Brown Discharge After Medication Abortion: What You Need to Know - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Brown discharge


Hello, I had a medical abortion around May 11, and I experienced brown discharge until the end of May.
The doctor said everything was cleared out.
Then, from June 13 to 17, I had bright red bleeding, and I'm not sure if that was my period.
After June 18, the discharge turned back to brown.
I visited another clinic, and the doctor prescribed me progesterone.
However, today I suddenly noticed red blood.
Is this normal? Also, why do I keep having brown discharge? Why can't I stop the brown discharge? Thank you.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/20

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, first confirm if there is still a chance of pregnancy by taking a pregnancy test.
If the test result is negative, it is possible that the irregular menstruation is caused by the use of abortion medication; please follow your doctor's instructions.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/06/20

More Info


Understanding brown discharge after a medication abortion can be quite concerning, especially when accompanied by changes in bleeding patterns. It’s important to recognize that post-abortion bleeding can vary significantly from person to person, and several factors can contribute to the presence of brown discharge.

After a medication abortion, it is common to experience a range of bleeding patterns. Initially, you may have heavier bleeding, which can include bright red blood, followed by lighter bleeding or spotting that may appear brown. Brown discharge typically indicates older blood that has taken longer to exit the body, which is often normal in the context of post-abortion recovery. The presence of brown discharge can last for several weeks as the body expels any remaining tissue and adjusts hormonally.

In your case, you mentioned that you experienced brown discharge until the end of May, followed by a period of bright red blood in mid-June. This could indeed be your menstrual cycle returning, as it is not uncommon for the first period after an abortion to be irregular or different from your usual cycle. The bright red blood you observed could signify the onset of your menstrual period, while the subsequent brown discharge may indicate residual blood or tissue being expelled.

The introduction of progesterone (黄体素) by your doctor may have been intended to help regulate your menstrual cycle and support your hormonal balance after the abortion. However, it’s not unusual for hormonal treatments to cause fluctuations in bleeding patterns, including the return of red blood after a period of brown discharge.
If you are experiencing sudden changes in bleeding, such as a return to bright red blood after a period of brown discharge, it’s essential to monitor the situation. If the bleeding becomes heavy (soaking through a pad in an hour), is accompanied by severe pain, or if you have any other concerning symptoms (such as fever or foul-smelling discharge), you should seek medical attention promptly.
In summary, while brown discharge after a medication abortion can be normal, persistent changes in bleeding patterns warrant a discussion with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current symptoms. It’s crucial to ensure that your body is healing properly and that any potential complications are addressed. Always feel empowered to reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns you may have regarding your reproductive health.

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