After an abortion, doctors notified me to not engage in intercourse for 2 weeks. How long should you withhold vaginal stimulation?

Postponing sexual intercourse is for 2 reasons - fear of infection, and minimizing discomfort. The issue is the insertion of anything into the vagina for this time period post abortion. Our recommendation is to use this time for holding and comforting. If sexual stimulation is strongly desired, it should be external, limited to the labia and clitoral regions.
- Answer provided by Tim Britton, Ph.D., AASECT, ABS, timbritton@yahoo.com.

I consulted with an ob/gyn who is an abortion provider and she stated that the main reason for not putting anything in the vagina for 2 weeks is to give time for the dilated cervix to "close." This is entirely related to infection risk...since the "open" cervix would be more susceptible to infection introduced through the vagina without its protective mucus, etc. (This restriction not only includes a penis, but tampons and douching as well). Medically there is no reason to withhold from stimulation without penetration. There may be a bit more discomfort with orgasm shortly after the procedure, since the uterus contracts with orgasm.
- Answer provided by L. Kris Gowen, PhD, EdM, drlkg@yahoo.com.

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