Expert: Doctor Early Options - 8/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: hi  i most appreciate ur website,u have proven a mother to the ladies and since its on experience its best,i had a d&c and am having cramps,body pain,stooling with clots of blood and fever am afraid i have an infection.though am told to return to the clinic 8days after my surgery,what do u think is happening to me?

ANSWER: Dear Angela,
You should NOT WAIT to call them.  It sounds like you have an infection after the D&C and need to get on antibiotics right away.  When you call them and tell them that you are having pain and fever, they should see you immediately.  If they do not see you today, you should go to the hospital emergency room to get on the right medications.  An infection after an abortion is not dangerous and you will fully recover unless you wait too long to be treated.  
Infection is one of the more common complications of an abortion.  It can occur for 1/500 women.  It is sometimes caused from having an infection that you didn't know you had prior to the abortion, and it is sometimes caused from natural bacteria in your vagina being introduced to your uterus.  Infections are not typically serious UNLESS YOU DO NOT CALL THE DOCTOR.  If you get on the right medications, infections after an abortion can be treated from home with a few antibiotics that are reliable.  If you wait, you can end up in the hospital needing IV antibiotics.  

There is more information on infection and abortion at: EarlyAbortionOptions.com; Making your decision; Aftercare and Aftercare FAQ's.  

Please write me back and let me know that you have seen a doctor.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
Early Abortion Specialist
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City

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

QUESTION: hi am ok on day 6 of the d & c,i felt like i would never have sex again that day and i and my boyfriend agreed to that but as am recovering am horny,he feels very guilty to have sex with me and i want it anyway am only 25 and this is my first abortion.do u think am normal?

Answer
Hi Angela - I'm glad you're better. I am assuming the fever, cramps and clots have stopped?  It is normal to be interested in sex and to have sex.  If you are concerned about infection, you can  use a condom.  Be careful, you can get pregnant within weeks of having an abortion. It is a common mistake.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan