Patient's question:
Hello: I had a medication abortion on the 21st of last month, and I got my period on the 17th of this month. Is this normal? Sometimes the blood is a bit thick. I have a cyst in my left ovary, so I am also taking medication, which is traditional Chinese medicine. Could it be related to the medication? I am really worried that my body might have other problems?Doctor's answer:
1. Bacterial Infection: Tissue from the gestational sac in the uterine cavity after medication abortion is usually expelled within the same day. Some patients may experience incomplete expulsion of gestational tissue or poor endometrial regeneration, which can lead to prolonged vaginal bleeding. Long-term irregular bleeding after medication abortion can cause chronic anemia, weakened immunity, and increase the risk of bacterial infection.2. Risk of Heavy Bleeding: One of the shortcomings of medication abortion is its tendency to result in incomplete miscarriage. Residual fetal membrane tissue can cause severe bleeding (hemorrhage), requiring immediate hospitalization for uterine aspiration. Delayed medical intervention in such cases can be life-threatening.
3. Inducing Habitual Miscarriage: Due to the incomplete nature of medication abortion, a second surgical procedure may be necessary if the miscarriage is not thorough. This can lead to repeated damage to the endometrium, increasing the risk of placenta previa, preterm hemorrhage, or habitual miscarriage.
4. Causing Dysmenorrhea Symptoms: Some women may experience dysmenorrhea or worsening symptoms after medication abortion. This includes cramping or persistent lower abdominal pain during menstruation, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, lower back pain, breast tenderness, and in severe cases, even fainting.
5. Causing Menstrual Irregularities: Antipregnancy drugs can affect the growth and development of follicles or disrupt ovulation. In some women, medication abortion may lead to menstrual irregularities, such as shortened or prolonged cycles, or excessive menstrual flow.
6. Affecting Fertility and Causing Infertility: Medication abortion increases the risk of fallopian tube blockage and cervical adhesion, which can result in infertility. Additionally, the significant damage to the uterus and ovaries caused by medication abortion is another factor contributing to infertility.