Menstrual Cycle Changes After Abortion: What to Expect

Menstrual Cycle After Abortion

Hello Doctor, I used RU486 for an abortion on April 8, and an ultrasound confirmed that everything was cleared.
My menstrual period came on May 9.
However, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on May 25, and we used condoms throughout.
We also had intercourse on June 2 and June 7, with condoms used each time.
I believe I shouldn't be pregnant, but I haven't taken a pregnancy test yet.
As of today (June 13), my period still hasn't arrived.
I would like to ask the doctor if menstrual cycles tend to be irregular after an abortion.

GIGI, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/06/13

Dr. Dai Qihan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

It is recommended to return to the hospital where the medication was prescribed for an examination.

Reply Date: 2008/06/13

More Info

After an abortion, particularly one induced by medication such as RU486 (mifepristone), it is common for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle. The timing and regularity of your menstrual periods can be affected by several factors, including hormonal fluctuations, the physical and emotional stress of the abortion, and individual variations in your reproductive health.

Typically, after a medical abortion, you can expect your menstrual cycle to return to normal within a few weeks to a couple of months. However, it is not unusual for the first period to be irregular or delayed. In your case, since you had your abortion on April 8 and your first period came on May 9, it indicates that your body is beginning to resume its normal hormonal cycle. However, the subsequent cycle may still be influenced by the recent abortion.

Regarding your concerns about pregnancy after having unprotected intercourse, it is important to note that while using condoms significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, no contraceptive method is 100% effective. If you had unprotected intercourse on May 25 and then again on June 2 and June 7, there is a possibility of pregnancy, especially if the condom failed or was used incorrectly.
The absence of your period by June 13 could be attributed to several factors:
1. Hormonal Imbalance: After an abortion, your body may take some time to readjust its hormone levels, which can lead to irregularities in your menstrual cycle.

2. Stress: Emotional and physical stress can also impact your menstrual cycle, potentially causing delays.

3. Pregnancy: If there was any failure in contraception, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out the possibility of pregnancy.

4. Other Health Issues: If your menstrual cycle does not normalize in the coming weeks, or if you experience other symptoms such as severe pain or unusual discharge, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any complications.

In summary, it is not uncommon for menstrual cycles to be irregular after an abortion, and it may take some time for your body to return to its normal rhythm. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy or if your period does not arrive soon, taking a home pregnancy test or consulting with your healthcare provider would be prudent steps to take. They can provide you with personalized advice and support based on your specific situation.

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