Proper self-care is important for physical health and mental well-being after an abortion.
According to one analysis, it is likely that nearly 1 in 4 women will have an abortion before the age of 45.
When performed by a medical professional, abortion is a safe procedure and carries few risks. However, people should be aware of what to expect afterwards — both physically and mentally.
Read more to learn about what to expect after having an abortion, how to care for oneself, and when to contact a doctor.
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What to expect after an abortion
There are several different types of abortion. A doctor will recommend the appropriate method for a person’s medical needs and stage of pregnancy. Types of abortion include:
the abortion pill
vacuum aspiration
dilation and evacuation, or D&E
After the procedure, a person’s usual menstrual period should return in 4–8 weeks. However, they may have irregular spotting or bleeding initially.
Some people have strong emotions and changes in mood in the days and weeks following an abortion. The sudden change in hormones can cause this, and a person’s feelings about their abortion or pregnancy may also contribute.
Having an abortion can be an emotionally challenging experience, and people may want to seek support from close friends in the days and weeks after the procedure.
It is possible to get pregnant as soon as a person ovulates. This happens before the first period, and it can be very soon after an abortion. Therefore, it is important to use contraception or abstain from sex if a person is trying to avoid pregnancy.
Common symptoms after an abortion
People may experience symptoms regardless of the type of abortion they have. However, symptoms can be more severe if a person has an abortion later in pregnancy.
light vaginal bleeding or spotting
pain and cramping
painful or swollen breasts
How to care for yourself after an abortion
In the days immediately following an abortion, a person may feel tired and drained.
Physical care
Pain from cramping — similar to menstrual cramps — is common.
People should have a friend or family member take them home after the procedure. If possible, they may want to take the following day or two off work to ensure that they get plenty of rest. They should try to avoid doing physically or emotionally strenuous activities.
After an abortion, it takes some time for the cervix to close, which leaves a person at an increased risk of infection. To reduce this chances of an infection, for 2 weeks, they should avoidTrusted Source:
using tampons
having penetrative sex
putting anything in the vagina
using swimming pools
It is also important to take care of oneself after having an abortion. Although the procedure itself is relatively short, it can take several days or weeks to recover physically. A person can tryTrusted Source:
massaging the stomach and lower back
using a heat pack
taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetimenophen (Tylenol)
attending follow-up appointments
Emotional care
Choosing to have an abortion can be a difficult decision, and it can be an emotionally challenging experience.
Hormonal shifts exacerbate this after the procedure, which can cause changes in mood. After having an abortion, a person’s progesterone and estrogen levels gradually decrease. This can cause low mood and changes in mood.
As a person’s menstrual cycle returns to normal, their hormone levels will stabilize.
Additionally, people with a history of mental health challenges may be at an increased risk of these effects.
People should take adequate time off work, speak to family members and friends, and contact a doctor if they experience mental health difficulties.
Recovery time after an abortion
Abortion recovery times vary from person to person.
If someone has a first-trimester abortion with no side effects, they will likely recover in a few days.
Recovery may take longer for late-term abortions. If complications develop, recovery can take several weeks. However, this is unlikely, as just 2%Trusted Source of people have abortion-related complications.
Medical care after an abortion
Most people who have abortions will have a follow-up appointment in a few weeksTrusted Source. If there are no signs of complications, further medical care will not be necessary.
People who experience any symptoms of complications should make an immediate appointment with a doctor. Although it is not common, some abortion complications may require a trip to the emergency room.
When to contact a doctor
Many abortion clinics provide a 24-hour advice line that can help people determine whether their symptoms need treatment. Individuals should call the advice line, their local emergency services, or go to the emergency room if theyTrusted Source:
have increased or excessive bleeding
experience severe back or abdominal pain
are feeling dizzy or faint
have a fever
have foul-smelling discharge
experience nausea and vomiting
Outlook
For most people, abortion is a straightforward medical procedure that does not cause any lasting complications.
Some individuals worry an abortion may have long-term effects. However, doctors generally agree that an abortion does not affect a person’s chances of becoming pregnant in the future, and it does not increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications.
Having an abortion can be a difficult decision, and it is normal to experience a range of emotions. If a person has emotional or physical challenges after an abortion, they should contact a doctor.
It is important to note that having an abortion can be difficult mentally as well as physically. For many people, the sudden shift in hormone levels, combined with the emotional strain of choosing to have the procedure, can make recovery difficult.
People should reach out to close friends and family members for support during this time. They can also get support from close friends and family or an abortion support group.
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