Post-Abortion Bleeding After Medication Abortion

Post-abortion bleeding status after medical abortion?

Hello Doctor: I took the first and second doses of medication for a medical abortion on February 3rd and 4th, and everything seemed normal at that time.
I won't elaborate on that.
During my follow-up appointment on February 8th, the doctor performed an ultrasound and mentioned that there was only some residual discharge, after which I was prescribed medication.
The medications are as follows: Cytotec 200mcg, ETHIS 100mg, BUWECON 0.125mg, and IWELL RABLETS.
I returned for a follow-up on February 11th as instructed by the doctor, who said to wait until my period arrives in early March.
However, after finishing the medication on February 17th, I started experiencing bleeding similar to the third day of my menstrual cycle, which continued until February 18th.
Feeling something was off, I returned for another appointment on February 23rd, where the doctor suggested it might be my period and prescribed NORINA TABLETS 5MG (for 10 days).
Up until today (March 2nd), I have been experiencing light bleeding, which is pink in color.
If I consume brown sugar water on that day, the amount increases, and the color turns bright red, accompanied by some stringy tissue resembling blood clots.
I would like to ask the doctor if this bleeding situation after my medical abortion is normal?

Sunny, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/02

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I took the first and second doses of medication for a medical abortion on February 3 and February 4, and everything seemed normal up until that point.
I won't elaborate on the details, but during my follow-up appointment on February 8, the doctor performed an ultrasound and mentioned that there was only some residual discharge, after which I was prescribed medication.
The medications are as follows: Cytotec 200mcg, ETHIS 100mg, BUWECON 0.125mg, and IWELL RABLETS.
On February 11, I returned for a follow-up as instructed by the doctor, who said to wait for my menstrual period to arrive in early March.
However, after finishing the medication on February 17, I started experiencing bleeding similar to the third day of my menstrual cycle, which continued until February 18.
Feeling something was off, I returned for another appointment on February 23, where the doctor suggested it might be my period and prescribed NORINA TABLETS 5MG (for 10 days).
Since then, up until today (March 2), I have been experiencing light bleeding, which is pink in color.
If I consume brown sugar water on that day, the amount increases and the color turns bright red, accompanied by some stringy tissue resembling blood clots.
I would like to ask the doctor if this bleeding situation following my medical abortion is normal.

Answer: The bleeding from the medical abortion seems to have reached a conclusion, but it needs to be confirmed with an ultrasound.
The subsequent prescription of NORINA TABLETS 5MG (for 10 days) is intended to treat irregular menstrual bleeding.

Reply Date: 2017/03/02

More Info

After a medication abortion, it is common to experience a range of bleeding patterns, and your situation appears to reflect some of the typical experiences many women face following this procedure. The bleeding you are experiencing can be influenced by several factors, including the medications used, your individual physiology, and the completeness of the abortion process.

In general, after a medication abortion, women may experience bleeding that can last from a few days to several weeks. Initially, the bleeding may be heavy, similar to a menstrual period, and can include the passage of blood clots and tissue. As the body expels the pregnancy tissue, the bleeding should gradually decrease in volume and intensity. It is not unusual for some women to experience intermittent bleeding or spotting for several weeks after the procedure.

From your description, it seems that you initially had a normal response to the medication, with the bleeding resembling a menstrual flow. However, the subsequent changes in bleeding patterns, such as the pinkish color and the presence of stringy tissue, could indicate a few possibilities:
1. Incomplete Abortion: If some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, it can lead to ongoing bleeding. This may require further evaluation, such as an ultrasound, to determine if any tissue is left that needs to be expelled or removed.

2. Hormonal Fluctuations: After a medication abortion, your hormone levels can fluctuate significantly, which may cause irregular bleeding or spotting. The introduction of hormonal medications like NORINA TABLETS can also affect your bleeding pattern.

3. Menstrual Cycle Resumption: The bleeding you are experiencing could be a sign that your menstrual cycle is returning. It is common for women to experience irregular bleeding as their body adjusts after an abortion.

4. Possible Infection: Although less common, persistent bleeding can sometimes indicate an infection. If you experience fever, chills, or severe abdominal pain, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

Given your ongoing symptoms, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and may recommend further evaluation, such as an ultrasound, to ensure that the abortion was complete and to rule out any complications.

In summary, while some bleeding after a medication abortion is normal, the persistence and characteristics of your bleeding warrant further investigation. It is essential to follow your doctor's advice and attend any follow-up appointments. If you have concerns about the amount or nature of your bleeding, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. They are best equipped to assess your situation and provide the necessary care.

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