Abnormal Bleeding After Abortion: What You Need to Know

Q: Abnormal Bleeding After Abortion: What You Need to Know

Hello： After an abortion, if there is heavy vaginal bleeding, it may be due to retained decidual tissue or even retained chorionic villi. <br>Sometimes there can be invasive chorionic villi, which means the villi have penetrated into the myometrium and adhered to it, often result

Abnormal bleeding

Hello, doctor.
Last October, I underwent a painless abortion abroad.
At that time, I was only 3-4 weeks pregnant, so my recovery went well without any issues.
In January of this year, I discovered that I was pregnant again, so I had another procedure, this time at around 6 weeks.
However, my recovery this time was not as good as the last.
I experienced bleeding for about five days.
Due to significant stress, I did not follow the doctor's instructions and took Yaz birth control pills approximately seven days after the abortion.
About 12 hours after taking one pill, I experienced heavy bleeding, with a total volume of around 1000 ml, and I fainted three times.
Twelve hours after the bleeding started, I had full-body tremors and sweating, after which I felt the effects of the medication had worn off.
The bleeding stopped 12 hours later.
During the 12 hours of continuous bleeding, I took two doses of herbal medicine.
Since I grew up taking traditional Chinese medicine, I did not go to a Western doctor, as I know they would prescribe medications related to lutein and hormones.
Three days later, I still had some bleeding, but it was not as severe; it was just some bleeding when I used the restroom.
The amount was considerable but not excessive, occurring intermittently.
In the past two days, I have started bleeding again.
In between, I took cold medicine twice (as I have severe cold and allergy symptoms) and continued taking the allergy herbal medicine I was prescribed before the heavy bleeding.
I have also taken one antibiotic.
What should I do? Should I let the bleeding continue, or should I see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner?

Molly, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/26

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: After an abortion, if there is heavy vaginal bleeding, it may be due to retained decidual tissue or even retained chorionic villi.
Sometimes there can be invasive chorionic villi, which means the villi have penetrated into the myometrium and adhered to it, often resulting in significant bleeding after a miscarriage.
It is recommended to return to the surgical hospital for further management as soon as possible.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2016/01/26

More Info

Abnormal bleeding after an abortion can be a concerning issue, and it is essential to approach it with care and proper medical guidance. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced significant bleeding following your recent abortion, which has raised some alarm. Here’s a comprehensive understanding of what you need to know about abnormal bleeding after an abortion and how to manage it.

Understanding Abnormal Bleeding
After an abortion, it is common for women to experience some degree of bleeding as the body expels the pregnancy tissue. This bleeding can vary in amount and duration. Typically, light bleeding or spotting may last for a few days to a couple of weeks. However, heavy bleeding, defined as soaking through one or more pads in an hour for several consecutive hours, is a cause for concern and requires immediate medical attention.

In your case, the bleeding you experienced, particularly the significant amount (approximately 1000ml), and the fainting episodes are serious symptoms. Fainting can indicate a significant loss of blood volume, which can lead to hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening condition. It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience such symptoms.

Potential Causes of Abnormal Bleeding
1. Incomplete Abortion: Sometimes, not all pregnancy tissue is expelled from the uterus, leading to continued bleeding. An ultrasound can help determine if there is retained tissue.

2. Hormonal Imbalance: The use of hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill you mentioned, can sometimes lead to irregular bleeding patterns, especially shortly after an abortion.

3. Infection: If there is an infection in the uterus, it can also cause abnormal bleeding. Symptoms may include fever, foul-smelling discharge, and abdominal pain.

4. Uterine Atony: This occurs when the uterus does not contract effectively after the abortion, leading to prolonged bleeding.

Recommendations for Management
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your bleeding and the fainting episodes, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may perform a physical examination, ultrasound, and blood tests to assess your condition.

2. Avoid Self-Medication: While traditional remedies and herbal medicines may be part of your upbringing, it is essential to avoid self-medicating, especially after a significant medical event like an abortion. The use of over-the-counter medications, particularly those that can thin the blood or affect hormonal balance, should be approached with caution.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your bleeding patterns, including the amount, color, and any associated symptoms such as pain or fever. This information will be helpful for your healthcare provider.

4. Rest and Hydration: Ensure you are resting adequately and staying hydrated, especially if you have experienced significant blood loss. This can help your body recover.

5. Follow-Up Care: After the initial assessment, follow up with your healthcare provider as recommended. They may suggest further treatment or monitoring based on your recovery.

Conclusion
Abnormal bleeding after an abortion can be a complex issue, and it is essential to approach it with caution and proper medical care. Given your symptoms, it is highly advisable to seek immediate medical attention to ensure your safety and well-being. Your health is paramount, and timely intervention can prevent complications. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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