Menstrual Delays After Abortion: What to Expect

Delayed menstruation after abortion?

Hello, doctor.
I had a surgical abortion on April 18, and my period came on June 1.
After that, I had sexual intercourse but without ejaculation.
However, my period, which was supposed to start yesterday, July 2, has not arrived yet.
Could this delay be due to the changes in my menstrual cycle after the abortion?

Wu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/02

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello~ My period started on June 1st, and it hasn't arrived yet as of today, July 2nd.
I would suggest waiting another week to see if your period comes.

Reply Date: 2015/07/02

More Info

After an abortion, it is not uncommon for menstrual cycles to be irregular for a period of time. The hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy can affect the timing of your menstrual cycle. In your case, since you had an abortion on April 18 and your next period came on June 1, it seems that your cycle was starting to normalize. However, the delay you are experiencing now, where your expected period has not arrived by July 2, can be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, after an abortion, it can take some time for your body to adjust back to its normal hormonal balance. This adjustment period can lead to variations in your menstrual cycle, including delays. It is also important to consider that stress, changes in weight, and lifestyle factors can further influence your cycle. If you have been under stress or have experienced any significant changes in your daily routine, this could contribute to the delay.

Secondly, even if you did not have penetrative intercourse, there is still a possibility of pregnancy if any pre-ejaculate fluid was present. If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally accurate and can provide you with peace of mind. If the test is positive, you should consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

If your period does not arrive within a week or two, or if you experience any unusual symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or fever, it is important to seek medical attention. These could be signs of complications that may require further investigation.

Regarding the question of whether menstrual delays are common after an abortion, the answer is yes. Many women experience irregularities in their menstrual cycles following an abortion. It is generally recommended to allow a few cycles for your body to return to its regular pattern. If you find that your cycles remain irregular or if you have concerns about your reproductive health, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice and support.

In conclusion, while it is normal to experience delays in your menstrual cycle after an abortion, it is important to monitor your body and seek medical advice if you have any concerns. Taking a pregnancy test can help clarify your situation, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider will ensure that you receive the appropriate care and guidance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Delayed Menstruation After Abortion: What to Expect

Hello doctor, I underwent an abortion on July 28 (the fetus was approximately 11 weeks at that time). After the procedure, I did not experience any bleeding and have had three follow-up appointments confirming that everything is fine. I had sexual intercourse on August 19, and on...

Dr. Cai Yonglong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear Dr. Tsai Yong-long of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, After an induced abortion, the ovulation date is often uncertain (as we interrupt the entire cycle artificially), which is why it is common to conceive agai...

Understanding Irregular Periods After Abortion: What to Expect

I underwent an abortion on January 8th, and my menstrual period has not arrived since then. My previous cycles were consistently normal, occurring every 28 days. Could you please advise if there may have been an issue with the procedure?

Dr. Wang Jionglang reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, Miss Xiao Wei. If an abortion is not properly managed, the symptoms usually include continuous bleeding. Therefore, your situation may not be due to a delayed menstrual period, but rather could be a result of delayed ovulation or elevated prolactin levels. If you want to c...

Understanding Delayed Menstruation and Abdominal Pain After Abortion

Hello Doctor, I had an abortion on February 5, 2018. For three months after the abortion, my menstrual cycle was very regular according to my app, occurring from March 10-16, April 10-16, and May 12-18. The app predicted that my June period would start on June 13, but it has been...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On February 5, 2018, I had an abortion. For three months after the abortion, my menstrual cycle was consistent with the app's predictions, occurring from March 10-16, April 10-16, and May 12-18. The app predicted that my June period would start on June 13, but I am already f...

Why Is My Period Delayed After Abortion? Common Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor, I underwent a surgical abortion on May 8th (11 weeks pregnant, with fetal heartbeat cessation at over 8 weeks). As of July 9th, my menstruation has not yet returned. I had follow-up appointments during the first and second weeks post-surgery, where it was confirmed ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if your period does not arrive within 3 to 4 days, it could be due to uterine adhesions or other reasons. If you are still experiencing discomfort, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.