Very rarely , excessive bleeding can be from a uterine injury perforation that occurred during the abortion. Severe and persistent pelvic pain is not normal after an abortion. Please contact the office if you have persistent, severe pelvic or abdominal pain after taking pain medication acetominophen, ibuprofen, naproxen.
The most common cause of pain after an abortion , is a bacterial infection. Most infections are mild and can be treated with oral antibiotics. Post procedure pain or persistent pain after a medical abortion, can be caused by retained fetal or placental tissue, or blood clots.
If the tissue or clots do not pass vaginally, you may need medication oral misoprostol or a vacuum aspiration suction curettage to empty the uterus. This will relieve the pelvic pain. Here, we discuss these types of abortion and bleeding that women may experience afterward. A medical abortion is when the doctor gives a woman abortion pills to end her pregnancy. This type of abortion is available in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, which forces the pregnancy tissue to pass out through the vagina.
This treatment results in bleeding, which can be similar to having a heavy period. Some people experience heavier bleeding than others, and it may contain large blood clots. A woman may then experience spotting or light bleeding for up to 2 weeks after the pregnancy tissue passes out.
Surgical abortions typically take place after week 10 of pregnancy. There are two types of surgical abortion:. After a longer time, they will generally recommend dilation and evacuation. Surgical abortions can also cause postabortion bleeding, which may be similar to a normal period.
Bleeding after a surgical abortion usually lasts around 1—2 weeks. Some women may experience spotting up until their next period. Some birth control methods may affect the regularity of periods after an abortion. If a person typically has irregular periods , they may continue to experience these after an abortion. Experiencing stress can change the regularity of periods. If a woman has irregular periods after an abortion and did not previously, she should speak to her doctor.
The abortion procedure fully empties the uterus, so there is less tissue to expel, which can result in a lighter period. This period can also be heavier as the body may have additional tissue to expel after the procedure. Your breasts will return to normal after three to four days of swelling. You will feel more comfortable if you wear a supportive bra and apply cold ice packs to your breasts. Take ibuprofen or Tylenol, if necessary, for pain.
If you still feel pregnant after a week, call the UCSF Women's Option Center at to speak to one of our health care providers. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call the Women's Options Center to talk to a doctor or nurse. Your next menstrual period should begin four to seven weeks after the procedure. You can get pregnant before then and should use birth control when you resume sexual intercourse. Your first few cycles may be irregular. If you use a cyclic hormonal birth control method — such as the pill, patch or ring — you should start the method the same day as your procedure.
Your next period will occur during the fourth week of the contraceptive cycle. It's not necessary to see a doctor after your procedure, unless you experience complications. We recommend that you make an appointment to see your primary care doctor or gynecologist if you are due for an annual Pap smear, physical or gynecologic exam, need birth control prescription refills or would like to discuss your fertility.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider.
We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider. The examination may include:. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Medical Abortion Care. Top of the page. Topic Overview A medical abortion is the use of medicines to end a pregnancy.
Care before a medical abortion Before a medical abortion, your doctor may: Evaluate your medical history, including any medicines you are taking. Do a physical exam, including a pelvic examination , to evaluate your health, how long you have been pregnant, and location of the embryo or fetus. Perform an ultrasound to confirm how far along and where the pregnancy is. Not all doctors choose to do this step. Discuss your decision to have an abortion and your feelings about the decision.
Discuss your plans for future pregnancies and birth control use. Explain how the medicines will work, possible side effects nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common , and when to call your doctor. It is important for your doctor to know whether you: Have access to a telephone, to call if you have problems.
Have transportation to a health care facility if you need to be evaluated. Will be able to return for a follow-up appointment. Are prepared for the cramping pain and bleeding that will occur as the uterine contents are passed. Understand that a surgical abortion will be needed if a medical abortion fails to complete the process.
These medicines are used: For cramping pain caused by uterine contractions.
0コメント