title: When to start the pill after abortion.
abstract: The shorter the period of gestation, the sooner ovulation will resume.  Further, there is a varying relation between the 1st menses and the 1st ovulation following termination of pregnancy, dependent upon the length of gestation.  After an abortion before 12 weeks gestation, the 1st menses is usually preceded by ovulation and therefore follows a true luteal phase menstrual cycle.  In a term gestation, the reverse is true.  The 1st menses is usually not preceded by ovulation;  rather, 1st ovulation usually occurs subsequently.  For women choosing oral contraception, the following advice should be given: After an abortion before 12 weeks gestation, oral contraceptives should be started immediately to inhibit the ovulation which may occur 2 weeks after the abortion.  If the abortion is after more than 12 weeks gestation, oral contraceptives should be started 1 week after the termination because of the intermediary aspect of the onset of ovulation with regard to the 1st menstruation.
mesh_terms: D000359:Aftercare; D003267:Contraception; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D005193:Family Planning Services; D012098:Reproduction
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral
keywords: Contraception; Contraceptive Methods; Family Planning; Oral Contraceptives; Postabortion; Reproduction