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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 have a surgical abortion on 7th December and I want to conceive again please when should I have sex with my partner
Hi. I had a surgical abortion on Oct. 2, 2015. I bled and had clots come out from the 2nd to the 13th. Then I bled again from the 17th to the 25th. After that, I got my menstrual cycle from Nov. 13 – 18. I have an app which states I should’ve had my cycle again on Dec. 10th. We are now on the 13th and no signs of it. Is this normal? Any ideas of what to expect? Please assist. Thank you
The effects of an abortion include bleeding, cramps or a vaginal discharge. It is normal for your cycle to be disrupted after an abortion. read more here http://womanjunction.com/menstrual-cycle-abortion/
I had a medical abortion mid-October this year. I have had 1 period since that started Nov 21 and lasted 9 days the first 2 days were very heavy with a lot of clots still similar to the abortion and the last 3 days were very light the rest normal blood flow. My concern is the PMS I’m experiencing now…it started about 10 days before in November and now I am having PMS symptoms again starting December 10. With symptoms I’m having a lot of breast swelling extreme tenderness so so so painful I can hardly stand it I’ve only had similar pain before in pregnancy first trimester. I’m also experiencing extreme fatigue too all I want to do is sleep. Is this how my periods will be from now on this crazy PMS or should I go back to more tolerable symptoms soon? My PMS symptoms before medical abortion were never this bad.
Thanks for your help
It is normal for your menstrual cycle to operate differently after an abortion. It is critical to note that, “The time that your period lasts, as well as the amount of bleeding and cramping, might change for several months from one cycle to the next.” It may continue like this for a few more cycles. Read more here http://womanjunction.com/menstrual-cycle-abortion/
Hi, i had a surgical abortion on 15th Nov and had some bleeding that lasted for one day, i continued with antibiotic medication and after 7 day i started experiencing severe abdominal pain that could not even let me walk upright for some days. my biggest fear was loosing my fiance whom i did not want him to notice since he was the one nursing me. though we have had unprotected sex severally times and haven’t had my p’s yet, am i safe for another pregnancy if i happen to be or am i safe to use morning pills? and again what might be the reason to rapid pain occurrences at my lower tummy? pls help me
Hi, You can can get pregnant again right after an abortion if you have unprotected sex,You can take the morning after pill if you have had unprotected sex even though you’ve recently had a medical abortion. You can also start birth control – you could have started it the day of your abortion, but you can start it at your next period.Uterine cramping is normal after any kind of abortion if you are still experiencing this pain along with fever visit your doctor.
Hi. I had a surgical abortion on the 10 November I had bled for 7 days. And then stop. I had unprotected sex with my Husband and I was suppose to get my period and it has not showed up as yet. I have been getting very sore tender breast throughout the day on and off and also getting some cramping. Do you think I am pregnant again? Please need help and I also went into the ER did blood test and it was negative
Hi! I had an abortion back in 2013 December 14th. My periods are irregular now and I have abnominal pains for a week or so before they start.Is this normal? I thought my periods would start on monday but they haven’t all I feel is the abdominal pain on my left side,back ache.I’m worried and I can’t afford to go to hospital at the moment.My greatest fear is never getting pregnant again.
hi sir. I had abortion in october 29 and that was a missed abortion. I got my period dec 11 and started with brown spotting and light period. Im experiencing back pain and stomach pain after abortion.
i have thiroid and im obese also, im just 25 yrs old. What are my chances to get pregnant again?
Hello, In most cases abortion does not affect your fertility so it is possible to get pregnant even right after an abortion if you have unprotected sex. However having a thyroid problem can affect your fertility.
I had a surgical abortion in July 2015 and my period has been normal since but am concerned now that I am not pregnant after two months of my marriage. Am confused
I had an aboration on the 19th of November, and I’m still bleeding. I took the pill though, which could lead to longer bleeding but 21 days is super long. I started bc the 20th – and now I am finished with my first cycle and am scared that I will have my period for a full month. Is that possible?
Thanks
L
Hi,This is usually within 1-2 days after taking the second tablet, but occasionally takes up to two weeks. Periods occur 6 weeks after abortion so this is quite normal if you are are still bleeding and experiencing pain visit your doctor.
