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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 an abortion on 2nd November 2015,I bled for about five minutes after the abortion that day and that was all…Fast forward to five weeks later, 7th December 2015,I’ve had a pregnancy test and the result is negative but I haven’t seen my menstrual cycle. Please what could be the problem?
Hi, A normal period after an abortion starts 4-8 weeks after the abortion so its quite normal not to have a period yet.
Dear Steffy,.
Thank you for your website and the services you are offering to women all around the world. I read the article twice and as much of the comments I could but I felt I should still ask because our bodies are different as much we are women. so I hope my question is not too redundant.
I had my second surgical abortion in October this year. Let me start from the beginning. This is what happened:
After my first abortion 2 months before I bled after as expected and continued to expect my period as normal. Which it did, about a week and a half later Although the doctor said that if I had unprotected within 10 weeks after having the procedure I could get pregnant again.
out of naivety and foollishness my fiance and I continued having sex.
Around the last week of October after being in denial that it was normal that I hadn’t bled again I went back to the clinic thinking it was a problem. unfortunately I was pregnant again and I made the choice again to end it. the first time I went with my fiance but the second time we were in a fight so I was alone. Although I accepted what I did sometimes I feel a deep remorse and I have been very active since trying to distract myself so that I don’t place myself in that position again. Anyway I spotted as I did for the first time. After a week I thought it was over. Two weeks later, after having sex with my fiance once and taking the morning after pill, on 27 November I started bleeding and haven’t stopped since. it’s not heavy, I basically use a regular tampon for over 8 hours but it does have tiny dark red clots. Last time I had an irregular period two years ago (I didn’t stop bleeding for two weeks. the gynecologist suspected I had a miscarriage but there wasn’t a way to confirm.) She gave me birth control pills and my period went back to normal.
So I bought The Pill from the same clinic I had the procedure and I started taking it yesterday to see if it would work again. So far it hasn’t. Should I give it more time? Should I go back to clinic? Or is this normal and there will be no way of figuring out when it will end?
We’ve agreed with my fiance to remain celibate until we get married but I am just tired of bleeding.
Abortion is illegal where I am so I can’t go to a hospital, I would have to explain to the doctor and my dad about it so I am not going to the hospital.
It feels good sharing this with someone outside myself.
Anything you can share will be so helpful. .
Thank you.
Thank you. I understand your situation – don’t be too hard on yourself but you must learn from your experiences and use them to guide your decision. You should go to the clinic as soon as you can; do not try to do it alone based on what’s happening. Also, try not be caught in this situation again. Physical recovery after a miscarriage is quick and takes only a few days. After about a month, your body will be working normally and your menstrual cycles will begin once again. It is possible to become pregnant during your first menstrual cycle after your miscarriage or abortion.
Hi…i had a surgical abortion on 25th of November, have not really bled but I’ve had discharges. I had sex on the night of 4th & in the morning of 5th December unprotected. Please, my problem now is that, following my calculations, i keep wondering if i’m at any risk of getting pregnant again as i am not so sure of when i’m ovulating nor when i should expect my period.
I had a medical abortion on 30th November, I haven’t see my period yet, I did a pregnancy test on 5th Dec, and it was positive. Was it that the pregnancy is still there because I haven’t seen my period.
Don’t worry about your delayed period – in most instances, a menstrual cycle is expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion. Generally, hCG levels will remain high up to 6 weeks after abortion or miscarriage. It may be necessary to re-test a few times after an abortion to ensure that the pregnancy has been terminated.
Hello I had a termination of pregnancy NOV 17th I took the first pill and easy morning on Nov 19th I took the 2nd pill.. the abortion itself was quick not painful but it’s been two weeks and I’m still bleeding. The bleeding started decreasing but I wouldn’t call it light bleeding at this time. I been feeling dizzy and been having headaches. Could it possibly be I’m having side effects due to the bleeding?
The effects of an abortion include bleeding, cramps or a vaginal discharge. If these symptoms are excessive and you have a high fever then you must see a doctor. The dizziness and headaches are cause for concern if these symptoms continue, then you need to need to refer to a doctor. Don’t worry about your delayed period – in most instances, a menstrual cycle is expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion.
Hello… plz I need ur help… I had abortion on 26th November and I start bleeding heavier on 29th but till now I’ve not yet get my periods it’s been 1 month and a week without periods and I’m still having pain in my back and I’ve some abdominal pain and my breasts sore…Plz tell am I still pregnant?!?
You may not be pregnant. The effects of an abortion include bleeding, cramps or a vaginal discharge. If these symptoms are excessive and you have a high fever then you must see a doctor. Don’t worry about your delayed period – in most instances, a menstrual cycle is expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion. If these become too much for you to bear, consult your doctor.
Hi Steffy,
Thank you for your article and reply to others. It takes a lot of love and dedication to reply to everyone.
I had a medical abortion on 21st November, I had severe cramps and heavy bleeding for 5 days with some big clots. From day 6, I had some really dark discharges for next 7 days (till 4th Dec). On the 3rd/4th my breast started feeling heavy and sore and i started getting a bit worried. Yesterday 5th Dec I started bleeding again. Today 6th, it seem to have stopped. Please help me because I am confused as to why I was having really dark discharges and now one day of bleeding. I had a very depressed night. Do you know when my period is likely to be back to normal please?
