Expert: Pat G - 3/1/2010

Question
Hi my friend had an abortion in December 2009 to this date she has not had her period, and she is still in severe abdominal pains, the doctor told her it is all in her head, he did an vaginal ultrasound and found nothing wrong, but the pains are on the left side with a numbing feeling can you give me an idea of what could be wrong and should she go see another doctor

Answer
Hello, Shaunamarie,

Your question was in the question pool rather than addressed specifically to me, and I just saw it.

How is your friend doing today? I am glad you are there for her.

The pain is a sign that there IS something wrong, and no, I doubt seriously if it's all in her head. While it is remotely possible it's "all in her head", given the fact that abortion takes a horrible emotional toll on many women, that would not be my first guess. If she went back to the same doctor who provided the abortion, I would consider his lack of concern pretty typical. She really should find someone else.

Since it has been this long, it is probably safe to rule out tubal pregnancy. Instead, there is probably an injury of some kind. If she had a pill abortion, it could be because her hormones are still unsettled, and she is still experiencing contractions, which can be very painful. Also, there would probably be pain if the contractions caused her uterus to rupture. If she had a surgical abortion, her uterus could have been lacerated or perforated. Also, she could have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Since many abortionists don't sterilize their instruments properly, this is a definite possibility.

Nobody can tell you over the internet what the problem is. :Please advise her to see a decent doctor, and please let me know what he finds out.