Expert: Pat G - 1/6/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi I'm very confused. I had unprotected sex 2day before my abortion and my tummy is still getn big and I'm still eating a lot.Could I be pregnant again from his sperm living inside me then attaching after the abortion?

ANSWER: Hello. You didn't leave your name, so I couldn't address you personally as I like to do, but I'll try to answer your question. Before I do, I need some more details. How far along were you? What kind of abortion did you have? When did you have it? Have you had a pregnancy test since then? Other than being hungry and getting big, have you noticed any other symptoms?

The simple answer to the question you asked is that you wouldn't be pregnant again from his sperm being inside you and attaching after the abortion. Sperm don't live very long, and you have to ovulate at the time, within 3-4 days. That wouldn't happen when you had an abortion, except in very rare instances. It's more likely you are still pregnant and that the abortion didn't accomplish anything. The other thing is that emotionally, an abortion really messes with a woman's head, and she may develop eating disorders afterward, so you might simply be eating too much and putting on weight.

Let me know the answers to my questions, and I'll try to give you more information. Thanks!


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

QUESTION: Well I was 7wks I had a suction abortion. I was really upset couldn't stop crying but I didn't think I would be like that because I been thru it before.The 1st one I don't think about but I feel bad I had to abort my baby.But I do feel better now I don't think about it.I had the abortion 12-30-09 I wanted to start a new year fresh witout any attchments to him.No I haven't took a pregnancy test imma wait till my follow-up. Thanks so much for responding and so soon.

Answer
Hi, Amanda,

You're very welcome.

If you don't want to have any attachments to him, you certainly have the right to break off the relationship. I'm sure you would be better off, since he did take advantage of you, and obviously didn't provide the support you needed.

I would recommend you go to a different doctor to be checked out. These people don't always tell a woman if there is a problem because they don't want to get sued. Also, there are long term consequences, and you need to know about them. I can also explain some of these. Let me know. Eating disorders are a common consequence. So you should see if your eating habits have changed, because this could explain the weight gain and appetite.

It sounds like you would benefit if you had some counseling. Having an abortion can be emotionally very rough on a woman. There are organizations all over the United States that provide counseling to women who have experienced abortion. You can find an organization near you by going here:

http://www.pregnancycenters.org/

They also have online, phone and email counseling. I am also available if you just need to talk, and I have some experience that may be helpful. Please take care of yourself. Let me know how you do, and keep in touch.