Understanding Abortion & Ectopic Pregnancy Risks: A Comprehensive Guide

Question
hello i 19 years old i had my first abortion when i was 16 years old i then feel pregnant again at seven teen but it was a ectopic pregnancy, now i have just turn 19 and pregnant again would it be safe for me to have another abortion. could that bring a bigger risk for me to have another ectopic. i want whats best for me and my future. like if i do decide to keep it ill have a lot of help and support and i could be ready. i just want to no the risk


Answer
Dear Rachel,
Thank you for your question on safe abortion and ectopic pregnancy.  There are no studies that indicate that abortion will cause ectopic pregnancies. It would be extremely rare for you to have a second ectopic pregnancy.  Abortion would not increase the chance of this happening. You are also not at additional risk to continue the pregnancy, if that is your choice.  

Abortion is an extremely safe procedure, and should not interfere with future pregnancies.  I would recommend 1) the Aspiration procedure; 2) the Abortion Pill; 3) surgical abortion WITHOUT scraping (sometimes called "suction curettage") as the safest abortion methods.  Scraping during an abortion (D&C procedure) is known to cause uterine scarring (Asherman's syndrome) and is not recommended. When you call to make an appointment, you can ask if the doctor scrapes the uterus, and if you can recommend that they don't use a "curette" when they do the procedure.

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com
New York City