Expert: Shan Yi Sheng - 11/28/2010

Question
Well these clots look more like tissue.
I had a medical abortion 10/08 and am still bleeding. It was very mild at first
them almost stopped. recently it has gotten heavier and I have passed several
large clots. The doctor said the pregnancy passed and confirmed I am no
longer pregnant but I am concerned about my clots/bleeding. Could
something be wrong? I want children in the future so I'm very concerned. I
am not in pain or discomfort and recently the blood has become more red.
Should I go to a doctor? Why am I bleeding 8 weeks later in an unusual way?

Answer
Hi Angela,
this is one of the reasons that I am no advocate of medical abortion. Longtime irregular bleeding is not a side-effect, but the effect itself. I am sure that you are not pregnant anymore. If you know that a surgical abortion takes less then 5 minutes and has no side effects and no excessive bleeding, this makes me always advise for a surgical. Commercial pressure and laziness of the abdocs makes them handing out mifepristone and the rest.
Irregular bleeding and uncertainty about when periods will start again is frustrating.
Clots are normal with your procedure and do not influence your future fertility.
So, try to be patient and do not worry.
Only one in 1500 pill abortion patients needs a blood transfusion.
Good luck,
Dr Shan