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Abortion/vaginal odor after abortion

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Expert: - 2/6/2009


Question
I had a surgical abortion on Friday, January 30, 2009. I took my first bath 4
or 5 days after. I've taken 2 more since then.  I have noticed an odor,
sometimes strong but sometimes hardly a smell. I'm still bleeding but doesn't
bleeding sometimes last for 21 days? The clinic set my appointment for
February 25 but I want do you think I should go in sooner than that. It's
supposed to be my 3 week check up but I'm scared I may be infected.  I'm
not in pain though... Hopefully it'll stay that way. Please advise. Thank you for
your time.   Ps I only soaked in the water my last bath, shaved my legs in my
second one.

Answer
Dear AJ,
The vaginal odor you are describing is called bacterial vaginosis, a harmless discharge that often comes out with pregnancy.  It is simply an overgrowth of normal bacteria, and will often resolve on its own.  It's similar to a yeast infection, but there are no over-the-counter medications available to treat it. There are antibiotics that can be prescribed that you can take to get rid of it if it doesn't go away.  It's fine to wait until February 25th unless the odor is bothering you - there are no consequences to this kind of infection.  
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
Earlyabortionoptions.com
New York City

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Doctor Early Options

Expertise

We are a group of family doctors who provide abortion care for over a decade. We can answer any health or medical related questions about early abortion, including the aspiration procedure, the abortion pill (RU486), or surgical abortion. We run a practice called Early Options, located in New York City: http://www.EarlyAbortionOptions.com. The practice is dedicated to making early abortion part of mainstream medical care. There are other family doctors around the United States who practice a similar approach to early abortion care: see http://www.EarlyAbortion.com. Please do not ask "private" questions so that other women can learn from your experience. Please tell me what country you are from so that we can better help you.

Experience

Experience in the area: We are all board certified family doctors who have special training in early abortion and reproductive health. Dr. Joan Fleischman is the founder of Early Options (earlyabortionoptions.com) dedicated to making early abortion part of mainstream medical care. Organizations: National Abortion Federation American Association of Family Physicians

Education/Credentials
Dr. Joan Fleischman, Founder M.D., Harvard Medical School M.P.A., John F. Kennedy School of Government

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