Menstrual Changes After Medication Abortion and Conception Risks

Menstrual issues

I would like to ask the doctor, my girlfriend underwent a medical abortion on January 8.
After that, her menstruation occurred from February 13 to February 17, but her previous menstrual cycles were consistently around the end of the month.
I would like to know if her future menstrual cycles will be based on the 13th or the end of the month.
Additionally, if we had unprotected intercourse on March 11 and unprotected intercourse again on March 12, what are the chances of pregnancy?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/18

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Your girlfriend underwent a medical abortion on January 8th, and her menstruation occurred from February 13th to February 17th.
Previously, her menstrual cycles were concentrated around the end of the month.
The question is whether her future menstrual cycles will be based on the 13th or the end of the month.
Answer: It will be based on the 13th.

Additionally, if on March 11th we had protected intercourse without ejaculation and on March 12th had unprotected intercourse without ejaculation, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? Answer: Both protected intercourse without ejaculation and unprotected intercourse without ejaculation have a very low probability of resulting in pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2019/03/18

More Info

After a medication abortion, it is common for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle. The timing of the next menstrual period can vary significantly from the pre-abortion cycle. In your girlfriend's case, since she had her medication abortion on January 8 and her next period occurred from February 13 to February 17, this could indicate a shift in her cycle.
Typically, after a medication abortion, it may take a few cycles for the menstrual cycle to return to its regular pattern. The first period after the abortion may not be a reliable indicator of future cycles. Therefore, it is possible that her menstrual cycle may now be centered around the 13th of each month rather than the end of the month. However, it is also possible for her cycle to revert back to its previous timing over the next few months. It is essential to monitor her cycles over the next few months to determine if a new pattern emerges.

Regarding the risk of conception, if you had unprotected intercourse on March 11 and March 12, there is a possibility of pregnancy. After a medication abortion, ovulation can occur as soon as two weeks later, which means that if your girlfriend ovulated around that time, there is a risk of conception. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if she ovulated shortly after your unprotected intercourse, there is a chance that she could become pregnant.

To assess the risk of pregnancy more accurately, it would be advisable for your girlfriend to track her menstrual cycle and consider using ovulation prediction methods, such as ovulation predictor kits or monitoring basal body temperature. If she is concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test a few weeks after the unprotected intercourse can provide clarity.

In summary, after a medication abortion, menstrual cycles can be irregular, and it may take time for them to stabilize. The timing of her next period may now be different from what it was before the abortion. Additionally, unprotected intercourse poses a risk of pregnancy, so monitoring her cycle and considering a pregnancy test if her period is late would be prudent. If there are any concerns about her menstrual health or potential pregnancy, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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