Abortion and Infertility

I felt compelled today to research the topic of abortion and its link to infertility. I have heard about persons who had abortion and when they wanted to have kids later on, they were having difficult. Now I would state up front that I am a Christian and do not believe in abortion, but this article is not about judging anyone, but rather it is to offer insights into other possible conditions that may affect our uterus so that persons can become more informed and should they have a previous abortion/s and are having difficulties, they can decide to visit their health care provider for an assessment.

This topic is controversial and there are some who believe it does and others believe it doesn't cause abortion. The thing is though that many persons find a whole lot of ways to get an abortion done and when they are really desperate the methods take many forms. While some are not done by trained professionals, others involve some techniques that are relatively inexpensive for the birth mother, but also detrimental to their health.

Now what I have done is compiled information from different sites. Although it is not expected that abortion will infertility, it is a surgical procedure and as such there are some associated complications that may affect future fertility. Again, I am not here to judge or to condemn for we have all made some form of mistake one way or the other. Still, I will ask persons to reconsider  if you are currently thinking of it. You do not want to live with regrets.

 Amin GafarFertility treatment expert.

"It's very unlikely that a past termination, if it was straightforward, will affect your chances of getting pregnant. Most women who have had a termination go on to have a baby when they are ready without any problems. Having conceived before proves that you ovulate and can get pregnant. So, rest assured that if it's taking longer than you'd like to get pregnant, it's unlikely to be because of the termination. Occasionally, though, if the termination was not straightforward, it may affect your fertility. An incomplete termination (retained products of conception) can increase the risk of infection and scarring. An infection setting in after the procedure, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause a problem. If it's not treated early, PID can lead to blockages in and around the fallopian tubes. And there may be scarring at the top of your cervix (the entrance to your uterus) or inside your uterus."See for more information :http://www.babycentre.co.uk/x1013967/does-a-past-termination-affect-my-chances-of-getting-pregnant

That Abortion that Robbed me of my Children

In my many years of practice of medical ultrasound I have attended to thousands of women suffering from infertility due to many causes including abortion, legal or illegal. I had this patient, she has being married for over 7 years with no child. She came to me for ultrasound scan test, after the tests, I noticed that the endometrial cavity was thin and fibrosed with evidence of adhesion. I asked her if she had had a miscarriage, she told me that she had never being pregnant since she got married. I now asked her if she had ever being pregnant before she got married, and what happened to her. That was when she opened up and told me the whole story.
She was a virgin and had this boyfriend, after much pressure from the young man for some closer intimate moments with her, she finally gave in to keep the relationship. They had sex only once, but unfortunately for her she became pregnant. In an effort to hide it from their parents , since they were not ready to get married yet and were very young, they both agreed to have an abortion. They went to a clinic [qualified or not we cannot tell], and had the abortion, after that all was well. She separated from the young man , and had never had sex with any other man until she got married. Now for seven years she could not get pregnant, she thought she was cursed. She had done many tests and all results were normal but no improvement in her situation. Until she came to me and I made my findings.

In this article , I want to assure you that I am not here to talk about pro abortion nor con abortion issues. I am not here to condemn anyone, nor discuss moral issues of abortion. That is not my place. I am only interested in discussing about infertility, the causes, diagnostic tests, treatments especially a simple assisted reproductive technique called Intrauterine Insemination [IUI]. See for more information: http://www.nairaland.com/301409/abortion-robbed-me-children-infertility

Could an abortion increase the risk of problems in a subsequent pregnancy? Answers from Roger W. Harms, M.D.

• Vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy

• Preterm birth

• Low birth weight

• Placenta previa — when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, which can cause severe bleeding before or during delivery

See for more information: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551

Generally, abortion isn't thought to cause fertility issues or complications in subsequent pregnancies. However, some research suggests a possible link between abortion and an increased risk of:

Struggling with Infertility: Do not lose hope

Last night, in a conversation with my husband, I made the statement, suppose when we are ready for another child, I can't have and his response was If God will it, then it would be. This morning I found myself reflecting on my journey from childless to my beautiful baby girl and tears flow from my eyes. I lifted my eyes to heaven and I said thank you Lord and began praying. I said to the Lord, please do not let me forget your goodness to me. It is so easy to forget at times, but like Jeremiah, my testimony is like fire shut up in my bones and I need to encourage those who are currently discourage, to instill hope in those who have lost it and to inspire faith in those who have doubts. The Lord still heals, he still blesses, he still hear our prayers and cries, he still is miraculous, he is still able to grant us the desires of our hearts. His word is still true and so he will bless you with the heritage of your womb, just trust him and believe.

