After Abortion

After your abortion, here is what happens and what to watch for:

The thing most often worried about after an abortion, often due to rumors, is bleeding.

Normal bleeding after abortion can take one of two forms.

The first is light spotting you may notice on your pad, which can last 5–10 days.

The second type is bleeding that comes and goes every 1–2 days, preceded by mild cramping, resembling a period.

All of this bleeding is normal — there is no need to be alarmed or afraid.

Your physician performs all necessary checks — via ultrasound and manually — while you are still asleep, so there will be no issue leading to serious bleeding.

In the first 2–3 hours after the abortion procedure, consuming liquids and low-fat foods is important to help prevent nausea.

Your next period will typically arrive within about 40 days. Even if your usual cycle was 30 or 35 days, the hormonal shifts caused by the pregnancy may change the timing — this is completely normal and nothing to worry about.

You may shower after the abortion, but avoid baths or pools for 15 days. This is to prevent bacterial or viral infections from entering the vaginal canal through water.

If it is summer and you would like to swim in the sea, the earliest you should do so is 10 days after the procedure. In this case, you should use a vaginal tampon; a tampon should not remain in the vagina for more than 30 minutes — do not exceed this time, and change it. After three consecutive tampon changes, switch to a regular sanitary pad and take a one-hour break.

Avoid sexual intercourse for at least 1 week. After that week, your partner should always use a condom — continuing to use condoms for up to 3 weeks is advisable.

Contrary to popular belief, women can become pregnant again very quickly after an abortion. For this reason, be sure to discuss your contraception method with your doctor.

While not generally recommended, an IUD (intrauterine device) can be fitted after an abortion.

You can call us with any questions you have after your abortion.