Managing Prolonged Bleeding After Medication Abortion: Birth Control Guidance

Q: Managing Prolonged Bleeding After Medication Abortion: Birth Control Guidance

Dear Miss Binbin： It is recommended that you return for a follow-up appointment to confirm that the miscarriage has been completely resolved (complete miscarriage); otherwise, it will be impossible to calculate the fifth day of your menstrual cycle, and the cause of the bleeding

After a medical abortion, if bleeding continues, how should I take the contraceptive pills that were prescribed beforehand?

Hello, I have some questions to ask you.
I had a medical abortion on January 23, and I started bleeding on January 26, which has continued until now, February 18.
During my follow-up appointment on January 29, I asked if I could take emergency contraceptive pills, and the doctor said it was fine to start taking them from the fifth day of my menstrual cycle.
So I began taking the emergency contraceptive pills on January 30 and will continue until February 19 (for a total of 21 days).
However, tomorrow is February 19, and there are no signs that the bleeding is stopping.
The pharmacist told me that I must wait until the fifth day of my period to take the pills.
If my bleeding continues until February 24 (the fifth day), can I start taking the second month's pills directly? Also, the emergency contraceptive pills from that clinic were given to me in a zip-lock bag; they are small yellow pills without any English lettering on them.
If you know what brand of contraceptive pills those might be, could you please let me know? Thank you for your help, and if there is anything unclear, please feel free to ask.

Binbin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/18

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Miss Binbin: It is recommended that you return for a follow-up appointment to confirm that the miscarriage has been completely resolved (complete miscarriage); otherwise, it will be impossible to calculate the fifth day of your menstrual cycle, and the cause of the bleeding remains unclear.
The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare is concerned about your health.

Reply Date: 2020/02/18

More Info

Managing prolonged bleeding after a medication abortion can be a challenging experience, and it’s important to approach this situation with care and proper medical guidance. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing extended bleeding since your medication abortion on January 23, and you are concerned about when to start your birth control pills and the implications of your ongoing bleeding.

Firstly, it is not uncommon for some women to experience prolonged bleeding after a medication abortion. This can occur due to various reasons, including retained tissue, hormonal changes, or the body's natural response to the abortion process. It is crucial to monitor the bleeding closely. If you experience heavy bleeding (soaking through two or more pads in an hour for two consecutive hours), severe pain, or any signs of infection (such as fever or foul-smelling discharge), you should seek medical attention immediately.

Regarding the use of birth control pills, your doctor has advised you to start taking them on the fifth day of your next menstrual cycle. However, since you are still experiencing bleeding, it may be unclear when your next cycle will begin. Typically, menstrual cycles can be irregular after an abortion, and it may take some time for your body to return to its normal rhythm. If your bleeding continues until February 24, and you have not yet had a period, you may consider starting the birth control pills as directed by your healthcare provider. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about starting or continuing birth control during this time.

As for the specific brand of birth control pills you received, it is difficult to identify the exact medication without more information. Many generic birth control pills come in similar packaging, and the absence of English labeling may indicate that it is a generic version. If you have concerns about the medication, including its effectiveness or side effects, I recommend discussing this with your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can provide you with more information about the specific formulation and its intended use.

In summary, prolonged bleeding after a medication abortion can be concerning, and it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If your bleeding persists, or if you have any worries about your health, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help you navigate the use of birth control during this time. Remember, your health and well-being are the top priority, and seeking professional guidance is always the best course of action.

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