Expert: Dr. Harriet Johnson - 12/7/2009

Question
I had a surgical abortion about 3 weeks ago and am having some issues. I was completely for my decision, i am 20 years old and my I am not in the place, or time in my life to have a child. I had no doubt in my mind of my decision. The procedure was more horrible then i could have imagined, i had mild anesthesia and medication during the procedure but it hurt the entire time, and was conscious of everything that was happening; the doctor sucking the baby out of me. It has really changed me. Not to mention that my boyfriend broke up with me the day after the abortion. I am completely depressed, and can not stop having flash backs and horrific nightmares about the abortion and my possible child. I am going to try a seek counseling or a support group for people who have had the same experience as me. I have also been having sever cramps occasionally. I also had an IUD put in for birth
control for the future even though i have been traumatized from every having sex again. I am starting to think that the cramps are all psychological. They only come when i think about the incident, or my ex boyfriend, or my iud being in. Is this normal in any way shape or form, to feel this horrible and sad afterwords to actually cause myself physical pain? I had no trouble right after the abortion, had an ultrasound after the IUD was in place to make sure it was correctly inserted, and have talked to my doctors to see if anything is physically wrong.
when will this end
and has anyone else ever experienced this type of pain, mentally and physically after an abortion

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Yes, this is actually common. You are feeling psychological pain which in time will become easier. I'm sorry you feel this way and I do believe that counseling or a support group will help you through this bad time. Try to think about positive things, I know right now you may not be able to, but doing and thinking positively will bring positive things to your life.