Birth Control After an Abortion: When to Start (and Where to Get It)

Quick heads-up: you can get pregnant before your next period — sometimes within 2 weeks of an abortion.

So if you don't want to be pregnant again right away, birth control timing matters. Good news: most methods can start the same day as your abortion. Here's when each kind can begin, what fits what, and where to actually get it. (Spoiler: not from us — we're a medication abortion clinic, not a birth control one. But we'll point you in the right direction.)

Why Timing Matters

Your fertility comes back fast. You can ovulate as early as 2 weeks after an abortion — before any period shows up. So if you have sex without protection in that window, pregnancy is possible.

That doesn't mean you have to figure birth control out the day of. It means: don't assume you're "safe" until your cycle is back. Plan ahead.

Methods That Can Start the Same Day

These are good to go from day one:

• The pill (combined or progestin-only) — start the day of the abortion or the day after
• The patch — same deal
• The ring — same
• The shot (Depo-Provera) — can be given the same day
• The IUD — same day for in-clinic abortions; for medication abortion, usually placed at a follow-up visit
• The implant — can be placed the same day or at a follow-up
• Condoms — anytime, no prescription, no wait

Hormonal methods started within the first 5 days usually kick in right away. Outside that window, you may need a backup method (like condoms) for the first 7 days.

Methods That Need an In-Person Visit

Some methods can't be sent through the mail:

• IUDs (copper or hormonal) — placed by a clinician
• The implant — placed in your arm by a clinician
• Tubal ligation / sterilization — surgical, planned ahead

You'll need to see a primary care provider, an OB-GYN, or a community health clinic for these.

Where to Get Birth Control

Roxy doesn't prescribe birth control. Some places that do:

• Metro Area Advanced Practice Health Care — our partner organization. Telehealth birth control in the same 14 states we serve. Start here if you want a smooth handoff.
• Bedsider — a free directory with a method explorer that helps you compare options and find a provider near you. Great if you're not sure what you want yet.
• Choix — telehealth birth control (and more) shipped to your door
• Planned Parenthood — offers all methods, often on a sliding scale or covered by Medicaid
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — sliding scale, often free for low-income folks. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
• Title X clinics — federally funded family planning clinics, also sliding scale. Find one at opa.hhs.gov
• Your local pharmacy — emergency contraception (Plan B, Take Action) is over the counter, no prescription. Some states (CA, OR, WA, etc.) also let pharmacists prescribe regular birth control directly.

A Note on Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) is a backup, not a daily method. If you have unprotected sex before your regular birth control kicks in, you can take EC up to 5 days after — sooner is more effective.

• Plan B / Levonorgestrel-based EC — over the counter at any pharmacy, no ID needed
• Ella (Ulipristal) — prescription, slightly more effective and works longer (up to 5 days)
• The copper IUD — the most effective EC, can be placed up to 5 days after sex by a clinician

Can't afford Plan B at the pharmacy? The Free Plan B Project ships emergency contraception at no cost to people in the US — no insurance, no income verification.

EC is not the same as the abortion pill. It works by delaying ovulation. If you're already pregnant, EC doesn't end the pregnancy.

Picking What's Right for You

Birth control is personal. A few questions that help narrow it down:

• Want something hormone-free? → Copper IUD or condoms
• Want something you don't have to think about daily? → IUD, implant, shot, or ring
• Want something you can stop on your own? → Pill, patch, ring, or condoms
• Breastfeeding? → Some methods are safer than others; ask a provider
• Got specific health stuff (high blood pressure, migraines with aura, history of blood clots)? → Some hormonal methods aren't a fit; ask a provider

Bedsider's method explorer at bedsider.org is a good place to start poking around if you're not sure.

The Bottom Line

You can start most birth control the same day as your abortion. Don't wait for your period — by then, you might already have ovulated.

We don't prescribe birth control at Roxy, but Metro Area, Bedsider, Choix, Planned Parenthood, and FQHCs all do. Pick one before you need it.

How Roxy Fits In

We're a telehealth medication abortion clinic. We don't do birth control. But if you're considering an abortion or have questions about post-abortion care, we're here for that side. Sliding scale $0–$145 in 14 states.

This article is for information only. It does not replace medical advice. If you have an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.