Menstrual Changes After Abortion: What to Expect

Q: Menstrual Changes After Abortion: What to Expect

Hello, the inquirer： After a miscarriage, there may be a period of temporary irregularity in the menstrual cycle. <br>It is recommended that if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should consult a physician for an examination. <br>Thank you! Wishing you peace and he

Menstruation after abortion?

On January 3, a vacuum aspiration procedure was performed, and the fetus was approximately 3-4 weeks old.
Follow-up visits showed no abnormalities.
On February 6, the menstrual flow started and was heavier than usual; previously, the menstrual period lasted for 7 days, but this time it continued until February 12 before decreasing.
Sexual intercourse occurred that night, and the following day, yellow discharge mixed with blood was observed until February 15.
On the 15th, there was again a discharge of menstrual blood, which was red but light enough to be managed with a panty liner.
Sexual intercourse took place on the 14th and 15th as well.
Today, the 16th, there is still menstrual blood, but it is less than on the 15th.
During this period, there was a sensation of cramping in the lower abdomen from February 7 to 9, similar to menstrual cramps, but no other significant discomfort was noted.
I would like to inquire about the reasons for these phenomena.
Is this normal?

Yan Zi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/16

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the inquirer: After a miscarriage, there may be a period of temporary irregularity in the menstrual cycle.
It is recommended that if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should consult a physician for an examination.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2016/02/16

More Info

After undergoing a vacuum aspiration procedure on January 3, where the fetus was approximately 3-4 weeks old, it is common to experience changes in menstrual patterns. Your experience of heavier bleeding during your first menstrual cycle post-abortion, lasting from February 6 to February 12, followed by a transition to lighter bleeding and then the presence of yellowish discharge mixed with blood, can be concerning but may also be within the realm of normal physiological responses.

Understanding Menstrual Changes Post-Abortion
1. Initial Menstrual Cycle: After an abortion, the first menstrual cycle can often be irregular. It is not uncommon for the flow to be heavier than usual, as the body is shedding the uterine lining that had built up during pregnancy. This can lead to a heavier flow and longer duration, as you experienced.

2. Subsequent Cycles: Following the first cycle, menstrual patterns may take some time to normalize. The changes you noted, such as the transition from heavier bleeding to lighter bleeding and the presence of discharge, can be attributed to hormonal adjustments as your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.

3. Discharge and Bleeding: The yellowish discharge mixed with blood could indicate several things. It might be a normal part of the healing process, as the body clears out any remaining tissue. However, it is essential to monitor the characteristics of the discharge. If it has a foul odor, is accompanied by severe pain, or if the bleeding becomes excessively heavy, these could be signs of infection or retained products of conception, which would require medical attention.

4. Sexual Activity: Engaging in sexual activity shortly after an abortion can also influence bleeding patterns. It is generally advised to wait for at least two weeks post-abortion before resuming sexual intercourse to allow the cervix to close and reduce the risk of infection. However, since you mentioned having sexual intercourse on February 14 and 15, it is possible that this could have contributed to the changes in your bleeding pattern.

5. Pain and Discomfort: The cramping or discomfort you felt around February 7-9 is also typical as the uterus contracts to expel its contents and return to its normal size. This discomfort should gradually decrease as your body heals.

When to Seek Medical Attention
While some changes in menstrual patterns post-abortion can be normal, it is crucial to be vigilant about any concerning symptoms. You should seek medical attention if you experience:
- Heavy Bleeding: Soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours.

- Severe Pain: Pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications or is worsening.

- Foul Odor: A strong, unpleasant odor from the discharge, which may indicate an infection.

- Fever: A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) could suggest an infection.

Conclusion
In summary, while the changes you are experiencing in your menstrual cycle after the abortion can be normal, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. Your health and well-being are paramount, and open communication with your healthcare provider can help ensure a smooth recovery process.

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