Does a past abortion affect my chances of getting pregnant?

Probably not. However, in rare cases, multiple dilations and curettages (the cleaning out of the uterus, also known as a D&C) can cause scarring at the top of the cervix or inside the uterus. A procedure called hysteroscopy (when a small camera is placed through your cervix into your uterine cavity) can check for this problem and usually repair the scar tissue at the same time.

But even if that's not the case for you, you should know that any procedure that dilates the cervix – a necessary step during most abortions – can weaken it.

So if you've had more than one abortion and you get pregnant again later on, you may find that you have what's known as an incompetent cervix, a cervix that starts dilating prematurely. This can sometimes be treated with a stitch to keep the cervix closed, called a cerclage.

On the bright side, having conceived before proves that you ovulate and that your fallopian tubes are open.

Comments

10 things to avoid when you're trying to get pregnant

When you're trying to get pregnant, some of your habits may need to change. Here are 10 fertility foes to steer clear of when you're actively trying to have a baby: Lubricants Certain medications Large amounts of caffeine Mercury in fish Alcohol Smoking Certain chemicals Stress Hot tubs Marijuana – maybe

Sex positions for baby-making

Are some sexual positions better than others for conceiving? There's no evidence that any particular sexual position is more likely to lead to conception. You may have heard that some positions, such as the missionary position (man on top), are more promising than others because sperm is deposited closest to the cervix, but there aren't any scientific studies to back this up. Proper timing , on the other hand, is a crucial

Common causes of fertility problems in women

Eleven percent of reproductive-age couples in the United States have trouble conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy. About one-third of these cases are due to female fertility problems, one-third to male fertility problems, and the rest to factors involving both partners or to unexplained causes. If you've had regular, unprotected sex for more than a year without conceiving (or six months if you're older than 35), see your doctor. About 65 percent of couples that get treatment for a fertility problem are eventually able to have a successful pregnancy, according to Resolve, the national infertility association. The success rates below are based on averages gathered from large groups of patients. Each couple is unique, so think of the success rate for any treatment as a general snapshot, not a prediction of your chances of having a baby. Read on to learn more about female infertility and available fertility treatments. Ovulation problems An ovulation problem occurs w

FERTILITY DESK

Search This Blog