Medical and surgical abortions are low-risk procedures that can safely and effectively terminate pregnancies. That said, many women have questions about how their menstrual cycles might be affected in the aftermath of an abortion. During a medical abortion – in which the pregnancy is terminated using a combination of two pills – it’s normal for women to experience bleeding and spotting similar to that of a heavy period. Following a surgical abortion, it’s normal for women to experience some bleeding and spotting for about one to two weeks after the procedure.
When Will You Get Your Next Period After an Abortion?
Most women get their period about four to eight weeks after an abortion. After a surgical abortion, your first period may be somewhat lighter and shorter than usual. This is because the abortion procedure empties the uterus, so there is less tissue to expel during the following period. After a medical abortion, your next period may be heavier than usual due to the hormones used in the procedure. After two to three menstrual cycles, you should find that your period returns to normal.
Other Factors to Consider
The time you get your period after an abortion depends on the individual. There are a few other factors to consider besides the type of abortion procedure you had.
Birth Control: The timing of your next period might depend on the type of birth control you use. Some contraception methods are based on hormones, and if you start using them around the time of abortion, that could explain why your period has not returned yet.
State of Pregnancy: Another significant factor is how pregnant you were before the procedure. Some pregnancy hormones remain in the body a few weeks afterward, delaying menstruation.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
Regardless of the type of abortion you had, you should contact your doctor if you don’t get your period within eight weeks of the procedure. Speak to your doctor if post-abortion bleeding is especially heavy, lasts for more than two weeks, or contains blood clots larger than the size of a walnut. Finally, keep in mind that you can begin using birth control as soon as you’ve had an abortion.
At South Avenue Women’s Services, we can discuss your birth control options with you and even insert an intrauterine device (IUD) following the abortion procedure. To learn more about our abortion services, give us a call at (585)271-3850, and we will be happy to supply you with all the information you need!