Photo: Pixabay
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 aborted on 28 August via medical,heavy bleeding and cramps for 3 days,and went away after a week,its now 5 weeks but my period isn’t here.
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,i had a threatened abortion on the 2nd of September and which eventually led to miscarriage on the 3rd..evacuation of the fetus was made on the 3rd..i had sexual intercourse after 2 weeks and didn’t take any pills cos there was none avail as at when we finished..can I be pregnant again cos am yet to see my period..the pregnancy was about 3 months when I lost it..thanks
Hi Leemah, a woman’s normal fertility level should return within four to six weeks after the miscarriage when ovulation starts and her cycle begins to function as normal again. When a woman’s cycle returns to normal, her body is capable of becoming pregnant again. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the right time for a couple to try for another pregnancy yet.
After a miscarriage, a doctor should evaluate the woman’s medical history and her current health status so he could determine when her body is ready to carry a baby. For some women that is from four to six weeks, while it takes others up to 6 months to be physically ready again.
I had one on 17/09/15 had using medical pills. I then had light bleeding but it stopped after 4 days.I had sex and since then heavier periods started to date. I don’t know if it’s normal or healthy.
Heavy periods after an abortion is normal. If the bleeding becomes excessive and is accompanied by a fever, you should consult a doctor.
Hi there. Wondering if anyone can help me. I had an abortion in May 2015. My periods have since been very mucusy, which is odd for me. I use a cup so this gets very messy. Will my periods return to normal? Is this my new normal? I hope not. Should I consult my doctor?
Thank you.
Hello. Please refer to the section 6 (Abortion) of the FAQs http://womanjunction.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions-menstrual-cycle-pregnancy-ovulation-abortion/ This will provide some useful information.
Hi. My wife had an abortion on last 21 August and she has not get period come. So plz tell me when her period will come after abortion.
Hi. In most instances, a menstrual cycle is expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion. Give it some time…if you must have sex be sure to use protection.
Posting this again in hopes someone has had a similar situation.
Hi, I had a surgical abortion on August 21st and it’s been 5 weeks today. I have had no PMS symptoms at all or a period. Prior to the abortion my breasts would be sore 2 weeks before my period started. I had unprotected intercourse using the pull out method the weekend of SEPT 11th to the 13th. I took a pregnancy test 2 days ago which was negative. I have slight uterus cramping as I did when I was pregnant and slight rectal cramps , but not sore breasts at all which was one of The very first early symptoms I had with the 1st pregnancy . Could I be pregnant again and took the test too early? My doctor reccomneded taking the test again mid next week. Or are these normal post abortion symptoms I’m feeling? Help 🙁
The same thing happened to me and my gynecologist told me it is most likely the ovulation period meaning your period will occur in about 2 weeks.
It also could be pre-period cramps meaning your period may come in the next 1-5 days.
Hi Nicole. I felt I was ovulating 3 weeks post the abortion, this week has been normal with slight white discharge but still without any PMS signs at all. The white discharge is not the same as ovulation discharge. I still have not received my period and now at 5 weeks post abortion. Did you have PMS with your 1st period post abortion ? I’m wondering if I could be pregnant again?
My wife abortion 1 year ago mc not regular. dr says ovary layer is too thin
Hi, I had a surgical abortion on August 21st and it’s been 5 weeks today. I have had no PMS symptoms at all or a period. Prior to the abortion my breats would be sore 2 weeks before my period started. I had unprotected intercourse using the pull out method the weekend of SEPT 11th to the 13th. I took a pregnancy test 2 days ago which was negative. I have slight uterus cramping as I did when I was pregnant and slight rectal cramps , but not sore breasts at all which was one of The very first early symptoms I had with the 1st pregnancy . Could I be pregnant again and took the test too early? My doctor reccomneded taking the test again mid next week. Or are these normal post abortion symptoms I’m feeling? Help 🙁
Please refer to our FAQ page via the following link http://womanjunction.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions-menstrual-cycle-pregnancy-ovulation-abortion/ Sections number 5 and 6 will provide answers to your questions.
