To prevent infection, you can’t have vaginal sex for two weeks after the treatment. During these two weeks, you are also not allowed to use tampons, swim or take a bath, but taking a shower is fine. Show
You are fertile immediately after an abortion.
Normal symptoms in the first days after the abortion:
Any additional pregnancy symptoms usually disappear within 2 to 14 days. Because your body still contains pregnancy hormones, a pregnancy test may be positive up to 3 weeks after the abortion. It’s advisable to take a pregnancy test 3 to 4 weeks after the abortion. If the test is (weakly) positive, you still feel pregnant, or have other symptoms, please contact us. The chance of developing an infection is remote, but if you feel unwell and have a fever (over 38.5°C) that lasts longer than a day and abdominal pain, this could mean you have an infection. In that case, please contact us as soon as possible.
It’s important to have a follow-up 4 weeks after the treatment. You can have the follow-up at our clinic or at your GP surgery. A follow-up at our clinic is usually done by phone. If directly after the abortion you have been fitted with an IUD or there were some complications, the follow-up will take place at our clinic. During the follow-up, the doctor or nurse will check if you have recovered physically, if you (still) have any symptoms and how you are doing emotionally. The doctor or nurse will also ask you how you have experienced the treatment and how you are coping. In addition to this, we will discuss contraception. During a follow-up at the clinic, the doctor discusses the same things as during a follow-up by telephone. Also, you will take a pregnancy test and have an ultrasound scan.
Following an abortion you can go back to work or school the next day. Generally speaking, you can also exercise the next day. Depending on how you feel, we advise you to take it easy during the first week after the treatment. You are the best judge of what you can and can not do.
Usually, you will have your period within 4 to 6 weeks. At first, your menstruation may be a bit different from your normal cycle. If you are on the pill, bleeding will usually appear after you finished the first strip.
The medicines you are given during and after the treatment do not affect breastfeeding. Very occasionally we have to administer a medicine that does affect breastfeeding. In that case, it’s best to postpone breastfeeding for a few hours. Of course we will discuss this with you beforehand. During the intake, always mention that you are breastfeeding so we can take this into consideration.
Caring for yourself after an abortion is important. Staff is available 24 hours a day to answer your questions or discuss concerns. During Business Hours: After Hours: Normal Side EffectsBleedingSome people do not experience any bleeding. Others may have bleeding that lasts from 2–6 weeks.
DischargeDischarge may be:
If the discharge is itchy or painful, has a bad odor, and is pus-like, call us (see calling instructions above). Pain/Cramps
Cramping may be relieved by one or more of the following:
Abnormal Side EffectsIf you have any of the following symptoms, you could be experiencing an emergency. Please call us right away (see calling instructions above). Prolonged Heavy Bleeding
Severe Pain/CrampsSevere pain or cramping that medication does not help. Body TemperatureChills and fever of 101° F or higher after the day of your procedure. Other
If you are experiencing any of the abnormal symptoms, please contact us right away (see calling instructions above). EmotionsPeople experience a variety of emotions after an abortion.
Please visit our Pregnancy Options Page or review our pregnancy options resource list for more information and resources on pre/post-abortion support. If you have questions about how you or your partner are feeling, please call us at 1-800-230-7526. MedicationDoxycycline, Azithromycin and Flagyl are antibiotics to help prevent infections. Take this medication exactly as written on your prescription bottle. Methergine/Ergotamine help to shrink the uterus to its normal size. Take one tablet every 8 hours. Take Methergine/Ergotamine until gone. Ibuprofen is for pain and cramping. Take one 800 mg tablet every 8 hours with food or milk. Take only as needed. Other Medications: Please call your pharmacist if you have questions about other medications you may be taking or wish to take, whether prescriptive or over-the-counter. Preventing InfectionInfection in the uterus and fallopian tubes is the most common complication following an abortion. Signs of infection are:
What to do
Menstrual Cycle, Pregnancy & Birth ControlImmediately after your abortion, your body will begin to prepare for your next menstrual cycle. It is important to know that you can become pregnant at any time before your next period if you have unprotected intercourse. Please take this opportunity to discuss birth control with your partner. Your partner shares in the responsibility to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
Rest and RecoveryMost of the normal side effects can be managed by resting, though most people prefer to take it easy for a day or two after an abortion until able to return to normal activity levels. Let your body be your guide.
Most pregnancy symptoms begin to go away within 24 hours after the abortion, with nausea usually gone by the third day. Follow-up ExamA follow-up exam is not routinely recommended after abortion care unless you have a concern. However, we welcome you to schedule a return visit for future comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, including contraceptive counseling, cervical cancer screening, STI screening and treatment, and PrEP. |