After an abortion

Termination of an unwanted pregnancy is the most common gynaecological procedure worldwide. The cause of an unwanted pregnancy is usually incorrect contraceptive use due to an inaccurate belief or fear that safe hormonal contraception methods are not well-tolerated or have too many side effects. Experience has shown that most women with an unwanted pregnancy either didn’t use contraception, used a less effective method such as the calendar method (NFP) or condoms, forgot to use contraception, or used it inconsistently, such as missing a few pills. Often, it is only after terminating an unwanted pregnancy that women think about the effectiveness of the contraceptive method they previously used, which usually leads them to choose a more effective and more comfortable method.

When a woman has a surgical abortion, a hormonal IUS can be inserted immediately after the procedure, providing safe protection right away. If necessary, the IUS can also be inserted during a subsequent menstrual period; however, the woman/couple must use safe contraception in the meantime.

After a medication abortion (with pills), a hormonal IUS can be inserted during the next menstrual period, about 4-5 weeks after the abortion. However, contraception must be used immediately after an abortion, as a new egg will mature quickly and a woman can become pregnant again 2-3 weeks after an abortion. The pill, a contraceptive patch, or a contraceptive ring can be used between the abortion and the IUS insertion.