Expert: Doctor Early Options - 2/1/2009

Question
Hi. I'm from the United States.
I had the surgical procedure on the 24th of January, and i had virtually no bleeding/cramping at all after the procedure.  5 days later, i began cramping badly, bleeding heavily (bright red blood), and passing small clots.  Its not getting any better.  Is this normal? and how long do you think the pain/bleeding will last? i'm a student, and its hard to go to classes when i am in severe pain.

Answer
Dear Mindy,
Cramping and passing clots 5 days after a procedure sounds like a condition called "retained products."  It simply means that some of the pregnancy lining that was in the uterus has not completely passed.  Your uterus is cramping and trying to push it out.  It is harmless, and usually resolves on its own.  Take ibuprofen (motrin, advil) 800mg every 6 hours, around the clock.  This should relieve the cramping.

If the motrin doesn't work, or if the cramping does not resolve in 24-48 hours, or if the pain is getting worse, or if you have a fever, you should be evaluated to make sure it is not an infection.  If the uterus is unable to naturally pass the tissue or clot, you can opt to have a repeat procedure.  The advantage of this is that usually the pain and bleeding will resolve immediately.  

I hope this is helful,
Doctor Joan
Earlyabortionoptions.com
New York City