You have questions about abortion… but let’s be honest some questions can be a little embarrassing to ask a doctor in person or even Google. Don’t worry — we got you. carafem is always here to help!
We tackled some of the top questions we hear over private message but don’t often hear in person. Any burning questions we missed? Let us know in the comments below or on private message (you can slide into our DMs on the ‘gram or chat us on Facebook) and we’ll add your question, and our answer, to the list!
1. Does having an abortion make you “loose”?
No, you won’t feel looser “down there” after an abortion. We understand why people might have this concern (no judgment here!). While childbirth can cause the vagina and pelvic floor muscles to stretch (they do shrink back down to a normal pre-pregnancy state after giving birth), this does not happen with an abortion. When you’re ready to have sex again, it’s highly unlikely you or your partner will notice a change in your vagina or vulva after an abortion. Which brings us to our next question…
2. When will I be able to have sex again after an abortion?
That decision is completely up to you! Everyone is a bit different so it varies when people feel ready to have sex again. Some conservative medical providers have advised a period of abstinence after an abortion, but in reality, there is no scientific evidence that shows any increased risk of infection caused by having sex after an abortion.
Most recent medical advice is to resume having sex when you feel ready. Just remember that fertility can return very quickly after an abortion, so make sure to use a reliable method of birth control right away if you want to avoid getting pregnant. Here’s a great article from Self that shares eight people’s stories about how it felt to have sex after an abortion.
3. Can I smoke weed after taking the abortion pill?
This is a tricky one. For one, marijuana is not federally legal and laws vary from state to state. If it’s legal where you live and is a substance you are familiar with, it’s possible weed might help you relax while the abortion pill is working. CBD oil might be a good alternative as it may help with pain management without producing a “high” or psychoactive effect.
Obviously, if this is your first time using marijuana or CBD, you should probably save it for another time since you don’t know how you’ll react. It’s also a good idea to not mix marijuana with prescription pain medications.
4. Can I drink alcohol after taking the abortion pill?
A glass of rosé to help you unwind? Sure. A whole bottle? Not a great idea. However, don’t forget that alcohol impairs your judgment and thins your blood so you’ll want to be careful with how much you drink in the days following a medication abortion. If you have been given a prescription painkiller, it’s better not to mix this with alcohol as the combined effects may be hard to predict.
Overall, most medical providers agree that the best plan is to wait until the heaviest bleeding from your abortion has passed before sipping your favorite adult beverage.
5. Will I be able to have kids after having an abortion?
Absolutely yes. Having an abortion does not impact your future fertility. In fact, you can become pregnant pretty quickly after having an abortion, so we recommend you start a reliable method of birth control on the same day as your abortion if you want to be sure you are protected.
At carafem, you can choose to have an IUD or implant inserted the same day as an in-office abortion (can’t beat that convenience!) or we can get you started on Depo Provera shots or birth control pills. Learn more about your birth control options here.
As the old cliche goes, “there’s no such thing as a dumb question” so you should never feel embarrassed to speak up when it comes to your health! And as the incredibly wise Oprah Winfrey said:
At carafem, we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have about abortion, birth control, or STI testing and treatment. Give us a call at (855) Say-Cara or find your nearest location online to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!
