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Abortion/Bleeding After Abortion

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Expert: - 11/2/2008


Question
I'm from the UK and I had an Early Medical Abortion just over three weeks ago (Fri 10th Oct), I was told the pain and bleeding differed from each case, but I'm slightly worried now as it's been three weeks and I'm still bleeding. A few days ago it slowed right down, and the color was very dark and I thought it would stop, but now it's increased again. It's not that heavy, but I'm also having slight cramp every now and again. Is this normal?

Answer
Dear Vicki,
The bleeding you are describing sounds completely normal.  Bleeding after a medical abortion or the abortion pill (RU486) can stop and start - with red blood, dark blood, and clots.  This all sounds normal. The average length of bleeding after a medical abortion is 6 weeks! (That means over 50% of women bleed longer than that).  Mild cramps that respond to over the counter pain medicines are normal.  Strong, persistent cramps are not normal, and should be evaluated.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
Early Abortion Specialist
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City

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Doctor Early Options

Expertise

We are a group of family doctors who provide abortion care for over a decade. We can answer any health or medical related questions about early abortion, including the aspiration procedure, the abortion pill (RU486), or surgical abortion. We run a practice called Early Options, located in New York City: http://www.EarlyAbortionOptions.com. The practice is dedicated to making early abortion part of mainstream medical care. There are other family doctors around the United States who practice a similar approach to early abortion care: see http://www.EarlyAbortion.com. Please do not ask "private" questions so that other women can learn from your experience. Please tell me what country you are from so that we can better help you.

Experience

Experience in the area: We are all board certified family doctors who have special training in early abortion and reproductive health. Dr. Joan Fleischman is the founder of Early Options (earlyabortionoptions.com) dedicated to making early abortion part of mainstream medical care. Organizations: National Abortion Federation American Association of Family Physicians

Education/Credentials
Dr. Joan Fleischman, Founder M.D., Harvard Medical School M.P.A., John F. Kennedy School of Government

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