May 23, 2012
Parenting & Pregnancy Menstrual Cycle Is it normal to have lighter menstrual follow after an abortion?
Is it normal to have lighter menstrual follow after an abortion? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi I'm 29 years old and I had an abortion 2 years ago. My periods have not return to normal. The 1st year after the abortion I was not on birth control. My periods are very light, very dark blood, and only last for about three to 5 days and it arrives every 31-36 days. The first few days I just spot a very dark blood and then by the 3rd or 4th day the blood turns to a normal red color, but is still very light flow. I never fill a pad which is very abnormal for me. Before the abortion I would bleed for 3 to 4 days every 30 days. The 1st day being light, the 2nd and 3rd day being very, very, heavy (could go through 5-6 pads in a day) and the 4th day light again. I started birth control last year and the problem is still the same. I am concerned that having the abortion may have or will prevent me from having children in the future. My mother keeps saying that I am going through premenopause, which scares me to death and my gyn keeps telling me everything is okay, but my body is not right. Should I be concerned? Dear Chanel: It is not unusual for menstrual changes to happen after a pregnancy. Some women will have lighter periods after a pregnancy, some will have heavier flow. Birth control usually lessens the amount of menstrual flow. I do agree with your OB that nothing is wrong and there should be no cause for concern. It is not proven that abortions can affect future fertility. As per current data, an abortion will neither increase nor decrease the fertility status of a woman. You are also not going through pre-menopause. It usually starts as longer intervals between periods (having periods every 3-6 months instead of every month) and will eventually stop. As long as your periods come on regular intervals and you use birth control as directed, you should be okay. I do hope I have appeased your concern and I wish you well always. |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 26 August 2011 ) |
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