Thanking you in advance for your time.
Thank you. The effects of an abortion include bleeding, cramps or a vaginal discharge. If these symptoms are excessive and you have a high fever then you must see a doctor. Don’t worry about your delayed period – in most instances, a menstrual cycle is expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion.
Hi Steffy,
I had a missed miscarriage at 7th week. Found out at 8 weeks and went for medical abortion on 20th November. Now after just two weeks I am having all my premenstrual symptoms. Is it possible to get periods so early?
Also I want to try for a baby in January. Is there anything I can do to have a healthy pregnancy? I am 33 and It was my first and very much wanted pregnancy. I so much dont want to go through something like this again..
The premenstrual symtoms being experienced may be as a result of the procedure and may not be an actual period.
It is very important that you give yourself time to heal both emotionally and physically before you try to conceive again. Physical recovery after a miscarriage is quick and takes only a few days. After about a month, your body will be working normally and your menstrual cycles will begin once again. It is possible to become pregnant during your first menstrual cycle after your abortion.
Good luck!
Dear Steffy, Thank you very much for your reply! All the best to you.
I had a medical abortion on the 26th of october and I bleed normal but now I haven’t see my period what could be the cause?
In most instances, a menstrual cycle is expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion.You do not need to worry.
I have a unwanted incomplete abortion last October 27,2015 and I undergo cervical biopsy to get the remaining placenta left in my womb.The baby was 14-16 weeks already.I and my husband had a unprotected sex 2weeks after the biopsy , is it possible that I might be pregnant now? I have a light period now.Could it be possible? We really wanted to have a baby.
Hi Steffy,
Firstly thank you for all your replies to everyone, you have helped me enormously and probably many more who have not commented, you are a star!
Secondly, I had a medical abortion on the 3rd of November. Everything went as it should according to my doctor. I’ve done a pregnancy test since and am not pregnant. But, yesterday I stupidly had unprotected sex. Will my fertility have already returned? Am I close enough to my next period to not worry or should I take the morning after pill as I’m still in that window? I feel really stupid for risking this trauma again but if I can I would like not to take the morning after pill as it wreaks havoc with my mental health.
Thank you in advance for your help and support, it’s hugely appreciated!
Hello. Thank you for the feedback. It is possible to get pregnant after an abortion because ovulation can occur at any time even if you haven’t had a period. It’s best for you to take the morning after pill just to ensure that you’re safe. Is there any way of counteracting the mental health issues that surface when you take the morning after pill? It’s best to err on the side of caution since you really do not want to be pregnant again.
You’re welcome. Thank you for the feedback. You can ovulate after an abortion without having a period. Therefore, it is best for you to take the morning after pill as soon as possible to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Sorry to hear that the pill affects your mental health but you have to decide whether you want to face the risk of pregnancy.
I had a pill termination on 26th Oct 2015 and now it’s been more than a month but my periods is still going on.. but I don’t use to be much tired my days are going as usual. I’m worried, why my periods doesn’t stop till now. Should I take any medicine to stop my periods?
Don’t worry about your delayed period – in most instances, a menstrual cycle is expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion. If it takes longer that 8 weeks then you need to consult a doctor.
My wife had abortion in June, 15 and since then she has not have her periods yet. We already visited 3 doctors and took the medicines but result is negative. We did not had sex since June, 15. Its alomost 6 months. I do not know it is ok or not. And do it has some complications physically to her.
I underwent a surgical abortion on September 14th. I got my first period 5 weeks after the procedure but now my second period hasn’t arrived. It’s been 6 weeks since my last menstrual cycle. My boyfriend and I have been practicing safe sex. I had light brown discharge around two weeks after my last period. Could that have been the remains from my last period? I do not have any early pregnancy symptoms as of now except that my left breast is sore. I have checked my cm and it is very dry and I have little to no discharge at all. The only time I had EWCM was 2 weeks ago. I took a hpt as well and it also came up negative. Did I ovulate late or could I be pregnant again?
I had my medical abortion on 2nd of November 4 days heavy bleeding with cramping 3 days normal bleeding and stopped. Now it’s 3 rd of December and I have no periods. Is everything ok? Medical abortion was done on my own by taking unwanted kit without my GP. I got it from overseas.
The effects of an abortion include bleeding, cramps or a vaginal discharge. If these symptoms are excessive and you have a high fever then you must see a doctor. Don’t worry about your delayed period – in most instances, a menstrual cycle is expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion.
I had a surgical abortion on October 23rd, I bleed & had discharges for a week! I had unprotected sex on November 2nd! But I was using the birth control pills I was prescribed! I had an extremely light period a week ago and now just cramping! Is it possible that I’m pregnant again! My breast get sore time & time again! Should I take a pregnancy test soon?! Or go to the doctor?!
Once the birth control pills were taken as indicated, you should not be at risk of becoming pregnant. The cramping or breast soreness may be due to PMS. You may revisit your doctor if you’re still in doubt.