You can start using most forms of nonhormonal or hormonal birth control the same day as your abortion.
Your contraceptive options depend on many factors, including what type of abortion you have, how much time passes after its completion, and whether you want something to use short term, long term, or permanently.
Although you may use external or internal condoms at any time, some barrier methods are suitable for later in your post-abortion recovery. It ultimately depends on the size and shape of your cervix at the time of the abortion.
It’s usually safe to start using hormonal or long-acting birth control after a successful medication or procedural abortion. You can even start your method of choice during your abortion appointment.
You may start the combination or progestin-only pill, skin patch, intramuscular shot, and arm implant with abortion medication or shortly after.
Although a
If you’re comfortable giving yourself the shot at home, your healthcare professional can prescribe Depo-SubQ Provera, which you can inject into your skin instead of your muscles.
All barrier methods are safe and effective after a medication abortion during the first trimester, including:
- internal condoms
- external condoms
- spermicide creams, gels, films, foams, and suppositories
- vaginal sponge
- diaphragm
- cervical cap
Your healthcare professional may recommend waiting a few days after your last dose of abortion medication before using an insertable barrier or vaginal ring.
They may also recommend waiting a few days to ensure all the tissue passes and clotting subsides before placing a copper or hormonal intrauterine device (IUD).
If you have a medication abortion during the second trimester, wait at least 6 weeks after completion to use a diaphragm or cervical cap. You may need a new size to accommodate changes in the size and shape of your cervix.
Is birth control effective right away?It usually takes up to 7 days for hormonal birth control to begin protecting against pregnancy.
However, if you start using a hormonal method within a week of taking abortion medication or receiving a procedural abortion, you’re automatically protected.
The copper IUD protects against pregnancy immediately. For other nonhormonal methods, follow your healthcare professional’s instructions or refer to the directions on the packaging.
You can start using the following methods immediately after a procedural abortion:
- internal or external condoms
- spermicide creams, gels, films, foams, and suppositories
- combination or progestin-only pill
- skin patch
- intramuscular or subcutaneous shot
- arm implant
- copper or hormonal IUD
A 2024 study suggested that getting an IUD immediately after a procedural abortion increases the risk of expulsion. However, a
If you have a procedural abortion during the second or third trimester, wait at least 6 weeks to use a diaphragm or cervical cap. You may need a new size to accommodate changes in the size and shape of your cervix.
Can you get permanent sterilization?A doctor can perform a tubal sterilization immediately after an uncomplicated medical or procedural abortion. Some people may refer to this surgical procedure as “getting their tubes tied.” The procedure can block, cut, or remove your fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy permanently.
Your sterilization access may depend on the healthcare facility, insurance requirements, and local legislation. Age restrictions, waiting periods, or other barriers may exist based on where you live.
Consider making an in-person or virtual appointment with Planned Parenthood to discuss your options.
What birth control should you avoid after an abortion?
Healthcare professionals typically advise against using a vaginal sponge as your primary contraceptive after an abortion. Although many companies market the vaginal sponge as “one-size-fits-all,” it becomes less effective after pregnancy.
Also, avoid using or relying on fertility awareness methods until after your menstrual cycle returns to its prepregnancy state. It may take 8 weeks or more for your menstrual period to return.
When can you have sex after an abortion?
You may have partner sex or masturbate whenever you feel like it after an abortion. A set guideline doesn’t exist.
However, many healthcare professionals recommend avoiding vaginal penetration of any kind for at least 7 days after an abortion to reduce the risk of infection.
How quickly can you get pregnant after an abortion?
You can become pregnant immediately after an abortion, regardless of whether your menstrual period returns. Using birth control consistently and correctly can help prevent unintended pregnancy.
Is it safe to use emergency contraceptive pills after an abortion?
Yes, it’s safe to use emergency contraceptive pills after an abortion. Your history of abortion doesn’t affect when it’s alright to use emergency contraceptive pills. You may prevent pregnancy after an abortion by taking emergency contraceptive pills up to 5 days after penile-vaginal penetration without a barrier method.
However, emergency contraceptive pills aren’t the same as birth control.
If you use emergency contraceptive pills regularly, consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss your options for pregnancy prevention.
A great birth control to use after an abortion is whatever method works well for you. You might find that this changes over time, and that’s OK! You can always switch to a different method at a later date.
If you have questions, jot them down before your abortion appointment or follow up with your healthcare professional afterward.
They can review the pros and cons of each method and offer personalized recommendations based on your preferences and health history.
Tess Catlett is a sex and relationships editor at Healthline, covering all things sticky, scary, and sweet. Find her unpacking her inherited trauma and crying over Harry Styles on Twitter.