severe pain in the tummy, pelvis or lower back
  • a high temperature (fever)
  • unusual or smelly vaginal discharge
  • feeling or being sick
  • bleeding between periods or after sex

Find out more about the risks of an abortion

Further information

Page last reviewed: 8 November 2022
Next review due: 8 November 2025