In France, 598 voluntary abortions are performed daily, which represents 218,000 abortions per year. Usually occurring after an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy, this medical procedure is the oldest but also the most controversial. However, WHO has revealed that the vast majority of abortions pose no threat in countries where abortion is legal, but are in countries where abortion is extremely limited. Also, although we often talk about the physical and psychological consequences of this practice, the subject of sexual relations following an abortion is often left behind.
Regulated in France since January 17, 1975 by the Veil law, abortions are still considered taboo. However, it must be known that when a woman has an unwanted or unexpected child, she can face many challenges: personal, relational or social. Her own desire to be a mother, the impact of this birth on her living conditions and relationships, the parent’s interest and ability to be a parent, and the social and professional context in which pregnancy occurs and unfolds are all crucial conditions to consider.
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The psychological consequences of an unwanted pregnancy on parents and children can create long-term distress and discomfort. Also, it should be known that children from unwanted pregnancies are at high risk of abuse, neglect and a deterioration of quality of life. In most cases, these children are not entrusted with adoption and are therefore caught in the spiral of foster care and social protection systems.
To avoid these situations, some families resort to abortion to end an unwanted pregnancy. To know that before making this decision, it is important to take advice from your doctor to be aware of the risks of this practice. In fact, like any surgical procedure, abortion has an inherent risk of medical complications, including death. Namely, the complications most known to be directly related to this procedure include hemorrhage, uterine perforation, cervical lesion and infections, mainly due to incomplete abortion.
In addition to the physical and sometimes psychological complications of this procedure, many women find it difficult to regain normal sexuality after this experience. So, to better understand how to manage this aspect of your life, the Women’s Health Mag site has sought advice from health specialists.
Your sexuality after an abortion
During a surgical abortion, doctors dilate the uterus to aspirate its contents using a probe. Thus, they recommend waiting on average two weeks before having sex. This is because both drug and surgical abortions cause bleeding and cramping. It is therefore important to give your body enough time to recover so that it returns to its normal state.
In addition, after a surgical abortion, it is important to be aware of infections that may occur. Indeed, according to Dr. Jane Minkin, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale School of Medicine: “We have countless bacteria in our vaginas, which increases the risk of infection. It is, therefore, necessary to allow the cervix to shrink. “. Thus, if you feel pain, bleeding or fever, we recommend that you contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Also, be aware that as soon as the pregnancy is interrupted, you may become pregnant again. Leah Millheiser, director of the sexual medicine program at Stanford University School of Medicine, says that the day of abortion is considered the first day of the cycle. As a result, most women have their periods usually four weeks later. In other words, it is important to use contraception immediately after the procedure to avoid becoming pregnant again.
So, whether you choose to take the pill or use another form of contraception, it is important to talk to your doctor about prescribing it immediately after the procedure. Moreover, for Dr. Millheiser, the IUD would be an excellent option, especially for those who became pregnant using other types of contraception.
