Expert: Doctor Early Options - 6/6/2008

Question
Dear Dr Joan,
I had an abortion on May 24 and immediately started Ortho-Tricyclene Lo pills the next day, after being off it for over 6 months. I understand that women are particularly fertile after an abortion and have been told that the pill is not always effective in the first 30 days. On June 3 my boyfriend and I had a condom break. The more I think about it, the more worried I am that I could become pregnant again. I called my local planned parenthood to discuss the morning after pill and they said I was protected against pregnancy after the first week on my pills, but that is contradictory to the information I was given at the clinic when I received my abortion (back up the pill with condoms for the first 30 days). I did receive a 7 day cycle of antibiotics after the abortion as well.

Am I worrying about nothing? I am still within my window for the morning after pill, but I don't know how that works when you are on birth control.

Thank you for taking the time to answer all our questions.

Answer
Dear Sam,
I agree with Planned Parenthood, that you are probably fine.  It has been shown that if you start birth control within a week of an abortion, it is effective immediately.  While the antibiotics may make it less effective, it would be unlikely for you to get pregnant so soon.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
Earlyabortionoptions.com
New York City