Abortion: Does it cause infertility?

There is no evidence of a link between abortion and endometriosis, a cause of female infertility.

Endometriosis is primarily a disease of women who have never been pregnant. It occurs when tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) becomes implanted outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes, ovaries or tissue lining the pelvis. This can lead to scarring, which often causes painful and irregular periods and prevents pregnancy.

It is possible — but very unusual — for an abortion to cause scarring on the inside of the uterus. This scar tissue could prevent conception or interfere with subsequent pregnancies. However, the scar tissue typically can be removed.

Although abortions don't cause endometriosis, they may increase the risk of adenomyosis, a disease that's closely related to endometriosis. In adenomyosis, the endometrium extends into the muscular wall of the uterus, which can cause painful periods and abnormal bleeding. But adenomyosis is not associated with infertility.