How Long After Medication Abortion Should You Expect Your Period?

How long after a medical abortion will menstruation return?

My girlfriend took abortion pills on January 30 and started bleeding on the morning of January 31.
She passed everything by February 3.
We had sexual intercourse in between, and on February 27, we did not use a condom but did not ejaculate inside.
As of now, March 15, she still hasn't gotten her period.
On March 10, she used a pregnancy test and it showed one line, indicating she is not pregnant.
Is there an issue with her menstrual cycle? How long should the menstrual cycle typically be before it returns?

Wu Yan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/15

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it seems that you are not pregnant.
Wait another week, and if there is still no change, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/03/15

More Info

After a medication abortion, it is common for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle, including delays in the return of their period. Typically, most women can expect their menstrual cycle to resume within 4 to 6 weeks after the abortion, but this can vary significantly depending on individual factors such as hormonal balance, stress levels, and overall health.

In your girlfriend's case, she took the abortion medication on January 30 and began bleeding on January 31, which is a normal response to the medication. The bleeding continued until February 3, which indicates that the abortion was likely successful. After an abortion, it is not unusual for the menstrual cycle to be irregular for a few months. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, the body’s adjustment to the end of pregnancy, and any emotional stress can all contribute to this irregularity.

Regarding the sexual activity that occurred on February 27, it is important to note that while the risk of pregnancy is lower immediately after an abortion, it is still possible to conceive if ovulation occurs before the next period. The fact that a pregnancy test taken on March 10 showed a negative result is reassuring, but it is essential to consider that it may take some time for the menstrual cycle to normalize.

The average menstrual cycle is about 28 days, but it can range from 21 to 35 days for most women. If your girlfriend's period has not returned by now (March 15), it could be due to the hormonal changes following the abortion. Stress, changes in weight, and other health factors can also affect the timing of her next period.

If her period does not return within a few weeks, or if she experiences any unusual symptoms such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection (like fever or foul-smelling discharge), it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform an examination and possibly an ultrasound to ensure that there are no complications from the abortion and to discuss her menstrual health.

In summary, while it is common for periods to be delayed after a medication abortion, if your girlfriend's period does not return soon, it would be wise to seek medical advice. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor her recovery and address any concerns regarding her menstrual cycle.

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