Irregular Periods After Abortion and Emergency Contraception

Menstrual issues

I took RU486 for an abortion on the 3rd of last month, and my first menstrual period started on the 6th of this month.
I took emergency contraception on the 16th, and I did not experience any side effects.
However, today, the 23rd, my period has returned.
Could this be due to the emergency contraception causing irregularities in my cycle, or is it because my uterus has not fully recovered after the abortion?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/23

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The response suggests that it is more likely to be irregular menstruation.
If it were an incomplete miscarriage, there would typically be ongoing bleeding, and a pregnancy test would still show positive results.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/11/23

More Info

Irregular periods can be a common occurrence after an abortion, especially when combined with the use of emergency contraception. In your case, you experienced your first menstrual period on the 6th of this month after taking RU486 for an abortion on the 3rd of the previous month. Then, after taking emergency contraception on the 16th, you noticed that your period returned again on the 23rd. This situation can be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, it's important to understand that after an abortion, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones, and after an abortion, it may take some time for these hormones to stabilize. This can lead to irregularities in your menstrual cycle, including changes in the timing, flow, and duration of your periods. It is not uncommon for women to experience variations in their cycles for a few months following an abortion.

Secondly, the use of emergency contraception can also affect your menstrual cycle. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) contain hormones that can alter your normal hormonal balance. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, but they can also affect the uterine lining and the timing of your next period. Side effects of ECPs can include changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, such as earlier or later periods, heavier or lighter flow, and even spotting. Therefore, the timing of your period after taking emergency contraception may not align with your usual cycle.

In your case, the combination of having an abortion and then taking emergency contraception likely contributed to the irregularity of your menstrual cycle. The return of your period on the 23rd could be a result of the hormonal fluctuations caused by both the abortion and the emergency contraceptive pill.
It is also worth noting that if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection (like fever or foul-smelling discharge), it is essential to seek medical attention. These could be signs of complications from the abortion or the need for further evaluation.

In summary, the irregular periods you are experiencing are likely due to a combination of the hormonal changes following your abortion and the effects of the emergency contraception. It is advisable to monitor your menstrual cycle over the next few months. If you continue to experience irregularities or have concerns about your reproductive health, consider consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can provide personalized advice and support based on your individual situation.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Irregular Periods After Miscarriage: Causes and Solutions

After an unintended pregnancy, I went to the obstetrics and gynecology department for a medical abortion, but it was not completely successful. Later, I underwent a surgical abortion under anesthesia. The clinic is well-known in the area, not an illegal practice. For the first si...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, sometimes after undergoing an abortion, menstrual irregularities may occur. If you are still experiencing this issue, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist for menstrual regulation. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Irregular Periods After Contraceptive Use: A Woman's Journey

I had an abortion on August 9, 2008, and my menstrual period started on September 3. I had sexual intercourse on September 26 and 27, and took emergency contraception on September 28. My period came on October 8, and I had intercourse on October 10 and 11, followed by taking emer...

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emergency contraception is intended as a last resort for preventing pregnancy and should not be used as a regular contraceptive method. When used correctly, it is effective in preventing pregnancy, but it may affect subsequent menstrual cycles. After consulting with a gynecologis...

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...

Impact of Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Menstrual Cycle After Abortion

Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with an intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy two weeks ago. The intrauterine pregnancy has been terminated using RU486, and the ectopic pregnancy has been surgically removed via laparoscopy. However, one week post-surgery, I engaged in sexual intercou...

Dr. Liu Fuping reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, taking emergency contraceptive pills can only reduce the likelihood of pregnancy and does not guarantee 100% prevention. It may also lead to menstrual irregularities, with subsequent periods potentially occurring slightly earlier or later. However, menstruation should occu...