Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAbortion Doesn’t Cause EndoNeither Do MiscarriagesAbortion Options With EndoManaging PainFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Abortion Doesn’t Cause Endo

Neither Do Miscarriages

Abortion Options With Endo

Managing Pain

Frequently Asked Questions

Abortionis the termination of a pregnancy. Spontaneous abortion ormiscarriageis the unintentional loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks. Many people think that abortion or miscarriage causes endometriosis (endo), but that is not the case. This myth is most likely due to confusion regarding endometriosis and endometritis.

This article reviews these misconceptions, the difference betweenendometriosisandendometritis, other endo myths, abortion options for those with endometriosis, treatment access, and endo pain management.

An illustration with information about “Can Abortions Cause Endometriosis?"

Abortion Doesn’t Cause Endometriosis

Endometriosisis a gynecologic condition that occurs when endometrial-type tissue is present outside theuterusor womb. As endometrial lesions grow and bleed outside the uterus, they cause pain and other symptoms.

While the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, there is no evidence that abortion causes it.This includes medication and surgically induced abortions.

And Neither Do Miscarriages

Amiscarriageis the unintentional loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks.In medicine, it is also referred to as a spontaneous abortion.

Research shows that those with endometriosis have a high risk of miscarriage andectopic(outside the uterus) pregnancy. However, there is no evidence that miscarriages cause endometriosis.

The myth that miscarriage or abortion can cause endometriosis is most likely because each can cause endometritis. While endometritis and endometriosis sound similar, they are distinct and unrelated health conditions.

Endometriosis vs. EndometritisEndometritis and endometriosis are two different conditions. Both conditions refer to the endometrium or lining of the uterus (womb). Endometritis occurs in the uterus, while endometriosis occurs outside the uterus.The suffix of each word can help distinguish the two conditions, as follows:“itis”: When a word ends in “itis,” it indicates inflammation. “Endometritis” is irritation or inflammation of the endometrium. It is usually due to infection or a pelvic procedure done through the cervix.“osis”:Medical words that end in “osis” refer to an abnormal process or condition. “Endometriosis” is endometrial-type tissue that grows and bleeds outside of the uterus. It is abnormal because this type of tissue should only grow inside the uterus.

Endometriosis vs. Endometritis

Endometritis and endometriosis are two different conditions. Both conditions refer to the endometrium or lining of the uterus (womb). Endometritis occurs in the uterus, while endometriosis occurs outside the uterus.The suffix of each word can help distinguish the two conditions, as follows:“itis”: When a word ends in “itis,” it indicates inflammation. “Endometritis” is irritation or inflammation of the endometrium. It is usually due to infection or a pelvic procedure done through the cervix.“osis”:Medical words that end in “osis” refer to an abnormal process or condition. “Endometriosis” is endometrial-type tissue that grows and bleeds outside of the uterus. It is abnormal because this type of tissue should only grow inside the uterus.

Endometritis and endometriosis are two different conditions. Both conditions refer to the endometrium or lining of the uterus (womb). Endometritis occurs in the uterus, while endometriosis occurs outside the uterus.

The suffix of each word can help distinguish the two conditions, as follows:

Other Endo Myths

The following are other common misconceptions about endometriosis:

Myth: Endo symptoms are just part of a normal butheavy period.

Fact: Endometriosis is more than a heavy, painful period. It can cause infertility (inability to get pregnant), nerve irritation, scar tissue, and chronic pain or health conditions.

Myth: Endo only affects the pelvis area (between the hips).

Fact: Endometriosis lesions are most frequently in the pelvic area. However, they can occur throughout the body.

Myth: Endo is always painful.

Fact: Some people don’t have pain with endo. Many find out they have it when seeing a healthcare provider for infertility.

Myth: Endo can be prevented.

Myth: Endo always improves after hysterectomy or menopause.

Fact: Endo symptoms don’t always end withmenopause(when the occurrence of periods have stopped for 12 or more months) as some estrogen is still being made and can cause the lesions to react. Lesions can also be missed during ahysterectomy.

Endometriosis Bowel Symptoms: Pain, Relief, and Surgery

Abortion Options With Endometriosis

Oneabortion optioninvolves taking medications at home. Surgical options occur in a healthcare provider’s office, hospital, or surgery center. The method depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy, your preference, and the services your provider offers.

Medication

Abortion through medication is an option early in pregnancy and can be considered as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Over half of the abortions in the United States are performed with medications, usually within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.Some of the medications used include:

RU486 (Mifepristone): Uses and Cost of the Abortion Pill

Medication-induced abortions are safe for those with endometriosis.Risks and complications are the same for those with and without endometriosis. Along with bleeding and passing tissue, you may experience:

Medication Abortions in the United States

The availability of mifepristone in the United States has been the subject of recent legal challenges. In April 2023, a federal judge in Texas issued a ruling to suspend mifepristone’s FDA approval. The case went to an appeals court and the Supreme Court, which returned the case to the appeals court.

Mail-Order Abortion Access Transcends State Lines

Surgical

A manual abortion is a surgical procedure performed five to 13 weeks after your last period. The healthcare provider uses a handheld syringe to generate suction. It takes five to 15 minutes and has a high success rate.

Amachine vacuum aspirationabortion is performed five to 12 weeks after your last period. The healthcare provider dilates (widens) the cervix and inserts a tube attached to a vacuum and pump. It uses suction to remove tissue from the uterus.

Surgical abortions can cause damage to the endometrium (uterus or womb lining) and uterine scarring, but not endometriosis.

Major Complications of Abortion

Access to Treatment

Telehealth is an option when you meet the criteria for a medication abortion. You can access abortion services via telehealth from various companies and organizations, such as:

Keep in mind that some states ban telehealth for abortion care.If you have questions about laws, abortions for those under 18, or self-managed abortion and care, you can contact the Repro Legal Helpline atwww.reprolegalhelpline.orgor 844-868-2812.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Ovarian Endometriosis, Ovarian Cysts, or Uterine FibroidsSpontaneous abortions (miscarriages) are more common in those withpolycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), especially when receiving fertility treatment.The same is true with ovarian endometriosis, which can causeovarian cysts.Mifeprex, a medication used for abortions, also treatsuterine fibroids.However, there is no evidence that abortion causes these gynecological conditions.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Ovarian Endometriosis, Ovarian Cysts, or Uterine Fibroids

Spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) are more common in those withpolycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), especially when receiving fertility treatment.The same is true with ovarian endometriosis, which can causeovarian cysts.Mifeprex, a medication used for abortions, also treatsuterine fibroids.However, there is no evidence that abortion causes these gynecological conditions.

Spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) are more common in those withpolycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), especially when receiving fertility treatment.The same is true with ovarian endometriosis, which can causeovarian cysts.

Mifeprex, a medication used for abortions, also treatsuterine fibroids.However, there is no evidence that abortion causes these gynecological conditions.

Managing Endometriosis Pain

Treatment for endometriosiscan range from lifestyle modifications to surgery.

Lifestyle changes that may help with endometriosis include:

For mild endometriosis cramping, you can also try the following:

Is Ice or Heat Better for Treating an Injury?

For endometriosis-related nerve, hip, or leg pain, the following options may help:

Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen

For moderate to severe pain, your healthcare provider may suggest the following:

Complementary and alternative treatmentsthat may provide relief include:

12 Natural Endometriosis Treatments

Summary

Endometriosis is endometrial-type tissue located outside the uterus. When it grows and bleeds, it causes pain and other symptoms.

There is a misconception that abortions or miscarriages cause endometriosis. While the exact cause of endo is unclear, there is no evidence that either abortions or miscarriages cause it.

A Word From Verywell

Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, scar tissue can develop in the uterus from recent pregnancy, abortion,fibroids, trauma, surgery, or infection.Yes, you can have both. Asherman’s Syndrome (AS) is a uterine blockage due to scarring, usually from recent pregnancy, fibroids, trauma, surgery, infection, or radiation.Endometriosis is endometrial-type tissue that grows outside the uterus.Learn MoreCoping With EndometriosisYes, there is no contraindication for (reason not to have) an abortion with endometriosis. However, those with endometriosis may have more pain with abortions, much like they experience with their period.Learn MoreHow To Take The Abortion Pill

Yes, scar tissue can develop in the uterus from recent pregnancy, abortion,fibroids, trauma, surgery, or infection.

Yes, you can have both. Asherman’s Syndrome (AS) is a uterine blockage due to scarring, usually from recent pregnancy, fibroids, trauma, surgery, infection, or radiation.Endometriosis is endometrial-type tissue that grows outside the uterus.Learn MoreCoping With Endometriosis

Yes, you can have both. Asherman’s Syndrome (AS) is a uterine blockage due to scarring, usually from recent pregnancy, fibroids, trauma, surgery, infection, or radiation.Endometriosis is endometrial-type tissue that grows outside the uterus.

Learn MoreCoping With Endometriosis

Yes, there is no contraindication for (reason not to have) an abortion with endometriosis. However, those with endometriosis may have more pain with abortions, much like they experience with their period.Learn MoreHow To Take The Abortion Pill

Yes, there is no contraindication for (reason not to have) an abortion with endometriosis. However, those with endometriosis may have more pain with abortions, much like they experience with their period.

Learn MoreHow To Take The Abortion Pill

24 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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