Post-Abortion Concerns: Pregnancy Chances and Menstrual Cycle Questions

Post-Abortion Issues

Hello doctor, my girlfriend had a medical abortion on August 10th.
Three days later, during a follow-up visit, the doctor confirmed that the embryo had passed but there were still some blood clots, so she was prescribed a lighter medication for five days.
During the medication period, she believed her period had started and experienced normal bleeding.
By August 20th, she had stopped bleeding.
That night, we had intercourse and the condom broke, resulting in ejaculation inside her.
My questions are: 1.
What is the likelihood of her becoming pregnant? 2.
Is it possible for her period to arrive early within 10 days? Thank you for your patience in reading and answering.

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/21

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On August 10, my girlfriend underwent a medical abortion.
Three days later, during a follow-up visit, it was confirmed that the embryo had passed, but there were still some blood clots, so she was prescribed a lighter medication for five days.
During the medication period, she believed her period had started and experienced normal bleeding.
By August 20, she had stopped bleeding.
That night, we had unprotected intercourse, and the condom broke.
Question: 1: What is the likelihood of pregnancy? Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is very low.
2: Is it possible for her period to come early within 10 days? Answer: It is not possible.

Reply Date: 2017/08/21

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding post-abortion concerns and the chances of pregnancy following a recent miscarriage. I understand that this can be a confusing and concerning time, so let’s break down your questions.

1. Pregnancy Chances After Abortion: After a medical abortion, it is indeed possible to become pregnant quite quickly. In fact, ovulation can occur as soon as two weeks after the abortion, which means that if you engage in unprotected intercourse during this time, there is a significant chance of conception. The menstrual cycle can take some time to normalize after an abortion, but many women find that they can conceive again soon after. If your girlfriend had a normal menstrual cycle prior to the abortion, her chances of becoming pregnant again soon are relatively high. However, it’s important to note that the body needs time to recover, and some healthcare providers recommend waiting for at least one full menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again to ensure that the uterine lining is fully healed.

2. Early Menstrual Cycle: Regarding your question about the menstrual cycle, it is indeed possible for a woman to experience changes in her cycle after an abortion. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during and after the abortion can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle. While it is common for the first period after an abortion to be heavier or lighter than usual, it can also come earlier or later than expected. If your girlfriend experienced bleeding that she interpreted as her period shortly after the abortion, it could have been a result of the hormonal changes rather than a true menstrual cycle.
In general, the average menstrual cycle is about 28 days, but it can range from 21 to 35 days. If she had bleeding that lasted for a few days and then stopped, it may not have been a full menstrual period. If she is concerned about her cycle or the possibility of being pregnant, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test about two weeks after the unprotected intercourse. This will provide a clearer indication of whether she is pregnant.

Additional Considerations: It’s also essential to monitor for any signs of complications following an abortion, such as severe pain, heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour), or fever. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Lastly, if your girlfriend is considering trying to conceive again soon, it may be beneficial for her to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice based on her health history and current situation, ensuring that she is in the best possible health for a future pregnancy.

In summary, while the chances of becoming pregnant soon after an abortion are significant, it’s important to be aware of the body’s healing process and to monitor menstrual cycles for any irregularities. If there are any concerns, seeking medical advice is always a good step. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns!

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