Expert: Diane Cheryl - 8/28/2009

Question
I had an abortion about 5 weeks ago at 6.5 weeks. I am married and have 10 month old twins. I'd only had my period for two cycles after I stopped nursing and we used protection except for once, and I'm apparently very fertile. We decided to abort and everything went smoothly. I understand that it can take up to 8 weeks to get your period after an abortion. We had sex once and used a condom about a week before my follow up visit. The pregnancy test at the doctor was negative. But I'm still really worried. I don't want to go through again, especially so soon. I was waiting to get my period so I could get an IUD. Now I wish I'd taken birth control pills right away. My job is very stressful, so I wonder if that could be making me late. But my body seems to be pretty regular -- I got my first period four weeks after I stopped nursing. This is all I can think about and I know it's just adding to the stress I already have. I'm afraid to take a home pregnancy test because I don't think I'd believe the results either way. The doctor told me to come in next week if I still haven't gotten my period. I feel obsessed with this and I'm terrified of having another unwanted pregnancy.

Answer
Hi Charlotte,

Thanks for your question. Try not to stress. (I know that's easier said than done.) If you are stressed out, this could make your cycle irregular. Also, it would not be uncommon for you to have your cycle irregular right now because of the abortion. Let me know if you had your period yet and what your doctor says. You can get a free pregnancy test at a local pregnancy center if you like. Contact http://www.optionline.org or call 1-800-395-HELP to find one in your area.
Another website is http://www.heartbeatinternational.org/worldwide_directory.asp

Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and we can talk more. Are you having any emotional or psychological problems after abortion? Hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl