Which is the Best Contraception After an Abortion?

If you’ve just experienced an unplanned pregnancy then you may be wondering what you can do to prevent it from happening again in the future. We have lots of reliable methods of contraception to choose from, but which one is right for you?

When Do I Need Contraception After a Pregnancy Termination?

It’s important to be aware that your fertility will return to normal right away after an abortion. You could be ovulating again within a couple of weeks, which means that you could get pregnant again very quickly if you don’t use protection.

You should avoid having sex until the bleeding stops after a pregnancy termination, which could be up to a couple of weeks. It’s also important to wait until you feel mentally and physically ready to have sex again.

You will need to use contraception as soon as you are sexually active if you want to avoid another pregnancy. It’s a good idea to discuss the options with your doctor at the 132 Healthwise clinic so that you are prepared.

Should I Change My Contraception After a Pregnancy Termination?

You can go back to using the same type of contraception after an abortion, but it can be a good idea to consider whether this is still the best choice for you. If you’ve been using that contraception for a while, then it might not be a match for your lifestyle any more. A different type of contraception might work better for you now or might be more effective at preventing unplanned pregnancies than you old one.

It’s vital to consider whether you’ve had any issues with your contraception that might explain why you got pregnant even though you were using it. For example, did you find it hard to take your contraceptive pill at the same time every day? Were you experiencing any side effects? Did you sometimes forget to use a condom or put your diaphragm in before sex?

If you’re not using your contraception correctly, then it isn’t providing you with as much protection as it should. The pill can be more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancies, but only when you are using it perfectly.

You might want to change your contraception after an abortion if:

• You need to start using condoms for protection against STIs
• You want a more effective form of contraception
• You weren’t using the previous contraceptive correctly or had problems with it

Your Options for Contraception After a Pregnancy Termination

Various different types of contraception are available in the UK, all of which can be used after a pregnancy termination. The best option for you will depend on your personal preferences, medical needs and lifestyle so it’s a good idea to discuss the choices with your doctor.

• Condoms: male and female condoms are the only forms of contraception that can provide protection against STIs.
• Diaphragm: a convenient barrier method that can be fitted several hours before sex. Ask a doctor to check the fit of your diaphragm if you’ve had an abortion.
• Contraceptive pills: hormonal contraceptives that prevent you from ovulating. You need to take the pill at the same time every day.
• Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs): hormonal contraceptives that don’t need to be taken every day. Getting a contraceptive implant or coil can provide the highest level of protection against pregnancy and you can usually have it fitted at the same time as your abortion.