What are the chances of having trouble conceiving after having an abortion? I had one eight years ago (I was 18) and had minor pain afterward. The nurse told me it was a clot, and it went away in a day or two. I have been on the Pill since that time with one or two short breaks in between, but I stopped taking the Pill two months ago because my husband and I would like to start a family. Now I'm concerned with how long it might take. Will it take longer than someone who hasn't had an abortion? Are there any statistics I should be aware of?

--A.

Unless the abortion was complicated by infection or scarring of the uterine cavity, it will not affect your fertiltiy. Women who have had an uncomplicated abortion take no longer to conceive than women who have never been pregnant before.

In general, 90 percent of couples will conceive within a year of trying. The chance of getting pregnant in any given cycle is only about 25 percent. Using over-the-counter ovulation predictor kits can help to pinpoint when ovulation occurs, optimizing timing of intercourse and increasing the chance of getting pregnant in a particular month.

You have a great chance of being pregnant by this time next year. Don't you wish your odds of winning the lottery were as good!