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Making the decision to go through with an abortion it is often a stressful one.
There are many reasons why that decision is made whether it’s due to the health of the mother, learning about the health of the baby, and also that it’s just not the right time to bring a child into the world.
Whatever the situation is, it’s not one for others to judge, that is your decision and whatever you choose to do, it’s right for you.
Because it’s a stressful situation, there could be an effect on your upcoming menstrual cycle.
As explored in previous articles, stress can delay your period because your body is trying to regulate everything else (and it’s been said that delaying ovulation helps to prevent a pregnancy during a stressful time based on history).
Some women see their periods return quickly, within 4-8 weeks, while others may not see it as soon.
Let’s take a look at the basics of an abortion, different types, and then we can discuss how it can affect your next cycle (or two).
Abortion – General Information
An abortion is when pregnancy is ended at an early stage through an outside intervention. While there is a term, spontaneous abortion, it’s sort of a misnomer. It’s essential to note that this is a miscarriage.
This was not a pregnancy where the parents decided to terminate it, it’s when the body did it naturally [1].
The body, once a woman is pregnant, starts creating pregnancy hormones and preparing all the organs for sustaining a new life.
This means that during the time before and even after the abortion for a period of time, the woman can still experience some pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness and sensitivity to smells.
The body must go back to normal and let those hormones regulate in order for you to start feeling yourself again and so that you start having a cycle again.
When you make the decision to get an abortion you’ll want to go to a trained medical practitioner. Going to a place that isn’t can risk your health and your future fertility.
There are two types of abortion, a medical abortion, and a surgical abortion.
No matter which you choose an early abortion will not impair your fertility or result in complications later in pregnancies.
Both medical and surgical method can be used to induce abortion throughout the pregnancy. The choice of method used depends on factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, preference of women and availability of surgeon.
Medical Abortion
The medical abortion is as it states, it’s done with medicine and one of the most common medications used for this is mifepristone, a progesterone receptor modulator. Since progesterone is required to maintain pregnant uterus in quiescent state, mifepristone will bring about uterine contractions and result in expulsion of fetus.
This is followed by prostaglandin analogue misoprostol, which can now be administered in lower doses, and brings about strong contractions to expel products of conception.
This is something you must get from a doctor and is not an over-the-counter medication. The name may change depending on where you are located however they all do the same thing.
Surgical Abortion
As the name states, this is an abortion done surgically where the doctor will do either a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) or a dilation and evacuation (D&E).
The former is generally done within the first 12 weeks and the second can be done after the first month [3].
What About your Menstrual Cycle after an Abortion
When you terminate a pregnancy during the first trimester, your period should return in four to eight weeks [4].
Generally, the earlier in the pregnancy you have the abortion, the sooner your cycle will return.
However, that does also depend on what type of birth control you are using (as some can delay or lighten your period, even stop it completely.
No matter what type of method you are using, if you don’t see your period return within the eight weeks, it’s advised to contact your doctor to check for pregnancy or any underlying conditions.
Right after the abortion, your body is going to prioritize expelling all the remnants from the lost pregnancy.
This includes fetal tissue in addition to other debris from your uterus, and it’s characterized by heavy bleeding.
Essentially, this is your first period because it is the beginning of your cycle, getting your body ready to ovulate once again.
The first period after an abortion might not be what you usually anticipate. It could be lighter than your normal one and might not last for the length of time that is normal for you.
That next period could even be heavier than you normally would expect as well. However, if your period is exceptionally heavy and long (filling more than one pad every two hours), you’ll want to contact your doctor.
What Could Change?
When it does come to that next period, as stated above, it might not be what you would normally expect. It could be different in multiple aspects than what your periods were like before your abortion.
One change could be the flow. If you had a surgical abortion, it could result in a lighter period than normal, and with a medical abortion, it could be heavier than normal [5].
You might also find that you have more PMS and other symptoms such as back pain and cramping for the first few cycles. This is normal and should eventually even out to what you experienced before [6].
One reason that the period after a medical abortion is heavier is that the body is still expelling all pregnancy-related tissues [7].
A surgical abortion removes the products of conception and endometrial lining, which results in lighter periods.
Pregnancy Test After Abortion
After an abortion, many want to see if it was successful and taking a pregnancy test is a sure way to determine that. Right?
Well, not necessarily depending on when you take it. A pregnancy test measures the levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in the urine which is the pregnancy hormone as we’ll call it.
While the hormone does decrease very quickly after an abortion, there is still some in the body for up to four weeks after having an abortion [8].
