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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
hi,i had an abortion january 26th and did my D&C on the first week of february and my bleeding stop 5 days from my D&C..on the first day of march me and my boyfriend had a sex contact until april 19th the day hes about to fly back home,back in march 28 i did bleed but i think of it as a period coz it flows normal but only happens for two days and the rest is spotting,now its the end month of april and still im waiting for my period to arrive but hasnt come yet,before when my bf fly back home i did test myself if im pregnant using the pregnancy kit but the result was negative that was week ago when i did it,Now im wondering if its possible that i might get pregnant coz my period didnt come yet or is it just my body adjusting from having an abortion and also my period,I am confused coz im taking a collagen product and which is not advisable for pregnant women
Hi Russ, It is pretty normal of having first period as a little lighter than usual. Your second period could be delayed because after abortion irregularity in periods is possible. However, I would advise you to go for a pregnancy test for a satisfactory reply for your question. If you still continue to not have your period for few more weeks, please consult a doctor for precautions sake.
Hi, I had my abortion last March 12 and I had my period last April 12 to 20. And now I experienced some spotting, it started last April 25. Is it normal? Please reply. I am so worried.
Yes, it is normal for your menstrual cycle to be irregular after an abortion. Continue to monitor it. If it becomes too heavy and painful then you need to see your doctor.
Hello, i had an abortion on the 18th of March 2016. I was 20 weeks pregnant and my water had broken and my life was at risk so it had to be done. On april 15th 2016 my husband and i had sex and he had finished inside me and i am really worried right now because i havent gotten my period yet. Its been 6 weeks now since the abortion. Im scared that i might be pregnant again since i havent gotten my period but i also dont get my period if im really stressed out. And i have been so stressed and depressed and basically ive been just so emotionally torn up about everything that happened. I still cry everyday and i feel so terrible emotionally that i think maybe thats why i havent gotten my period. If i take a pregnancy test now will the pregnancy hormone still show up since it has only been 6 weeks since the procedure? We would like to wait at least 6 month to try to have a baby again so my uterus heals and theres no more risk to a baby or myself.
Hello Lily. Hope this reply finds you in good health. You have gone through a lot lately and I would like to advise you to relax and stop worrying about the past. Now coming to your question on if you could be pregnant. See, there are 3 possibilities:
1) It is normal that after abortion people get their period after 4-8 weeks.
2) Since it has been 6 weeks if you take a pregnancy test there are some chances that it could be positive not because you could be pregnant but because of HCG trace in your body which could last till 6-8 weeks after abortion.
3) You could be pregnant because it is possible to conceive after few days of abortion.
So I would suggest you not to take tension and visit a doctor soon to clarify your doubt so that you can get relief out of your stress.
I had an abortion on the 26 October 2015 and I’m yet to see my normal periods, I’m so worried I’m starting to become stressed out.
Hi please i need a useful reply had an abortion lastweek thursday some days after i noticed color change in my Urine pharmacist tod me it myt be infection nd my period is not yet back does it mean d baby is still dere am confused
Hi Aramide, after abortion, the first period usually comes after 4-8 weeks and that’s completely normal. The urine color change might indicate an infection yes. Contacting your doctor is the best solution right now.
Also, it is advised to not have sex and not even use tampons for the first month after abortion, to make sure that no infection takes place. So please refrain from that too.
I had an abortion on Nov 20th and until today, I’m yet to see my menses. I have gone for scanning and I was told nothing is there. Please, what else can I do? I am so scared.
It is normal for a period to return at least 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion. Don’t be scared, it may take a few more weeks before it returns.
I had an abortion on the 2nd of March. So my periods came at the end of the month of March. This month, April I had my “periods” for a day . Is it normal or could I be pregnant again?
It may take some time before your period returns to normal after an abortion. This is normal. If you’ve not had unprotected sex after the procedure, the chances of being pregnant would be low.
hi,
I had an abortion on d 16th of march, had sex occasionally and my bf released inside of me,am yet to see my period! am also having some pregnancy symptoms,could I possibly be pregnant?
Hello, after abortion, the first period usually comes after 4-8 weeks and that’s completely normal. Pregnancy symptoms can be there for next 3-4 weeks after abortion in general. But, as you did had sex, it might be a case of pregnancy too. So take a urine pregnancy test to know for sure.
Also, it is advised to not have sex and not even use tampons for the first month after abortion, to make sure that no infection takes place.
Hi, I had an abortion in March, my normal period came and ended two days after that. Periodically, I tend to have heavy painful vaginal bleeding. Is this normal?
Yes, it is normal. 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.
Hi, I had my medical abortion last March 23rd but still haven’t had my period. Is it ok to have sex even though I haven’t had a 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 miscarriage or abortion so practice safe sex.
Hello doctor, I had a medical abortion on the 9th of March 2016, and I got my periods on 12th of April 2016, slight bleeding and still it’s not stopped, is it normal or do I need to consult the doctor?
Shaz, it would best that you consult your doctor. good luck
I had an abortion on the 26 of march 2016
i am yet to see my period . am i safe
I had an abortion on March 3rd I saw spotting between the 30 n 31 it last for 8-9 days is that regular period n I have sex after that can I get pregnant during that time. I have symptoms of pregnancy also what is happening ?
Hi Natoya, it takes 4-12 weeks for getting your normal period back after abortion. So the spotting may or may not be related to period. Pregnancy might be there if it was unprotected sex. Also, sometimes the pregnancy symptoms are there even after abortion, for another month or so. But if you had unprotected sex, it’s better to take a pregnancy test after 10 days of your supposed period date. Take a urine pregnancy test, not blood pregnancy test as that might not be so accurate. ATB!
Hi. I had an abortion April 6th and was not able to get my birth control pills because of the cost. I had sex protected on Friday, April 15th and it was protected. The only concern I have is an infection…BUT April 18th I had sex again and the condom broke. He did NOT release inside me but he did say it was a lot of pre-cum. Could I be pregnant from that? Am I still fertile or could I be ovulating?
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. You will have to wait and see if you conceived.
I had my medical abortion last month March 25, 2016 and I am still bleeding one month after my abortion. Is it normal?? It’s like on and off.
It is normal for menstrual cycles to change after an abortion. The information in our post will guide you http://womanjunction.com/menstrual-cycle-abortion/ If your situation becomes excessive, you need to see your doctor.
I too had my abortion on 25th March 2016.. and I am experiencing the same as you…. On and off light bleeding. I bled for 9 days continuously after the medical abortion and it stopped for 5 days ,the bleeding started again for 4 days and it stopped… And now after 7-8 days I m bleeding again….. I don’t know it it’s normal…
I had an abortion on 17th of march, 2016.
And i haven’t yet got my periods. How long will it take? Do i need to get checkup? Or should i wait more?
Hi, it takes 4-12 weeks for getting your normal period back after abortion. Also when it will come, the first period will be heavier in comparison to your normal period. If it’s so much that you need to change pads more than 4 times in one day, then consult your doctor. ATB!