Mental Health After the Abortion

Psychological responses following an abortion are very different: from mourning to feelings of relief. Read about mental health after the abortion.

The attitude of the environment to abortion is sometimes more responsible for poor mental health of women after the abortion than the act itself. (Photoxpress)

Mental health after the abortion is different with every patient

Responses to an abortion are very different, although we often expect (if not demand) suffering, a guilty conscience and perhaps even shame. Regret and feelings of relief are the most common emotions that women have after the abortion. Even if a woman does not tell anyone about her abortion, she can still feel the general social atmosphere teaching her that she has to feel guilt after the abortion. Irrespective of that, an abortion would still be a difficult decision because it creates the dilemma between intuition and reason. It is true that an abortion is a difficult decision for any woman, but it is also true that quite a few of them feel relief after the abortion. The attitude of the environment to an abortion is sometimes more responsible for poor mental health of women after the abortion than the abortion itself. In addition, mental health after the abortion largely depends on the social and financial situation, which is often the cause of a decision for abortion. Another important factor is the age of a woman and the support of her family, partner and friends.

How do you alleviate the consequences after the abortion

You need to prepare yourself for your abortion, both mentally and physically. Your doctor can also provide help. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the methods of abortion and make a decision based on all the facts. Thus, you will better prepare yourself for the procedure as well as the days following it. If you want to recover quickly after your abortion, drink plenty of fluids, take a few days off work, avoid physical strain, compensate for nutrient losses in your body – take vitamin supplements, eat a proper diet and do not additionally burden your body with difficult-to-digest foods. Try to sleep as much as possible – this will also relax your body and mind. Do not insert anything into your vagina for approximately two weeks, including tampons. Do not lift anything heavy. Do not take long hot baths or go to a public swimming pool because you can increase your chances of getting an infection.

Fertility after the abortion

Among infertile women, there are very few of those who have difficulties getting pregnant because of numerous abortions. Or in other words, the number of abortions affects the chances of getting pregnant in very rare cases.  

Even if you object to abortion for moral or other reasons, you should not prevent women from undergoing the procedure in an institution that will ensure them an abortion carried out by proper medical professionals as a non-professional abortion can cause even greater damage. A woman can fall ill or even die. A determined woman will have an abortion even if it causes serious damage to her. Many of you probably wonder why the society should pamper “the irresponsible and those without conscience”? Because we have made a step forward in our civilization compared to our ancestors.

Read more about abortion in our Lover's Guide.