After this point, it’s safe to take a test and determine that you are in fact no longer pregnant. Before that, you may get a false positive because your body hasn’t fully cleared the hormones from your system.
A blood test is a bit different because they can see the actual levels of the hormone. A test can be taken just before the abortion and then about five days post-abortion. If the levels have decreased, then the abortion is successful [9].
Getting Pregnant After Abortion
In that timeframe between the abortion and your next period, you may ovulate. However, this time can vary for different women and depends on how far the pregnancy was when the abortion happened.
Generally, this happens before the second cycle, the first cycle is when the body is still clearing out the pregnancy hormones and such and getting back to being regular again [10].
Because you will not know if you are ovulating yet, it’s recommended that you take precautions to prevent another pregnancy. Either you or your partner could investigate different methods of birth control.
In addition to not wanting to go through another abortion, your body will need time to heal from the loss of a pregnancy so another one is not recommended until at least a few months when it is Fully recovered.
This is very true for those who have had a surgical abortion where the cervix needs to heal from an actual surgery.
Final Thoughts
Again, having an abortion is an extremely personal decision and one that will affect you not only physically but also mentally as well.
Take care after your procedure to care for yourself, whatever that entails. It could be seeing a therapist, taking some yoga classes and meditation (once cleared by your doctor), getting a massage or a spa day, etc. It’s up to you.
Each person will handle it differently but treat your body with respect afterward and when you are ready to start your family, you will still be able to.
Do you have a question about your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, abortion or any other related topic? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
References
- Visit https://www.webmd.com/women/abortion-procedures#1
- See https://www.nps.org.au/australian-prescriber/articles/mifepristone
- See above #1
- Planned Parenthood. What can I expect After Having an In-Clinic Abortion? [link]
- Aliya Khan via First Cry Parenting. Period After Abortion – Symptoms, Changes and Self Care Tips. [link]
- See above #5
- New Kids-Center. What’s Period After Abortion Like When to Worry? [link]
- Women Help Women. Was My Abortion Successful? [link]
- see above #8
- see above #7
I had a surgery abortion around 2013 which there was no complication and after words my period has always been 2days or at times 3days and most times in brownish colour have really been so worried and went to the hospital to complain and medications was given but yet it still same up till now. Pls do you think it normal? And recently I read an articles on scanty periods and how it can be treated using home remedies I hope it works cos I just started taking it after my last period which is last month.
Hi Dammie, If the doctors told you it was normal you should not be so worried,Maybe the medication takes time to work if you are very worried that the medication is’nt working you should visit the doctor again and find out why.
I had abortion one year ago. Still i have only one day period.. Before abortion it was 3to 4 day periods
Read on scanty period, there are a lot of home remedies you can use to correct that. I prayed it work because mine always last for 2 days most times and am on the home remedies too hoping to see changes In my next period which should be next week. Best of luck dear.
I had a surgical abortion on August 8th I spotted very little after procedure. My questions is I’ve been spotting off and on for the last week and a half. Is this normal? Also I’ve been having back cramps and feeling really nauseous is this something to be concerned about? Will I get a normal period soon?
The abnormal side effects include heavy bleeding, severe cramps, a high fever or a vaginal discharge. If the symptoms you’re experiencing are severe then you need to see a doctor. In most instances, a menstrual cycle is normally expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion.
Did you period come yet ? I had mine that same day
It did actually. I started this past Sunday 9/13/15 it lasted 5 days. First few days super heavy with so much cramping but as the days progressed it got better. I was just happy that it finally came. Hopefully yours comes soon try not to stress (i know easier said than done) it doesn’t help but delay things. Good Luck and take care =)
I had a surgical abortion on the 29th of July I went to my period 3days after and I waited 2 weeks before having sex am still not in my periods and I wanna take contraception what do I do?
In most instances, a menstrual cycle is normally expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion. If you are not having abnormal side effects such as heavy bleeding, severe cramps, a high fever or a vaginal discharge then you can wait a bit longer without worrying.
Had an abortion on 18 July, 2015 and after that my period came on 25 August 2015. Just want to know when I will ovulate and how to calculate my cycle length. Thanks.
