Expert: Diane Cheryl - 11/7/2009

Question
Hi!  I had a surgical abortion Sept. 30th, 2009.  I felt fine after-wards, bled for about a week with minimal cramping and that was it.  However, this is now my fifth week post procedure and I have not had a period yet.  A week ago it felt as though my period was coming on; felt like the uterus lining was breaking down; but no bleeding ensued.  However, this is the same feeling I went through that month I was pregnant.  About 3.5 weeks after the procedure, I had unprotected sex (stupid!) on a Saturday night and by that Monday I went to my doctor where he told me to take 3 birth control pills then and 3 twelve hours later.  I feel a slight tingling on my right side, but I believe it is my mind playing tricks with me.  My questions are: 1)can I possibly be pregnant again? and 2)Is it normal not to have a period this far post abortion, and if so, what is the latest I should expect a period? Also, I am having a vaginal discharge; sometimes I get real wet and sometimes when I do notice it, it is creamy... and can have an odor... but that, again is when I'm out for a few hours and can't change my sanitary napkin readily...  Any advise/ answers will be greatly appreciated!

Answer
Hello Shenika,

This is not uncommon from what I've heard to not have a period for a length of time after an abortion. I can't tell you the latest date you could have a period-you would have to ask your physician about this. I don't recommend what he told you to do but that is just my opinion. I have read stories about Plan B or morning after pill. You can find more information about that on http://www.optionline.org/map.html

It is possible that you could be pregnant but probably not a big chance of that.  Did you have  a post abortion checkup at all? It usually should be about 6 weeks after your abortion. Let me know what happens.

I also offer free post abortion counseling. If you have any emotional, spiritual, or psychological problems in the future, please let me know. My email address is CHERYL51@aol.com if you want to email me.

Also, you should ask your physician about the vaginal discharge. This could be some kind of infection or sexually transmitted disease. Or it could be no problem. Let me know what happens.

Diane Cheryl