Expert: Pat G - 7/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: I had a surgical( vacuum aspiration) abortion 10 days ago, I could not soak not even a pad. I had no bleeding or pain whatsoever. I went to the OB to ask for birth control and when she did a ultrasound she discovered that I had an incomplete abortion and parts were still inside. My human hormones test showed a 2000 instead of 500 or below. My OB suggested that I go for a D&C with suction. Is this normal to have remaining parts and still not have any symptoms?

ANSWER: Hello, Rebeca,

I am about to lose my internet connection, so I'll be brief, but if you have any additional questions, please ask.

You asked if what you are experiencing is normal. No. Having an abortion is not normal, and abortion wreaks such havoc on a woman's system that there is no such thing as "normal". If you are asking if an incomplete abortion is common, I'd have to say, sadly, yes. And sometimes this is done on purpose. But the abortionist has to operate blind, so he can't really see what he is doing. He's supposed to look at what he gets to make sure he gets it all, but it's a grisly task, so few do a proper job of it. And if they don't get everything, they get to charge a woman twice.

It sounds like you might be still pregnant. Are you sure that all the ultrasound showed was parts? And what do you mean by "symptoms"? Make sure that it's just parts before you do anything more. From such a high hormone test, you may well still be pregnant. Please don't take any more chances! Abortion is dangerous and can kill you. I realize that in UAE, things are very difficult for women in many situations. I wish I could be of further help. But I don't see why you should risk your life this way. If there ARE just parts and nothing more, then you will have to have an additional operation. But whatever you do, if your baby is alive and well, please don't hurt him or her! Let me know how you do. Stay safe!


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response. Actually the procedure was done out of UAE,in North America and the follow up D&C will be happening in North America as well. Thanks for your concern.

Answer
Hi, Rebeca,

Make sure that your baby is not still alive. I had a situation where I was told my baby had died. But that was false. I didn't do anything, and I'm fine. They can't always tell what they are seeing. I'm glad you are in North America. That does simplify things. But be careful because a lot of these people aren't competent, and you could end up worse off than you are now. Please take care of yourself.