Expert: Pat G - 8/9/2009

Question
Hi I had a surgical termination 17 days ago,I had been given tablets after in case of infection,I am still spotting not loads but sometimes heavier not much though I don't go through lots of pads.I had implanon fitted five days after termination.I would like to know when I can have intercourse again?thanks so much if you reply.  

Answer
Hi, Zoie,

Let me see if I understand you correctly. You had this abortion, and yet you are eager to go back to the behavior that got you into that position in the first place? Doesn't make sense to me! I would urge you to rethink your lifestyle. Obviously, if you are married, not having intercourse isn't an option, but if you aren't it's not necessarily on your best interest. You don't owe it to the man to give him access to your most precious possession if he's not committed to you and doesn't cherish you. The fact you had an abortion would hint that he isn't and doesn't. You deserve someone who will. If you are doing it because of manipulation or coercion, it is especially important to put a stop to it. And yes, you have a right to do that. If you are doing it because you enjoy it, weigh the way you feel about your abortion against it and see which weighs more. Keep in mind that abortion can kill you, render you disabled, or hurt your future children when you make this calculation. Every abortion a woman has makes matters worse. So it is critical to avoid having another one. If you want details, let me know.

As long as you are bleeding, your uterus is open to the outside world, and infection is possible. The abortion caused your uterus to be raw, so infection is much more likely. But as to a specific time when you can go back to it, you really should ask a doctor. Don't go back to the person who provided the abortion. Find someone else. And no, tablets to prevent infection really aren't adequate. They only address bacteria. But lots of nasty things you can get through your uterus are caused by viruses.

I hope this helps. Please take care of yourself.