Several months ago, I was in a position where I was confused, doubtful and miserable. Why me? How come things always happen to me? What is your plan for my life Lord that I must go through this journey? Am I meant to have kids? Those are just a few of the questions plagued my mind daily. I cried out to the Lord, like Hannah, in fast and prayer. I began repenting for sin whether it was in words, thoughts or actions, not just for myself, but up the generational tree. If i ever thought about abortion, I repented. If I ever looked or heard anyone in my family called someone a mule, I repented. The reality was before my eyes and I knew I needed a cleansing from the Lord and his grace to be extended to me. I needed a fresh start. 

I was never quiet with my issue and it was a good thing because then God place someone in my way, someone who I didn't expect anything from. He placed it on the heart of one of my lecturer to ask if I was pregnant; a question that she herself said that she does not usually asked people, a question I could have simply said no and leave at that. Instead, in addition to no and I let her know that it was a fibroid and immediately she called a doctor and organized an appointment for me to the following day. I entered his office not knowing what to expect, but hoping for something positive. I knew it must have been God, for that senior surgeon decided to do my surgery and to accept only what the insurance can cover. Isn't my God magnificent? I didn't even know how much the surgery cost until after....JA$500 000 and I paid nothing from my pocket. A few months after I got pregnant and I give birth to my sweet Gabrielle. I am forever grateful to God. I do think someone needs to be reminded that God is still ready and available to bless you abundantly. Open your eyes to the doors that he is opening before you. It is a good thing to be private at times, but do not let privacy make you miss the open doors God is setting before you. Continue to trust God and may the wombs of those who desire children be blessed with child

Unwanted Hysterectomy

Until recently, I could not fathom what it is like to have a hysterectomy. I reflected on my hospital experience, a few hours before my myomectomy where I was given the speech by the doctor and asked to sign a paper for a hysterectomy. I had already stressed, over and over again, the need to keep my womb and I chose not to even think about the chance that a hysterectomy would have to be performed. I wanted to so that I can prepare myself mentally, but I could not. 

Recently, I visited my friend in the hospital. She went in for a myomectomy and ended up with a hysterectomy because of complications. At less than 30 years old and no kids, she had lost her womb. I looked at her. I wanted to say something positive, but I found myself lost for words. Even as a Christian, I could not muster up a few words. I wondered, what could anyone say to me if all hope of birthing a child was lost... probably nothing. I could not think of anything I would have wanted to hear and so there was nothing I could have said, except looked at her and offer her a listening ear. Yet, she was strong and thankful to God for life, realising that it could have been worse. 

A week after, I met another friend who underwent hysterectomy. A few years have passed, but it did not take away the emptiness of wanting a child and so she adopted one and she is extremely happy. You could not tell that she did not give birth to that child. The way she expressed her love was incredible and it let me know that the world is not over with a hysterectomy. That overtime, things will become clearer. Even though you cannot change what has happened, happiness is still within your grasp. It would not be east to accept, but you will get through.

Still, these two situations have shown me the need for persons to share their stories. I ask of you today, to use my blog to share your stories. If you cannot post, email me and I will post it for you. I am a myomectomy patient and I can relate to those who had the surgery. A year after, I was blessed with a baby girl (almost 5months to date). There are persons who have had multiple surgeries and are still waiting for their blessing, so while I might be able to give hope to many and encourage others through my personal story, there are many out there who can also help. You can let people know how you have found support through whatever you are going through. I remember the many silent tears I have cried and I know how uplifted I felt when I was able to speak to someone who is going through a similar condition. So again I asked, please share your stories. You can do it anonymously. Let us continue to support each other as women.