Expert: Dr. Harriet Johnson - 9/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: I had an abortion at around 3 months and 2 weeks and it's been a week, how long will it take for my bleeding to stop?

ANSWER: Hi Innocentia,

Bleeding lasts anywhere from 3 days to 5 weeks after the procedure. Usually the bleeding will start to get lighter after about 1 week and you may spot for another week.

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QUESTION: Thanks for the answer Doc, so the bleeding will eventually stop?.

ANSWER: Hi Innocentia,

Yes. Getting as much rest as possible helps. Being active increases bleeding.

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QUESTION: I was told that I had to go to the hospital and get myself cleaned after the procedure seeing that I was far along with my pregnancy.  My question is, is it necessary and is everything out that needed to come out? because my fiance is scared that he'l get sick or something will happen to him if he sleeps with me.  And also is it safe to have sex without protection after the procedure?

Answer
Hi Innocentia,

Make sure your fiance wears a condom for the first few weeks to prevent infection, also he will not become sick from having sex with you. You need the examination to be sure everything is out of your uterus, which can cause dangerous infections if tissue is left.