Induced midtrimester abortion and future fertility : where are we today ?

Objective-To review recent data and clinical opinions on the impact of induced midtrimester abortion on future fertility. Data-MEDLINE search from 1971 to June 1994. Studies on complications and sequelae of induced midtrimester abortion and impact upon future fertility were included. Results-The possible complications that might be involved include uterine rupture, intrauterine adhesions, pelvic inflammatory disease, subsequent spontaneous abortions, cervical incompetence, subsequent premature labor, and ectopic pregnancy. Very little has been published on the effect of induced midtrimester abortion on future fertility, thus making a clear-cut conclusion difficult. Conclusion-As with first trimester abortion, midtrimester abortion seems to have no great effect on future fertility ; and the rate of complications could be significantly reduced using appropriate measures, as discussed in the paper.