Prolonged Bleeding After Medication Abortion: What to Expect

Medical abortion with prolonged bleeding for over a month?

On July 25, I took medication and received two batches of drugs.
I took the first medication on the spot, and the next day, after taking the second medication, I experienced heavy bleeding with very large blood clots.
I continued taking the same medication for two days, and each time I finished, I felt a lot of pain.
I subsequently returned for follow-up visits multiple times, and they kept prescribing the same medication.
Recently, when I went back, they prescribed the original medication again but added more to help regulate my menstrual cycle.
The key point is that I felt like it was almost over, but I had a little bit of dark blood flow.
After finishing the medications, I had a few packets left, and after stopping the medication for a few days, I suddenly experienced a large amount of bleeding, with extremely large blood clots and white, snail-like shapes.
This has been going on for more than a month.
Is this normal? Recently, I have also been feeling symptoms of anemia.

Xiao Xiaojie, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/28

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the success rate of medical abortion is approximately 95%, while the failure rate is about 5%.
After taking the abortion medication, patients must return for follow-up within one to two weeks to check if the embryo has been completely expelled.
If there has been bleeding for over a month, it is advisable to have the physician arrange for a β-HCG test and ultrasound to confirm whether the embryo has been fully cleared.
Additionally, this can help check for anemia.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2015/08/28

More Info

Prolonged bleeding after a medication abortion can be a concerning experience, and it is essential to understand what to expect and how to manage the situation. Medication abortion typically involves taking two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. After taking these medications, it is common to experience bleeding, which can vary in intensity and duration.
In your case, it seems that you have been experiencing prolonged bleeding for over a month, with large blood clots and a feeling of anemia. While some bleeding is expected after a medication abortion, especially in the first few weeks, prolonged bleeding beyond two weeks can indicate that there may be retained products of conception or other complications.

What to Expect After a Medication Abortion
1. Bleeding Patterns: After taking the medications, you may experience heavy bleeding that can include large clots. This is often a sign that the uterus is expelling its contents. However, if the bleeding continues for an extended period (more than two weeks) or becomes excessively heavy, it is crucial to seek medical attention.

2. Pain Management: It is common to experience cramping and pain during the process. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage this discomfort. If the pain is severe or persistent, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider.

3. Signs of Complications: If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through two or more pads in an hour for two consecutive hours)
- Severe abdominal pain that does not improve with medication
- Fever or chills
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Symptoms of anemia, such as extreme fatigue, weakness, or dizziness

Understanding Prolonged Bleeding
Prolonged bleeding can occur for several reasons:
- Retained Products of Conception: If some tissue remains in the uterus after the abortion, it can cause ongoing bleeding. This may require further medical intervention, such as a surgical procedure (dilation and curettage) to remove the retained tissue.

- Hormonal Imbalances: After an abortion, your body may take time to readjust hormone levels, which can lead to irregular bleeding patterns.

- Infection: An infection in the uterus can also cause prolonged bleeding and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Recommendations
Given your symptoms of prolonged bleeding and feelings of anemia, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend:
- Ultrasound Examination: To check for any retained tissue or other abnormalities in the uterus.

- Blood Tests: To assess your hemoglobin levels and determine if you are experiencing anemia.

- Medication Adjustment: If you are currently taking medications to manage your bleeding, your provider may adjust your treatment plan based on your symptoms and test results.

Conclusion
While some bleeding is expected after a medication abortion, prolonged bleeding lasting over a month, especially with large clots and symptoms of anemia, is not typical and warrants medical evaluation. It is essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns to ensure appropriate care and management. Remember, your health and well-being are the top priority, and seeking help is a vital step in addressing any complications that may arise.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Medication Abortion: What to Expect and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: I have given birth to three children. On December 26, 2015, I was four weeks pregnant and underwent a medical abortion. I took RU486 at a qualified clinic but experienced no reaction or bleeding. After 36 hours, I took the second dose of four pills at home on the ev...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
In a typical medical abortion, the bleeding duration is approximately 7-14 days. It is normal to still have bleeding from December 28 to January 9. It is recommended to rest more and supplement with iron until your follow-up appointment. Trust your physician; if there is an incom...

Post-Medication Abortion Concerns: Understanding Bleeding and Treatment Options

Hello, Doctor: About a month and a half after a medical abortion, I started experiencing bleeding similar to a menstrual period, which lasted for three weeks. I visited the doctor three times during this period. During the first visit, the doctor performed an ultrasound but did n...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
About a month and a half after a medical abortion, I started experiencing bleeding similar to a menstrual period, which lasted for three weeks. I visited the doctor three times during this period. During the first visit, the doctor performed an ultrasound but did not clearly indi...

Understanding Post-Medication Abortion Bleeding: What to Expect

Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. On December 18, I took the second dose of medication for a medical abortion. I had already experienced light bleeding (only needed a panty liner). On December 23, I had a follow-up appointment, and the doctor said that I had expelled...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the patient must return for a follow-up appointment one to two weeks after taking the abortion medication. Clinical examination, β-HCG testing, and ultrasound scanning should be performed to confirm whether the embryo has been completely expelled. If there is ongoing bleed...

Understanding Post-Abortion Bleeding: Causes and What to Expect

Hello doctor, I had a miscarriage procedure (medication abortion) on February 26th, and the doctor prescribed me medication for a total of three weeks. Initially, the bleeding was very light and almost stopped. However, last week it suddenly increased to a volume similar to that ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, I am unable to identify the medication prescribed for three weeks. The bleeding may be related to not taking the medication. I recommend consulting your obstetrician-gynecologist. Wishing you good health.