When do women start periods after abortion pills?

 

Have you recently had an abortion and are wondering when I will have periods after abortion pills? No more wondering; we have the answers to all your questions. If you want to learn everything in detail, continue with the blog.

 

Periods after abortion pills are majorly affected by several factors. After taking abortion pills, your body needs time to readjust. It’s like hitting the reset button on your menstrual cycle.

 

Most women get their first period after abortion after 8 weeks. However, it can differ. Some women may experience the delay, while others have regular and healthy periods as usual. 

 

How does abortion affect your menstrual cycle?

 

Whether you have had a medical abortion or a surgical abortion, it temporarily affects your menstrual cycle. Most women get their periods within 4–8 weeks after having an abortion. 

 

The first period after abortion can be lighter and heavier than usual, and you may experience cramps or spotting. You will have period irregularity for a few months following the abortion.

 

After a few cycles, your period will go back to normal. If you have any questions about your menstrual cycle, please contact your healthcare provider. Also, if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever, seek medical attention. 

 

When will I get periods after abortion pills?

 

As mentioned above, women usually get their periods after abortion pills within 4–8 weeks. The timing may change for different individuals. It also depends on which type of abortion you have chosen, whether it's a medical abortion or a surgical abortion. 

 

Also, every woman has a unique body and there can be variation in the time their period returns. It also depends on whether they are using any birth control. If they are using hormonal birth control, the periods after abortion pills will return by 8 weeks. 

 

Contact a healthcare provider if the periods don’t return by 8 weeks. 

 

Bleeding after abortion—post-abortion bleeding

 

It is certain to bleed after an abortion. Whether you are getting a medical abortion or a surgical abortion, heavy bleeding is common. This is something you should know before getting an abortion. 

 

Bleeding after medical abortion: When an individual takes the mifepristone and misoprostol abortion pills, they experience heavy bleeding. It is one of the side effects of medical abortion.

 

Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone and stops the growth of the pregnancy. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, dilates the cervix, and smoothly passes out the fetus, placenta, and pregnancy tissues from the uterus. This causes heavy bleeding along with clots.

 

• Typically start within hours of taking the misoprostol abortion pill.
• Heavy bleeding similar to periods, with cramps
• The bleeding may last for several days or weeks after abortion.
• You may pass the clot size of a lemon.

 

Bleeding after surgical abortion: A surgical abortion is of two types. One is where a suction method is used to remove the pregnancy, and another is dilation and evacuation, where the cervix is dilated. The pregnancy is removed using suction.

 

This can cause bleeding after a few days, which may last for more than a week. Some people will experience spotting till their next period. 

 

• Little bleeding and spotting after a surgical abortion are common. 
• After a few days, you may experience heavy bleeding, like period bleeding. 
• It usually lasts for a week or two.

 

What to expect during your first period after abortion?

 

Many go through an abortion to end their unwanted pregnancy but are unaware of the aftereffects. When it’s time for their period after pill abortion, they seem confused as to why they still haven’t gotten their periods.

 

It is crucial to remember that when an individual takes abortion pills for early pregnancy termination, their body goes through hormonal changes affecting their menstrual cycle. 

 

You may experience the following things during the first period after abortion: 

 

Cramps: The cramps will be mild to moderate, the usual you experience during periods.

Spotting: You may get light spotting for several weeks after abortion.

Heavy Bleeding: Heavy bleeding can be common in some women, while some have regular bleeding. 

 

Can I experience irregular periods after abortion pills?

 

Abortion does not cause long-term irregular periods. However, it's common to experience fluctuations in your menstrual cycle in the months following the procedure. Factors like stress, hormonal changes, and underlying health conditions can also contribute to irregular periods after abortion pills.

 

• An abortion alters the body's natural hormonal balance, which can result in irregular periods.
• Your body will need some time to re-adjust to its pre-pregnancy state.
• Abortion can cause emotional stress, leading to irregular periods.

 

While some irregularity is expected, it is important to monitor your cycle and look for symptoms of possible complications when you get periods after abortion pills. If you encounter heavy or ongoing bleeding, fever, severe stomach pain, or a discharge that smells, seek medical attention at once.

 

If you have concerns regarding your periods after abortion pills, consult a healthcare provider and resolve all your doubts. They can help you determine the cause and suggest a suitable treatment. 

 

How long do periods after abortion pills last? 

 

The duration of the period after abortion pills depends on the type of abortion one is having. Bleeding after an abortion can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. 

 

Some women may confuse abortion bleeding with period bleeding. The return of your menstrual cycle after an abortion is a normal part of the recovery process. Most women get their period within 4–8 weeks after the procedure. However, this can vary from person to person.

 

Your first period after abortion can be different from your usual menstrual cycle. It can be either lighter or heavier, longer or shorter. We cannot say for certain how long the period will last. 

 

If you miss periods after abortion pills, even after 8 weeks, you should visit your healthcare provider. Also, if you experience heavy periods with severe cramps or unusual symptoms, check with your doctor. 

 

The recovery period after abortion

 

How many days does it take to recover after an abortion? It depends. Abortion is a safe and effective procedure to end an unwanted pregnancy, but it takes time to recover from the post-abortion state. Right after the abortion, your body goes into rest mode. 

 

Proper sleep, nutrient-rich food, physical activity, and spending time with your loved ones can help you recover from the after phase of abortion. The recovery period also depends on the type of abortion.

 

Recovery period after medical abortion: It takes only a few days to recover after a medical abortion. The cramping may last for 2-3 days and the bleeding may continue for at least two weeks, which is natural after abortion.

 

Recovery period after surgical abortion: Physical recovery after surgical abortion is quick. Within a day or two, you can get back to normal, performing your daily activities. The bleeding and cramping may continue for a week or two. 

 

However, emotional recovery in both cases will take longer. Many women go through several emotions at once. Sadness, guilt, grief, and anxiety are some of them. Talking to a friend or loved ones or getting help from a therapist can help with the emotional rollercoaster. 

 

Key aspects to take care of:

 

• Allow your body to rest and recover
• Maintain good hygiene to avoid infections
• Take some over-the-counter pain medications to help with cramps and other side effects.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects and doing strenuous exercise for a few days.
• Discuss the birth control options with your provider to avoid future pregnancies. 

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