Had Abortion. Waiting For My Periods. Took Morning After Pill After Sex. Safe?

Posted on Mon, 27 May 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 May 2013 Answered on

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi......I recently had an abortion. I did the Abortion pill Methotrexate & Misoprostol I went for my follow up appointment on May 18th & the physician told me everything went fine. I was given birth control but cannot use it until I get my period. That is expected in the midde of XXXXXXX Now I recently had sex on May 22, I panicked & took the morning after pill because i never want to go through that experience again. I am 36 years old & feel like an idiot I'm so used to always getting my period on time with no issues. Should i worry?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (19 minutes later)

Hello XXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
Well, you are smart enough to figure out you did not do the smartest thing !!
It is always recommended to use birth control for 3 months after an abortion.
In the interim period, barrier methods like condoms are a MUST.
Chances of your ovulating soon after an abortion are slim, but it CAN happen.
You have minimized your risk of pregnancy by taking the morning after pill.
I cannot say do not worry, because there IS a risk of pregnancy, albeit small.
Best thing now is to avoid unprotected intercourse, and if you fail to have your period on time, take a pregnancy test .
Wish you all the best.
Feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar