What should I do if I had sexual intercourse less than two weeks after having an abortion?

If intercourse occurred less than two weeks after a surgical or medication-induced abortion, it is important to recognize that this significantly increases the risk of complications. The uterine lining is still healing, the cervix may remain slightly dilated, and hormonal fluctuations can impair local immune defenses—creating an ideal environment for infection. Potential risks include endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), sepsis, and delayed uterine involution. Additionally, ovulation can resume as early as 7–10 days post-abortion, meaning pregnancy is possible even before the first menstrual period returns.

Immediate steps should include monitoring for warning signs: fever (>38°C), persistent or worsening lower abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, heavy or prolonged bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour), or chills. If any of these symptoms develop, prompt medical evaluation is essential—including pelvic examination, cervical cultures, and possibly transvaginal ultrasound. Even in the absence of symptoms, consultation with a healthcare provider within 48–72 hours is strongly advised to assess for subclinical infection and determine whether empiric antibiotic therapy is warranted.

Going forward, abstinence or consistent barrier contraception (e.g., condoms) is recommended for at least 2 weeks—or until after the post-abortion follow-up visit, typically scheduled 1–2 weeks after the procedure—to allow adequate uterine recovery and reduce infectious risk. Long-term contraceptive counseling should be offered, as rapid repeat pregnancy poses significant maternal health risks. Patients should also be reminded that emergency contraception is not effective once implantation has occurred and does not reverse an established pregnancy.