Pregnancy Chances and Symptoms After Abortion - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Understanding the chances of pregnancy and symptoms after an abortion is crucial for both emotional and physical health. In your case, your girlfriend took RU486 (mifepristone) about a month ago, and you have some questions regarding her current symptoms and the likelihood of becoming pregnant again.

1. Pregnancy Chances: After a medical abortion using RU486, it is generally recommended to wait at least one menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again. However, if your girlfriend had unprotected intercourse shortly after the abortion, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant again, especially if she was already in her fertile window. The timing of ovulation can vary, and if she ovulated soon after the abortion, sperm could fertilize an egg, leading to a new pregnancy.

2. Symptoms Explained: The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing—abdominal pain, lower back pain, breast tenderness, frequent urination, and swelling—can be attributed to several factors. After an abortion, it is common for the body to go through hormonal changes as it adjusts back to a non-pregnant state. These symptoms can also be indicative of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or early signs of pregnancy. Breast tenderness and swelling can occur due to hormonal fluctuations, while abdominal pain and back pain may be related to uterine contractions as the body heals. Frequent urination can be a result of hormonal changes or increased fluid intake.

3. Nausea and Vomiting: The nausea and vomiting your girlfriend is experiencing could be related to a new pregnancy if she is indeed pregnant again. Early pregnancy symptoms can mimic those of PMS, but nausea is more commonly associated with pregnancy. If she is not pregnant, nausea can also occur due to hormonal changes following an abortion or even due to stress and anxiety about her situation.

4. Delayed Menstruation: It is not uncommon for menstrual cycles to be irregular after an abortion. The body needs time to readjust, and it may take a few weeks for the menstrual cycle to normalize. Factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, and the physical effects of the abortion can all contribute to a delayed period. If her period does not return within a few weeks, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether she is pregnant again.

5. "Flowing Clean" Definition: When the doctor mentioned that everything "flowed clean," it typically means that the uterus has expelled all the pregnancy tissue and that there is no longer any significant bleeding. However, it does not necessarily indicate that she cannot become pregnant again. It simply means that the abortion was successful in clearing the uterus.

In summary, your girlfriend may have a chance of being pregnant again if she had unprotected intercourse shortly after the abortion. The symptoms she is experiencing could be due to hormonal changes, the onset of a new pregnancy, or even PMS. If her period does not arrive soon, it would be wise for her to take a pregnancy test. If there are any concerns about her symptoms or if she experiences severe pain or heavy bleeding, she should consult her healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.