Portal - First Resort - Ask the doctor; pregnancy, abortion, and other Q&A

Portal Home | Sign In

Default

Ask The Doctor
Please note that Ask the Doctor is a public service of First Resort and should not be construed as a substitute for consultation with your own primary care physician.

What other feelings can a woman have after an abortion?

As with any medical procedure, it is important to consider the impact on your emotional well-being. After an abortion, some women feel a sense of relief that may last from days to decades. Others may feel sad immediately after the procedure. For some, this sadness goes away in a few weeks. Other women may experience some emotional disturbances that last a longer time. Our counselors will help you evaluate your personal circumstances. There are a variety of predictors that help to determine if a woman will be more at risk for a negative emotional reaction to abortion such as:
- Ambivalence
- Coersion or pressure
- Previous abortion(s)
- Spiritual beliefs
Some of the common emotional disturbances are: sadness that doesn't seem to lift, anger, general numbness, sexual dysfunction, feelings of guilt or anxiety, reactions on dates related to the abortion, dreams or sleep disturbances, increased use of alcohol or other substances, and disturbances in relationships.

New

If I decide to carry-to-term, what other services does FR offer?

How can your services be free?

How much do your services cost?

If I've already had an abortion and am feeling some of those symptoms, what should I do now?

I've heard that some women experience depression after having an abortion, even if they were sure about their decision. Why does this happen?

Index of FAQs