Expert: Sound Advice - 12/12/2006

Question
How long after a surgical abortion should you wait to have sex? If you have sex before you return for follow- up what could happen? How long will it take after an abortion to get pregnant again?

Answer
You should wait between 2-4 weeks and you should feel physically recovered.  If you have sex before then, your biggest risk is infection (either yeast or bacterial).  Your body basically needs to heal and not letting it puts you at a higher risk for complications.  As for the length before you can be pregnant?  It can occur as soon as 2 weeks after an abortion.