Expert: Pat G - 10/18/2009

Question
My girlfriend has recently undergone an abortion. She bled and was in some discomfort afterwards, however the doctors said this was normal. The bleeding and discomfort stopped and about a week later she had a period. Just after her period finished she noticed some spotting, then later that night, when she went to the toilet, a 2 inch long tissue looking tough matter was discharged but there was no pain or discomfort with it. Is this something to be worried about?

Answer
Hello, Dave,

Of course if people assault a woman's body with an abortion, she will have these kinds of symptoms in the natural course of things.

You also haven't told me what kind of abortion she had, but I'm kind of thinking that it was a surgical abortion.

The 2 inch long tissue looking tough matter you describe sounds to me like they didn't get it all. I don't know how far along she was, but the first thought that comes to mind is a chunk of umbilical cord. Since there is a possibility there is more, she should be checked out thoroughly. The problem with this is if there is anything left behind, she could develop an infection, and this could have all sorts of dire consequences, from being unable to have any children in the future, to death. So by all means, have her get it checked out right away. Have her go to someone else. The doctors who were responsible for the abortion won't want to admit that they goofed. Let me know how she does, and I hope she will be OK.

Please protect her in the future. Abortion is dangerous and can cause a lot of damage, and she deserves for you to cherish her and keep her from harm. Take care.