This is an interesting study out of Finland about women who sought IVF treatment. The researchers were interested to know if a history of induced abortion in any way might be connected to fertility treatments later on in life. A total of 19,429 charts were reviewed, which is a significant sample size. Twelve percent of women seeking IVF treatment and 11% of women seeking ovulation induction treatment reported having had a previous abortion. According to the researchers, this was statistically significant. The researchers encouraged that women receiving treatment for abortion be advised of the possibility of infertility at a later age. They also encouraged practitioners providing fertility treatments to be thorough in their assessment of patients and be sure to ask if this is part of a patient's reproductive profile.
There are many reasons why this relationship may occur. The important thing is, if it describes YOU, and you have not shared this information with your physician, it is important to be sure you do so. Every little piece of information you have to share allows your physician to develop a treatment plan with the best possible chances of succeeding.
Hemminki E, Klemetti R, Sevón T, Gissler M. Induced abortions previous to IVF: an epidemiologic register-based study from Finland. Hum Reprod. 2008 Jun;23(6):1320-3. Epub 2008 Mar 27.