Post-Abortion Recovery: Delayed Menstruation and Abnormal Discharge

Abortion

Hello Dr.
Lu,
I underwent a medical abortion on September 23 (approximately 4 weeks pregnant), and during my follow-up appointment on October 23, the doctor said everything had returned to normal.
That evening, I had sexual intercourse (with withdrawal method), and the next day I noticed a small amount of blood on my panty liner, which I thought was the start of my period, but it did not continue.
On November 15, I took a pregnancy test, which showed negative results.
However, my menstrual period has still not arrived.
On November 19, I experienced some bleeding (not heavy), but today (November 20) I only have brown discharge.
During this time, I have not had sexual intercourse with my husband.

Is this situation normal? Why has my period not returned two months after the abortion? Additionally, I have noticed that the discharge in these two months has been much more than before.
Could this be due to complications from the procedure? I hope to receive your response! Thank you very much!

vicky, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/11/20

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

After the abortion, ovarian function has not yet returned, and menstruation may be delayed or irregular.
Additionally, there is significantly more discharge than before, which raises the possibility of inflammation.
Please consult a physician for an examination.

Reply Date: 2005/11/20

More Info

After undergoing an abortion, it is not uncommon to experience irregularities in your menstrual cycle, as well as changes in discharge. Let’s break down your concerns regarding delayed menstruation and abnormal discharge following your procedure.

Firstly, it is important to understand that after an abortion, the body goes through a significant hormonal adjustment. The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones, and after an abortion, it may take some time for these hormones to stabilize. In your case, since you had the abortion on September 23 and your menstrual cycle has not returned to normal by mid-November, this delay can be attributed to the body’s natural recovery process. It is not unusual for menstruation to be delayed for several weeks or even months after an abortion, especially if the pregnancy was early, as the body may still be adjusting to the hormonal changes.

Regarding the light bleeding you experienced on November 19, it could be a sign that your menstrual cycle is beginning to resume. The presence of brown discharge is often associated with older blood that is taking longer to exit the body, which can happen as your cycle normalizes. However, if the bleeding is very light and not accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain or fever, it is generally not a cause for concern.

You also mentioned that you have experienced an increase in discharge over the past two months. This can be a normal response as your body heals and regulates itself post-abortion. Increased discharge can occur due to hormonal fluctuations or changes in the vaginal flora. It is important to monitor the characteristics of the discharge; if it becomes foul-smelling, changes color significantly, or is accompanied by itching or irritation, it may indicate an infection, and you should consult your healthcare provider.

As for your concern about whether the surgery was performed poorly, it is essential to remember that variations in recovery can occur for many reasons, including individual differences in healing, hormonal levels, and overall health. If you have no other symptoms of complications, such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, or fever, it is likely that your recovery is within the normal range. However, if you continue to have concerns about your recovery or if your symptoms worsen, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

In summary, while it can be concerning to experience delayed menstruation and changes in discharge after an abortion, these symptoms can often be part of the normal recovery process. Your body is adjusting to the hormonal changes, and it may take time for your menstrual cycle to return to its regular pattern. Keep track of your symptoms, and if you have any concerns or if your situation does not improve, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance. They can provide reassurance and check for any potential complications if necessary.

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