Irregular Periods After Medication Abortion: Your Questions Answered

Is it menstruation?

I would like to inquire about my situation.
I underwent a medical abortion on July 18.
During a follow-up appointment, the doctor informed me that everything was cleared out, with just a small amount of tissue remaining.
However, I took emergency contraceptive pills on July 25 and August 9, and I experienced a little bit of brown discharge until August 11, after which there was no brown discharge.
Yet, on August 13, I started experiencing bleeding similar to my menstrual flow.
After taking emergency contraception again on August 22, I noticed a little bit of bleeding starting again on the 28th.
Do these two instances count as an early menstruation? Is this what is referred to as irregular menstruation?

chung, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/29

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation, so it is best to use preventive measures beforehand.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/08/29

More Info

Irregular periods following a medication abortion can be quite common and often lead to confusion regarding what constitutes a normal menstrual cycle. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a series of events that may indicate irregular bleeding rather than a typical menstrual cycle.

After a medication abortion, it is not unusual for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle. The hormonal fluctuations caused by the abortion and subsequent use of emergency contraception can lead to variations in bleeding patterns. In your case, you mentioned that after the abortion on July 18, you had some brown discharge until August 11, which then transitioned into what appeared to be a heavier flow starting on August 13. This could indeed be interpreted as your first menstrual period post-abortion, especially if it resembled your typical menstrual flow.

The use of emergency contraception (like the one you took on August 22) can also affect your menstrual cycle. These medications contain hormones that can disrupt your normal hormonal balance, potentially leading to irregular bleeding. The light bleeding you experienced after taking emergency contraception on August 28 could be a side effect of the medication, or it could be an indication that your menstrual cycle is still adjusting after the abortion.

To address your specific questions:
1. Are these instances of bleeding considered early periods? It is possible that the bleeding you experienced on August 13 was your first period post-abortion. However, the subsequent bleeding after taking emergency contraception could be a side effect rather than a true menstrual cycle.
2. Is this considered irregular menstruation? Yes, the fluctuations in your bleeding patterns can be classified as irregular menstruation. After a medication abortion, it is common for cycles to be irregular for a few months as your body readjusts.

3. What should you do next? If the bleeding continues or if you experience any concerning symptoms such as severe pain, heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour), or signs of infection (fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge), it is crucial to seek medical attention. It may also be beneficial to consult with your healthcare provider about your menstrual cycle and any ongoing concerns, especially since you have had multiple instances of irregular bleeding.

In summary, while it is common to experience irregular periods after a medication abortion, it is essential to monitor your symptoms and communicate with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help ensure that your reproductive health is managed appropriately.

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