After having an abortion, it might take your body some time to recover. Whether it was a medical or surgical abortion, you might notice some side effects from the procedure such as aches, nausea, chills, and cramping. While these can be normal, it is important to be able to recognize the warning signs of infection after an abortion.
Fever
One of the first signs of an infection is a fever. This is your body’s way of attempting to remove a bacteria or virus that is causing the infection. If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that lasts longer than four hours, call your doctor immediately. This fever might be accompanied by muscle aches, chills, and dizziness1.
Abdominal Pain
It is normal to feel cramps following an abortion. In the case of a medical abortion, the drug misoprostol (commonly known as the abortion pill) causes the uterus to contract to expel the embryo. This causes cramping that might be uncomfortable.
However, sharp abdominal pain1, that is not relieved through rest and heat, could be a warning sign of an infection. If your stomach is tender to the touch with pain that is worse than menstrual cramps, you should seek medical attention.
Heavy Bleeding & Unusual Discharge
Following your abortion, you will experience bleeding for about two weeks. Soaking1 through more than two large pads in an hour is a sign something could be wrong. Heavy bleeding can mean there is tissue remaining in the uterus. If left untreated, the tissue that has not been passed can become infected.
Experiencing smelly vaginal discharge might also be a sign that you have an infection following your abortion. Normal vaginal odor can be strong, but if it smells fishy or rotten, or if the discharge is green or grey, it may not be normal.
It is important to see your doctor to determine next steps if you are experiencing heavy bleeding or unusual discharge.
Vomiting
If you are vomiting for more than four hours following your abortion, you should contact your doctor. Vomiting can indicate an infection, although it could also be your body reacting to the abortion procedure.
Follow up!
Scheduling a follow-up appointment1 for one to three weeks after your abortion can give you the peace of mind that your body is healing. During the appointment, you may receive an ultrasound to confirm the uterus is empty. You will also be able to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you have an infection, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.
A visit to your doctor’s office also gives you the opportunity to discuss birth control use following your abortion. Be sure to wait to have sex until you are cleared by your doctor to do so. Don’t put anything in your vagina, such as a tampon, or go swimming, either. You don’t want to introduce foreign bacteria into your body and risk an infection as you are healing.
You know your body better than anyone. While all types of abortions have side effects, infections are preventable with proper care. If you feel something is off, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
Sources
University of Michigan Health. (2023, November 27). Pill abortion care. University of Michigan Health. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tw5273