Post-Abortion Pregnancy Concerns: When to Test and Expect Your Period

Questions related to pregnancy after abortion?

Hello Doctor, I discovered I was pregnant on December 5th and underwent a medical abortion on the same day.
I started experiencing light discharge, and on December 7th, after taking the third dose, I began to bleed heavily.
In the morning, I noticed what appeared to be the expulsion of a gestational sac on a sanitary pad.
During a follow-up appointment on December 8th, the doctor performed an ultrasound and informed me that everything had cleared out, and I only needed to take medication to help with contractions.
I continued to have light bleeding until the 18th of that month, and by the 22nd, there was no more discharge.
I had sexual intercourse on the 20th, 22nd, 25th, and 27th, all without a condom and with external ejaculation.
On the 27th, I used a condom but did not notice that it had slipped off, resulting in internal ejaculation.
I immediately went to the pharmacy and took emergency contraception.
I would like to know if there is a chance I could become pregnant from this.
When should I expect my period? If I suspect I might be pregnant, when is the best time to take a pregnancy test for accurate results? Thank you for your assistance!

Xingxing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/01

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a pregnancy test should be taken at least 12 days after conception for accurate results.
The chances of pregnancy are low, so it is advisable to use contraception beforehand.
If your period is more than two weeks late, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/01/01

More Info

After an abortion, it is common for individuals to have concerns regarding the timing of their next menstrual period and the possibility of becoming pregnant again. Based on your description, you underwent a medical abortion on December 5th and experienced some bleeding and discharge afterward. It is important to understand the typical timeline for recovery and the factors that may influence your menstrual cycle and potential for pregnancy.

Firstly, after a medical abortion, it is normal for bleeding to occur for a few days to weeks. The bleeding can vary in intensity and may include the passage of tissue, which you mentioned experiencing on December 8th. The fact that your doctor confirmed that your uterus was clear via ultrasound is a positive sign that the abortion was successful and that your body is beginning to recover.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, it is typical for menstruation to resume within 4 to 6 weeks after an abortion, but this can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, and individual health can all play a role in how quickly your cycle returns to normal. Since you mentioned that you had some light bleeding until December 22nd, it is possible that your period may take a little longer to return to its regular schedule.

As for the possibility of becoming pregnant again, it is indeed possible to conceive shortly after an abortion, especially if you have unprotected intercourse. Since you had sexual intercourse on multiple occasions after your abortion, including an incident where the condom slipped, there is a chance that you could become pregnant. The emergency contraceptive pill (commonly referred to as the "morning-after pill") can be effective if taken within a certain timeframe after unprotected intercourse, typically within 72 to 120 hours, depending on the type of pill used. If you took the emergency contraceptive immediately after the incident on December 27th, it may help reduce the risk of pregnancy, but it is not 100% effective.

To determine if you are pregnant, it is advisable to wait at least two weeks after the date of potential conception (in this case, after December 27th) to take a home pregnancy test. This timing allows for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced during pregnancy, to reach detectable levels in your urine. If you take the test too early, it may yield a false negative result.

If you do not get your period within 4 to 6 weeks after the abortion, or if you experience any unusual symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection (such as fever or foul-smelling discharge), it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide further evaluation and guidance based on your specific situation.

In summary, after a medical abortion, it is normal for your menstrual cycle to take some time to return to its regular pattern. You may have the potential to become pregnant again shortly after the procedure, especially if you have had unprotected intercourse. To confirm pregnancy, wait at least two weeks after the last potential conception date to take a home pregnancy test. If you have any concerns or unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further assistance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy Testing After Abortion

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I had a surgical abortion on February 23, when can I expect my menstrual period to return? If I have unprotected intercourse afterward, how long should I wait before taking a pregnancy test?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, after an abortion, menstruation typically returns in 30 to 60 days. Generally, a pregnancy test should be taken at least 12 days after conception to yield accurate results. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Post-Abortion Menstrual Delays and Pregnancy Concerns

On November 11, I took medication for an abortion. On December 25, I took a pregnancy test and there was a faint second line. I returned for a follow-up and was told everything was clear, but it has been a month and a half and my period has not arrived. I had unprotected intercou...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the questioner: After a miscarriage, some women may experience their period after a month and a half, while others may have irregular cycles for a while. The urine pregnancy test results showing one dark line and one light line can have many causes, including early pregnan...

Post-Abortion Menstrual Concerns: When to Expect Your Period and Relief Tips

On the evening of November 18, I took the first pill, and on the morning of November 20, I took the second pill. During my follow-up appointment on December 10, the doctor informed me that everything was clear. I had unprotected sexual intercourse on the night of December 10, but...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Mina: Hello, in response to your questions, here are the answers: 1. After a medical abortion, there is still a possibility of ovulation and the chance of becoming pregnant. 2. If November 20 is considered the first day of your menstrual period, and you have not had your period f...

Understanding Pregnancy Tests and Abortion Options: A Guide for Women

Hello Dr. Chen: My last menstrual period was from January 12 to January 17, 2012. My periods have always been very regular, and they usually come early. It's already the 13th of this month, but my period hasn't arrived yet. I have slight breast tenderness, but my menstr...

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
With advancements in technology, today's urine pregnancy tests are very accurate and can detect pregnancy early. Medication for abortion should only be used after a qualified obstetrician confirms an early intrauterine pregnancy to ensure safety. In terms of physiological im...