Give your body time to get back to a regularise itself before you try to determine your ovulation period. Read this link http://womanjunction.com/menstrual-cycle-abortion/
Since you’ve had your August – wait to see when your September period will start and this will help you to determine the length of your cycle. Count from August 25 to the day that your period begins – that is how you determine the length of your cycle. Read this link http://womanjunction.com/menstrual-cycle-calculating-manually/
I your next perio
i have started my period now after about 8 weeks post surgical abortion. My period has now been on for 10 days. Not super heavy, but lots of cramping. Is this normal? I was thinking that it may be a little longer since I haven’t had a period since April. What do you think?
This post on “Menstrual Cycle after Abortion” is a very interesting read http://womanjunction.com/menstrual-cycle-abortion/ It will provide some useful information.
Hi, I had a surgical abortion on 9 of July and my first period came on 21st of August means after 6 weeks. It’s totally alright that period came after 6 weeks but today is 30th of August and my period is still ongoing. The worst thing is first 3 days bleeding flow is a like my normal period but 4th, 5th and 6th day bleeding is heavier and 7th day in the morning only 1 spot, but on same day in the afternoon the bleeding become again heavier. I changed 2 pads in 1 hour and also there is very big clot came with the bleeding. And on day 8th only 2 spots on my pad and I was relaxed that my period is gone but on day 9th same thing happened in the afternoon, very heavy bleeding and again 2 big clots came with the bleeding. Please help me I am so worried. Tell me please what can I do?
This link will provide some useful information http://womanjunction.com/menstrual-cycle-abortion/
It is also advisable that you consult your doctor based on the symptoms that you’re experiencing.
Hi pls,i had a medical abortion after 3 weeks of pregnancy and i saw just little flow of blood nd some tissues just for a day.And up till nw i avnt seen my mestruation.pls help me out.
In most instances, a menstrual cycle is normally expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion. If you are not having abnormal side effects such as heavy bleeding, severe cramps, a high fever or a vaginal discharge then you can wait a bit longer without worrying.
hi i had an abortion a month and 2 weeks ago through abortion pills. after a month the blood stoos ( spots) and the following week i had my 1st menstruation. 4 days after my period finished i had menstruation again and cramps like its sweels inside.. is this normal or am i in trouble? thanks
It’s best to consult your doctor based on your symptoms just to make sure all is well.
I had a medical abortion about 3 months ago now and still no MPS yet. Is it normal? I’m really worried.
This link will provide some insight http://womanjunction.com/menstrual-cycle-abortion/
Hi Kelly,
If abortion is done by oral and external pills at 4 to 5 weeks pregnancy and post that everything has became normal apart from weight gain and stress.
What are chances of not conceiving again post abortion after an year recovery?
Can the residue left behind may trouble? Or the brown odor-ful lumps are normal at very first day of periods?
Regards
Hi jigyasa, Your chances of becoming pregnant After a year of an abortion is still very high
if you didn’t have any problems after the abortion with your period returning or getting sick. spotting brown at the beginning of your period is very normal.
Its been 9 weeks since i had a surgical abortion,no period,been having menstrual pain for 3 weeks and a whitish discharge,i went for ultra sound 2 weeks back and no pregnancy was detected….have been having nausea for 4 days now and back-pain, could i be pregnant?
Hi Daniella, Sometimes the HCG hormone takes a while to get out of your body so you may still be feeling pregnancy symptoms even though you did an abortion. I do not think you are pregnant but you can follow up with your doctor if you are not feeling well.
6 weeks passed for me still no period, using contraception starting to worry that I could be in the same situation again !
I had an abortion 3 months ago after my supposed marriage failed, I have had my abortion but my cycle seems to be abnormal, am having 32 days cycle please I need an advice.
hi. i had abortion on 20march, was rapped so didn’t wanna keep the baby as was thinking it will be a reminder of what happened to me…..after my abortion I started menstruating from that day till now..am so worried about my health…its almost 5 months been menstruating…& it is also affecting my sexual life…plzzzz help me..am (LOST & CONFUSED)
I am sorry to hear about that 🙁 you have to speak with a doctor or a health professional, please make an appointment as soon as possible!
I got my first periods after 4 weeks of my abortion (surgical) and there after i got me second after 2 weeks and now again after 2 weeks i have got PMS and spotting.
Is it normal 2 months after D&C?
Thanks
Hello Suman, I think it may be your body trying to adjust and go back to normal but i suggest you visit a doctor to make sure there are no problems.
i want 2 ask a question, if i have already seen my first menstrual period after a medical abortion, is it normal or possible that my next menstrual period be delayed? because 28 days have passed and i haven’t seen it.
I believe so. Although, I would recommend your speak with a doctor. In my opinion, it is most likely normal as your hormones are trying to adjust back to normal.