Ovulation and Menstrual Cycle After Medical and Surgical Abortions

After a medical abortion and surgical abortion, ovulation and menstruation?

Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you, I am six weeks pregnant and underwent a medical abortion on June 5.
Following that, I experienced intermittent bleeding and incomplete miscarriage for a month, and on July 8, I had a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure.
My previous menstrual cycle was approximately 35 days.
I would like to know if I should calculate my ovulation and menstrual timing after the miscarriage based on the date of the medical abortion or the date of the D&C? Additionally, if I had sexual intercourse on July 20, with direct genital friction before using a condom, is there a possibility of becoming pregnant again? Thank you!

bb, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/22

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
In principle, the date of the last menstrual period is considered to be the date of the surgery; however, after a miscarriage, the ovulation period and menstrual cycle may not necessarily follow the previous regularity.
Please consult the surgeon performing the procedure.

2.
It is possible.

Reply Date: 2015/07/22

More Info

After undergoing a medical abortion followed by a surgical procedure, understanding your ovulation and menstrual cycle can be quite complex. In your case, you experienced a medical abortion at six weeks on June 5, followed by a surgical dilation and curettage (D&C) on July 8 due to incomplete miscarriage.
Typically, after a medical abortion, it may take some time for your body to return to its normal menstrual cycle. The timing of ovulation and the return of menstruation can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, ovulation can occur as soon as two weeks after the abortion, but it may take longer depending on individual hormonal levels and how your body responds to the procedure.

In your situation, since you had a D&C on July 8, it is advisable to consider this date as a more relevant starting point for calculating your next ovulation and menstrual cycle. The D&C can help clear the uterus and may facilitate a quicker return to normal ovulatory cycles. After a D&C, many women may experience their first period within four to six weeks, but this can vary.
Regarding your question about the potential for pregnancy after having sexual intercourse on July 20, it is indeed possible to conceive if you were ovulating around that time. If ovulation occurs approximately two weeks after the D&C, you could be fertile around July 22, making the timing of your sexual activity quite close to your ovulation window. Even if you used a condom, the direct genital contact before putting on the condom could theoretically lead to pregnancy if sperm were present.

To summarize, after your D&C on July 8, you should monitor your body for signs of ovulation, which may occur around three to four weeks post-procedure. If you do not have a period within six weeks after the D&C, or if you have concerns about potential pregnancy, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test or consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that after an abortion or miscarriage, your body may experience various changes, including irregular bleeding or changes in your menstrual cycle. If you have any concerns about your recovery or menstrual health, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your medical history and current health status.

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