Post-Abortion Fertility & Reproductive Health: What You Need to Know

Question
Thank you so much for answering my question!
I had an abortion (surgical abortion) 4 years ago. I never got pregnant afterwards, and now when I am married and want to have a child, I am puzzled if my abortion could have damaged my reproductive health. Do you know how often that happens? Can I still have children? Would my OBGYN know if there was anything wrong with my reproductive health/organs? Or do I need to see a specialist for that? What are the tests usually conducted to determine if one can still reproduce?

I am so sorry to bombard you with all these questions I really hope you can help!

Than you very much for taking time out of your life to help me!
God Bless you
Truly Victoria

Answer
Dear Victoria,

Well to start I will tell you I have heard numerous "rumors" about the effects of abortion.  I've heard everything from a 10% decrease in reproductive ability to an increased risk in getting  breast cancer.  Now, I'm not telling you any of this to scare you, I just wanted you to know the rumors that are out there.  I cannot say what is true and what's not. However, I do know of many women who have had numerous children even though they had abortions prior.  I  believe that it basically depends on each person and their body.  Your OB/GYN should be able to tell if you have had any significant scar tissue.  I hope that you had went back for a check-up after your abortion.  That's when they would be able to tell if everything went okay.  I don't know of any tests that could be conducted to tell if you are able to reproduce.  The only thing I can tell you is to try.  If you menstruate on a normal basis and you haven't been diagnosed as infertile, or have endometriosis, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, you should be able to conceive.  The only major problem I have ever heard of with women trying to conceive after having an abortion is the build up of scar tissue.  If there was anything more serious than that, your doctor should have let you know.  I would talk to your OB/GYN and tell him you are thinking about trying to conceive.  He/She will be able to help you know better how able you are.  Every women is different so I really can't tell if you can conceive or not.  Good luck and rememebr, talk to your doctor.  Hope I could help a little.  Email me for any other questions.  

Sincerely,
Nicole

P.s. Sorry it took me a while to get back...you know how busy we can all get.