Thank you Steffy. 🙂 I guess my questions is if anyone else on here has had symptoms simular to mine with no period at 5 weeks post surgical abortion without a period. myboreggancy 2 days ago was negative but I have no pms signs at all.
I had one on August 27th. Have uterine cramping right now and I know my period should definitely be here today or tomorrow by the feel of it because I’m very aware of my body. I normally have sore breasts but not at all this week.
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.
The same thing has happened to me. I had my procedure Aug. 11 and still no cycle. The clinic gave me BC pills to start after the procedure but there was a lack of understanding on my part so I didn’t start at the correct time. But to respond to your post. I am going through the same thing, cramps and all..
I had a surgical abortion on july 02, 2015. I had some bleeding right after. I went, and am still in quite a deep depression. I had started the birth control pill, right after. I still have not had a period. This morning, I found a black mucusy , like stuff, in my panties. Can someone please tell me, if this is normal? I’m pretty nervous right now.
Please refer to our FAQ page via the link http://womanjunction.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions-menstrual-cycle-pregnancy-ovulation-abortion/ See section number 6 titled Abortion.
Not the answer to my question.
Morning all, I had an medical abortion on 20.08.15, an experienced clots and heavy bleeding within the first 2 weeks. For the remaining weeks I has irregular bleeding more like spotting, on and off.
Currently I have heavier bleeding (in my 5 week of recovery), similar to a normal period however I find it difficult to tell whether this bleeding is my first period or not! Seeing as I’ve been bleeding throughout the whole time. Any help would be great.
Hello. Please see the three posts under section 6 of our FAQs http://womanjunction.com/?s=period+twice . These posts will provide the answers to your questions.
Hi, I am Neha. I had an abortion on 15 August 2015. After 10 days bleeding stopped. But at 14 September, I had bleeding again and it is continuing from last 11 days. Bleeding is not very heavy but I’m scared. Please help me out with what I have to do.
Refer to our FAQ page at http://womanjunction.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions-menstrual-cycle-pregnancy-ovulation-abortion/ for answers that can help you. See section #6, titled Abortion.
Experiencing the same thing
Worried….
What you experienced is not your period. That’s the remnant of the abortion process. Your body is getting rid of the dirts and unwanted tissues left in your uterus so your body can return back to the normal. Your period is yet to come girl. Relax cause it will go away. But if the bleeding gets too heavy for over 24 hours , then you should see a doctor.
had abortion with my gal on 20th August which lasted for some weeks and up to date haven’t had her menses again
Hi i had abortion through pills on 30/08/2015 and i bleeded heavily later on 15/9/2015 i started my periods..till today 21/9/15 it is still heavy and having clots..what can be wrong..am scared
Hi Wanjiru, Usually when you have done abortion by pill bleeding is often heavier than the cramps and there can be clots.The longer the pregnancy has developed the heavier the cramps and bleeding will be, Some women bleed heavily for up to 48 hours and may pass clots days or even weeks.This is common and is not dangerous unless you soak through 2 maxi pads per hour for 2 hours or more.if this happens visit a doctor
I had an abortion 13th of august 2015 and I saw my period 16th of august 2015 then I had an unprotected sex 24th august 2015,now I guess am due but I have not seen my period.am only having cramps and less vaginal discharge.pls am I pregnant again
Hello,
I had my evacuation done on 8/21/15
I started taking BC the day of the procedure. My husband and I have had unprotected sex but the clinic said that it should have been ok if we waited a week, which we did.
I finished my pack of BC pills and am due to start taking my next pack on 9/18 but I have still not had a period.
Just bad cramps, but nothing more.
My breasts were sore last week, but feel completely normal now.
I am afraid I am pregnant again, or is this normal.