Expert: Doctor Early Options - 2/9/2009

Question
Dr., Two weeks ago I had an abortion at 10 weeks. This makes a total of three abortions. Question 1 - Two weeks later I am still spotting with minor cramps. It is dark blood, but am concerned since with the other two abortions I did not bleed.  Granted the other two happened at 6 and 8 weeks pregnant. Question 2 - I am 32 and worried of my chance to conceive in the future after three abortions. Any comments?  Question 3 - Can using KY-jelly lead to infertility? Question 4 - Is it safe to have sex 3 weeks after an abortion?  Thank you.

Answer
Dear Yor,
1) Spotting with minor period-like cramps that respond to ibuprofen (800mg) would be completely normal 2 weeks after an abortion at 10 weeks.  However, if it continues another week, or the cramps get worse or don't respond to the ibuprofen, I would schedule a follow up appointment to get checked.
2) There is no impact on future pregnancy if you have an abortion, unless it is an extremely rare complication.  Normal abortions do not cause infertility.  If you have gotten your periods since your abortions, you can still get pregnant.  
3) No, KY jelly cannot lead to infertility
4) It is safe to have sex three weeks after an abortion, except that you must protect against getting pregnancy.  Bleeding, spotting, or passing clots the first few times after having sex is normal.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City