Post-Abortion Symptoms: What to Expect After 25 Days

25 days post-abortion?

On August 27, I took medication and a suppository, approximately around the fifth to sixth week of pregnancy.
The doctor mentioned that my uterus is retroverted.
After taking the medication, I spent about five hours in bed without any discomfort.
Later, I started to experience bleeding with clots, which the doctor removed.
I continued to take my medications and iron supplements regularly.
During two follow-up visits, the doctor said everything was cleared out, and I received a uterine contraction medication and an injection that I was unsure about; when I asked the nurse, she said it was an anti-inflammatory to prevent infection.
Since I was not feeling unwell, I did not return for further check-ups, although I continued to have bleeding, which varied in color from red to dark.
During this time, I was inconsistent with my iron supplements; after not taking them for about five days, I took one on the evening of September 20.
The next morning, September 21, after having breakfast, I started experiencing contractions around noon, which escalated to severe pain by 1:00 PM.
The bleeding increased, and around 1:30 PM, I took a hot shower but still felt uncomfortable, so I took a pain reliever.
By 3:00 PM, I felt much better.
However, the next day, September 22, I began experiencing contractions again at the same time, which turned into severe pain.
I would like to know what could be the possible situation.
Thank you.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/22

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

It is recommended to return for a follow-up examination, as it may be due to 1.
dysfunctional uterine bleeding, 2.
incomplete miscarriage, or 3.
pelvic inflammatory disease.

Reply Date: 2016/09/22

More Info

After an abortion, it's common to experience a range of symptoms, including bleeding, cramping, and emotional fluctuations. In your case, it seems you've been experiencing ongoing bleeding and pain, which can be concerning. Let's break down your situation and address your questions.

Understanding Post-Abortion Symptoms
1. Bleeding After Abortion: After a medical abortion, it's typical to have bleeding that can last for several days to weeks. This bleeding is often referred to as "lochia," which is the discharge of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. The color and consistency of the bleeding can vary; it may start as bright red and then change to a darker color as healing progresses. Blood clots can also occur, especially in the first few days post-abortion.

2. Cramping and Pain: Cramping is a normal part of the post-abortion experience as your uterus contracts to return to its pre-pregnancy size. The intensity of the cramps can vary, and they may feel similar to menstrual cramps. If you are experiencing severe pain, especially if it is sudden or accompanied by heavy bleeding, it is essential to seek medical attention. This could indicate retained tissue or an infection.

3. Duration of Symptoms: The duration of bleeding and cramping can vary widely among individuals. While some may stop bleeding within a week, others may experience it for several weeks. If you notice that the bleeding is becoming heavier or if you are passing large clots, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider.

4. Possible Complications: If you are experiencing ongoing pain and bleeding, it could be due to several reasons:
- Retained Products of Conception: Sometimes, not all tissue is expelled from the uterus, which can lead to continued bleeding and cramping.

- Infection: Symptoms such as fever, foul-smelling discharge, or severe pain could indicate an infection that requires treatment.

- Hormonal Changes: After an abortion, your body undergoes hormonal adjustments that can affect your menstrual cycle and lead to irregular bleeding.

5. When to Seek Help: If you experience any of the following, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour or less)
- Severe abdominal pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief
- Fever or chills
- Foul-smelling discharge

Recovery and Future Pregnancies
- Recovery Time: Most women can expect their menstrual cycle to return within 4 to 6 weeks after an abortion, but this can vary. If you have concerns about your cycle or if it does not return to normal, it’s advisable to follow up with your doctor.

- Future Pregnancies: Generally, having an abortion does not affect your future fertility. However, if there were complications such as infection or retained tissue, these could potentially impact future pregnancies. It’s essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Conclusion
In summary, while some bleeding and cramping are expected after an abortion, ongoing severe symptoms warrant further evaluation. It’s important to listen to your body and seek medical advice when in doubt. Your health and well-being are paramount, and your healthcare provider can offer the best guidance tailored to your specific situation. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

Similar Q&A

Post-Abortion Concerns: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery

You are approximately five weeks pregnant. On February 13, you took the first dose of medication for medical abortion, followed by the second dose on February 15. During your follow-up appointment on February 19, it was confirmed that there was no visible embryo, and you were not...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Ju: After a medical abortion, please pay attention to the following: (1) Bleeding duration (if it exceeds 14 days, please seek medical attention). (2) Whether your next menstrual period has arrived after the abortion (it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointm...

Understanding Post-Miscarriage Bleeding: What’s Normal and When to Worry

I would like to ask about my situation after a medical abortion. One week after the procedure, I returned for a follow-up appointment, and the doctor confirmed that everything was cleared out. They prescribed me medication to help with uterine contractions for three days. However...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the patient should return for a follow-up appointment 36 to 48 hours after taking the abortion medication. After taking the prostaglandin medication during the follow-up, the patient may go home, but if there are any discomforts, hospitalization for observation may be nece...

Understanding Post-Abortion Symptoms: What to Expect After 21 Days

Hello, my situation is as follows: I underwent a vacuum aspiration procedure for a miscarriage on September 29. For the two weeks prior, I had minimal bleeding. After the procedure, I started taking birth control pills the next day, but I experienced migraines after each pill, so...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it should be related to stopping the contraceptive pills. Wishing you good health.

Post-Abortion Bleeding and Discharge: What to Expect After 20 Days

After the abortion procedure on February 1st, I experienced very little bleeding for the first one to two days. On the third day, there was a slight increase in bleeding, but it was still minimal, only enough to require a panty liner. After that, I mostly had brown discharge. Dur...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, I apologize for not being able to provide a diagnosis based on what you've described. It is advisable to return to your obstetrician-gynecologist for a thorough examination. Wishing you good health.