Hello I went for a scan on the 10th Feb and was told my baby heart beat has stopped at 6month I went for an evacuation run some blood test and was told all is fine. September I discovered I was pregnant again and was so happy but to my greatest surprise, the ultra scan should 6 weeks 6 day at 11 weeks with no heart beat only for me to start bleeding and by the time I got to the hospital I was told I have expelled it already having seen a sac with lot of blood which was on 2 December, but till now no bleeding but blood stain on my pants looking a little dark. Please what will I do to get pregnant again and not to lose it?
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 miscarriage or abortion. To prevent another loss, ensure that you consult your OBGYN from now and take your pregnancy vitamins.
I had a surgical abortion end of august. My period returned 2 weeks into October, and then again 21 days apart Nov 3rd. Now being almost middle of December, and 2 weeks late I still haven’t gotten a period. I’ve taken two home pregnancy tests both with negative results and have no symptoms of period or pregnancy. Could this be a result of abortion?
It is important to note that some women have problems with their menstrual cycle for as much as two years following an abortion. The time that your period lasts, as well as the amount of bleeding and cramping, might change for several months from one cycle to the next. Read more here http://womanjunction.com/menstrual-cycle-abortion/
I had a medical abortion (with pills) on the 13th of November. I stopped bleeding and passing clots after about 4 days or so. I started birth control pills on the 15th of November. My husband and I do have unprotected sex, but he pulls out and I’m on the pill. I also took the morning after pill after the first time we had sex since the abortion (about 2 weeks after the abortion). According to my bc I should be starting my period this week (two days ago) but I have only gotten brown discharge for a couple days. No cramping or anything. I’ve taken pregnancy tests and they are negative. I’m scared I’m pregnant though.
You may not be pregnant however, to be sure you can take the test one week after missing your period. The results will be more accurate then.
Good day. I had an abortion in April this year and since then has not had my period. After the procedure, I bled heavily for a while month. I have not had a period for 8months now. Am really Scared.
Have you taken any pregnancy tests to confirm if the pregnancy was truly terminated? You should do that immediately. It is not normal to have a missed period for so long.
Yes I have even done a scan and was told that everything was fine by the same doc who did the procedure. And plus, if I was pregnant, by now my Tommy should bulge. I really need help cause I don’t know what to do.
Yes I have and I even did a scan and was told by the same doc who did the procedure that everything was fine and plus, if I was pregnant, my Stomach should bulge by now. I really need help.
Yes I have and I even did a scan and was told by the same doc who did the procedure that everything was fine and plus, if I was pregnant, my Stomach should bulge by now. I really need help
Hi. I just miscarried a pregnancy. After days of heavy flow I resuscitate with complain. How long am I expected to pass out blood cloth. I need help ugently.
The effects of an abortion include bleeding, cramps or a vaginal discharge. This can last for quite a few days (at least 1 week) depending on whether it was a medical or self-induced abortion.
I had medical abortion on 9 November am still exprencing pregnancy symptoms now its being four weeks. Was it that pregnancy still there? Please help me am confused
What symptoms are you experiencing? If you think you’re still pregnant, note that hCG (hormone) 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.
I had a pill abortion in October and i just had my first period after it the pains are horrendous and I’ve got clots. i am on the contraceptive injection and before I never got periods I understand it is normal to get a period after an abortion but this is so heavy and hurts?
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.
I had two surgical procedure(suction no scraping) due to a failed abortion under one Week the ultrasound result shows incomplete abortion co-existing with a pelvic inflammatory disease did an HVS which shows candida albicans and pseudomonas aeruginosa treated it after the second procedure and after that I didn’t have any bleeding only strong cramps that goes on and off which lasted for four months and always happens during my mild cycle. I Had my first ever bleeding 5weeks post abortion and it was lighter than my normal period. This is making it the 5th month after abortion the on/off cramping has stopped. But my period has not returned back to normal it is still light after five months is it normal to experience that, five months post abortion or is there something Wrong with my reproductive system really scared cause I would want to Have children in the nearest future P.s the gestational age was 5weeks 3days and I also experience strong menstrual cramps during My Periods