Abortion and Future Fertility: What You Need to Know

Question
Dear Joan

My girlfriend got pregnant unexpectedly (we went for a check-up and it's been 5 weeks since her last period, so they decided the baby is in the 5th week).

We are considering a medical abortion, however my girlfriend is 36 year old and already had an a bortion nearly 10 years ago, and she is worried that an abortion will make it harder for her to get pregnant later on.

Could you tell me if this is true, and whether her age  has any negative impact on this. This would be extremely helpful to us.

Thank you very much for your help indeed.

Answer
Dear Mark,
The abortion pill as well as the aspiration procedure (see earlyabortion.com) are the safest methods to end early pregnancy.  Neither affects fertility because they just naturally cause a release of the menstrual lining.  It will be as if she had a late period or early miscarriage.  She will be safe to get pregnant even as early as her next cycle.  The nice thing is that you now know that she can get pregnant, so there should be no problem getting pregnant again in the next few years when you are both ready.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan