Question:
I had a surgical abortion about three weeks ago.  I’ve stopped bleeding for about a week now, and I was told at the clinic that I would start my period 3 to 4 weeks after the procedure.  I began bleeding yesterday (nothing heavy or strange), and I assumed it was my period.  I’ve started taking birth control pills very recently as well.  Today, I’m not bleeding at all.  Do you think this is a side effect of the birth control, just normal spotting from the abortion, or something else?  I’m not extremely worried, but my period has never been regular (I’ve bled for 3 to 4 weeks straight before, and it’s also not uncommon for me to be 2 weeks late either.), so it’s so hard for me to tell what this could be from.

Answer:
Dear Sarah,
It is common and normal to have irregular bleeding and spotting for weeks to months after a surgical abortion.  It can also be caused by starting birth control pills.  It can also be your usual irregular periods.  There is no way to know.  The most important thing is to remain on the birth control pills, and take them as directed.  This is important so that you are sure to not get pregnant again.  Many women are under the false impression that if they are bleeding they cannot get pregnant.  If the irregular bleeding is from the abortion it should resolve on its own in the next month. If it continues after that, you may ask your doctor to try a different brand of birth control pills.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan

AllExperts.com

Question:
I had a abortion in december, i bled heavy for 2 weeks and then had a lot of spotting throughout the rest of the month at least 6 different times, then all bleeding stopped, now im still waiting on a period mid january. I was just wondering what could be going on? when should I start my period?

Answer:
Dear Tess,
The bleeding you are describing after an abortion at this point sounds normal.  It is common and normal to bleed for the first weeks after an abortion – it can be light spotting, like a period, or heavier than a period. It is also common and normal to have spotting for the next month or so.  It can be difficult to know when your next period will arrive.  I usually tell my patients 3-6 weeks is the typical time period, but I have seen it take longer without any concern.  Just be careful to protect yourself, so that you don’t get pregnant again.  YOU CAN GET PREGNANT WHILE YOU ARE BLEEDING.

However, if this bleeding continues into next month and does not get better, I would call the doctor’s office where you got the procedure and get a follow up visit.  Also, if you start to have cramping or significant pain, or you should be evaluated.  These symptoms, with extended bleeding, can be signs of “retained products” and should be evaluated by your doctor.
I hope this is helpful,

Doctor Joan

AllExperts.com

Question:
I had the aspiration procedure Dec. 10th. I began taking birth control pills on Dec. 13th. I went back for my check up two weeks after the procedure, and the doctor said my body was healing just fine and to expect my period in a couple of weeks. That was Dec. 29th. I finished my first pack of birth control pills then quit taking them because I decided I wasn’t ready to have sex anytime soon. I’m concerned because as of now, January 16th, I still don’t have what I recognize as a period. Should I be alarmed? Last week I had one day of bleeding, but it was very dark and I only used one tampon. For the next two days, I had brown spotting only when I went for my daily run. This occurred after I stopped taking the pills. Does this count as a period? I had no cramping and none of my usual pms symptoms.

Answer:
Dear Dani,
Thank you for your question regarding bleeding after an aspiration abortion procedure. There is nothing to be concerned about.  It is common and normal to have a delayed period after an abortion, as long as you are not pregnant again.  It is also common and normal for birth control pills to cause a change or delay in periods, especially when you first start them.  From what you describe, everything sounds normal.  Your period should come in the next few weeks and may even take another month or two without indicating a problem. Your period may be irregular for the next few months. Don’t worry, it will come back to a normal cycle.

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan

Allexperts.com

Question:
I had my abortion on June 16th.  I started taking Loestrin birth control pills on around June 28th.  By the beginning of August, I had still not started my period.  I went back to the clinic, they did a pregnancy test and an ultrasound.  The test was positive, but there was no new pregnancy. They did a 2nd procedure and said that there was a lot of tissue that they removed.  By the end of September, I had still not started my period so I went back again. The doctor said that there was nothing to be concerned about and implied that the other doctor overreacted by doing the 2nd procedure. She said to continue taking my pills another month and then come back if I hadn’t started. She indicated that she would begin looking for someting like thyroid issues if I didn’t start though. So now, I have finished another pack of pills and still no period. I’m planning on going back this week, but wanted to try to find some information elsewhere too.

Answer:
Dear Denise,
You have three reasons to have a delayed period, and they are all normal. 1)It is common and normal to have a delayed period after an abortion.  I have seen it take up to three months to get back into cycle. 2) If you have retained products, you will not get a period because your pregnancy hormones are still present.  So, in a sense, you have really missed one period since the issue of retained products was resolved. 3) In addition, it is common and normal to miss a period or to have very light periods when you start on birth control, especially Loestrin.

If you are concerned, you might try another birth control pill that isn’t designed to give you light periods. There is no reason to check other blood tests at this time.

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
New York City