Starting contraception after first-trimester medication abortion

Because many women resume sexual activity shortly after an uncomplicated abortion and because fertility may return as early as 10 days after the completion of a first-trimester induced abortion, it is crucial that women are offered effective methods of contraception that they can use starting immediately after an abortion.

Evidence supports the use of any modern contraceptive method after an uncomplicated abortion; however, contraceptive use after medication abortion is an understudied area. The following recommendations for contraceptive use after medication abortion are derived from the available research, the clinical experience and documentation of experts in the field, and where relevant, the evidence for use after other types of abortion.