Post-Abortion Care: Questions on Contraception, Menstruation, and Recovery

Regarding abortion?

Hello, doctor.
I just had a vacuum aspiration abortion on October 20.
Since I had purchased birth control pills earlier, I asked the surgeon if I could start taking them today, and she said yes.
Will they be effective if I start now? If I want to engage in sexual intercourse, how long should I wait? Also, how long does it usually take for menstruation to return? Are there any precautions I should take? My bleeding is not heavy, about the amount you would see at the end of a menstrual period, but it is brownish and accompanied by some cramping.
Is this a cause for concern? The surgeon mentioned that some cases may not experience bleeding; am I one of those cases? Additionally, is it normal to feel dizzy and nauseous after the procedure?

Shi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/20

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Once you start taking birth control pills, they are effective immediately.

2.
If you plan to engage in sexual activity, you should have a follow-up examination with your physician one week later to ensure everything is normal.

3.
How long does it usually take for menstruation to return? It varies; it may take one to two months.

4.
After the procedure, it is important to keep the vaginal area dry and well-ventilated.

5.
You may experience mild abdominal pain post-surgery, which should gradually decrease.
If the pain worsens, please remember to return for a follow-up.

6.
Post-operative dizziness and nausea may occur, possibly due to anesthesia and blood loss during the surgery.
This should improve over time; however, if symptoms worsen, please remember to return for a follow-up.

Respectfully, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/10/20

More Info

Post-abortion care is a crucial aspect of recovery, and it’s understandable to have many questions following a procedure like vacuum aspiration. Let’s address your concerns regarding contraception, menstruation, recovery, and any potential complications.

1. Contraception After Abortion: It’s great that you have already purchased contraceptive pills. Generally, you can start taking the pill immediately after an abortion, as your doctor advised. The effectiveness of the pill can begin as soon as you start taking it, but it’s important to note that some types of birth control pills may take a few days to become fully effective. To ensure maximum protection, it’s advisable to use a backup method, such as condoms, for at least the first seven days after starting the pill. If you plan to engage in sexual intercourse soon after the procedure, using a backup method during this initial period is a good practice.

2. Timing for Resuming Sexual Activity: Most healthcare providers recommend waiting at least two weeks after an abortion before resuming sexual intercourse. This allows your body time to heal and reduces the risk of infection. However, if you feel comfortable and have no complications, you may choose to engage in sexual activity sooner. Just ensure that you are using contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy.

3. Menstruation After Abortion: It’s common for your menstrual cycle to take some time to return to normal after an abortion. Typically, you can expect your first period to occur within four to six weeks after the procedure. However, the timing can vary based on individual factors such as hormonal balance and overall health. If your bleeding is similar to the end of a menstrual period and is brown in color, this is usually normal as it indicates older blood being expelled from the body.
4. Post-Abortion Symptoms: Experiencing some cramping and light bleeding after an abortion is normal. The color of the blood can vary, and brown blood is often just old blood. However, if you notice an increase in bleeding, passing large clots, or if the pain becomes severe, you should contact your healthcare provider. The mild cramping you are experiencing can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, but if the pain is significant or persistent, it’s important to seek medical advice.

5. Dizziness and Nausea: Feeling dizzy or nauseous after an abortion can occur due to several factors, including hormonal changes, dehydration, or the effects of anesthesia if it was used during the procedure. If these symptoms are mild and resolve within a few days, they are typically not a cause for concern. However, if you experience severe dizziness, persistent nausea, or any other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor.

6. Monitoring Recovery: Keep an eye on your symptoms as you recover. If you experience heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour), severe abdominal pain, fever, or any signs of infection (such as foul-smelling discharge), seek medical attention immediately.
In summary, it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding contraception and recovery. Take care of your body, monitor your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor with any concerns. Your health and well-being are paramount, and ensuring a smooth recovery process is key to moving forward positively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Post-Abortion Recovery: Delayed Menstruation and Abnormal Discharge

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...

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.

Understanding Post-Abortion Care and Concerns About Future Pregnancies

Hello Doctor, I have a few questions to ask you. 1. I underwent a surgical procedure on September 2nd. After returning home and removing the bandage, I noticed that there was no bleeding. I have been following up with my appointments. During my first follow-up, the doctor chang...

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: 1. The duration of bleeding after a miscarriage can vary from person to person. If your doctor has examined you and confirmed that everything is clear, there is no need to worry excessively. 2. Not using a condom certainly increases the risk of pregnancy and sexually trans...

Post-Abortion Care: Essential Tips for Recovery and Health Restoration

Hello Doctor: My girlfriend and I are both second-year university students. Recently, she discovered that her period was delayed, and after taking a pregnancy test, she found out she is pregnant (the embryo is less than a month old). Today, we visited the obstetrics and gynecolog...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: During the use of RU-486, please avoid alcohol, ginseng, and Siwu Decoction for two weeks to prevent improper uterine contractions that may lead to a failed abortion. You may also take a few doses of Shenghua Decoction to aid in expulsion. During the abortion period, rest ...

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...