Expert: Pat G - 3/11/2010

Question
hi. im 21 years old, from a country where abortion is illegal. i had an abortion last february 15, 2010 with the use of the drug cytotec. i think it was successful since i saw the fetus passed out my vagina. i had moderate bleeding 1 week from the onset of the abortion. i also had unprotected sex with my bf when the bleeding was gone, he only used withdrawal. 2 weeks after the abortion, i have this whitish to yellowish vaginal discharge, mucoidal, not foul-smelling. no fever. no pain. am i having some sort of infection? yesterday, march 10 2010, i experienced right low abdominal pain that is like stabbing ang twisting pain until now. im worried that it could be ectopic pregnancy or some sort. i dont know. im scared to go for a check up since i did an illegal thing, i dont know what else to do. im scared of the complications i might be facing. pls help. thanks a lot.

Answer
Hello, anne,

I am aware that abortion is illegal in the Philippines. It is one of the few countries that values its women enough to protect them from abortionists and deadly drugs.

First, some information would be helpful. How far along were you when you used the Cytotec? What specifically did you observe when you said the fetus passed out of your vagina?

The manufacturer of Cytotec specifically says a pregnant woman should never take it. This is because it can kill a woman, sometimes within hours, in several different ways.

Given the timing you told me, an infection is more likely. It is not that common for a woman to become fertile that quickly. But if you don't want to have to deal with abortion again, please stop taking risks. Don't rely on "protection". It doesn't work. The only way to stay safe is to abstain.

If you have no fever, I am much more concerned about whether you used the Cytotec vaginally. If so, your life is in danger. This can cause an infection from Clostridium sordellii, and this infection can kill a woman in hours. You will need to go to the emergency room of the hospital. Have someone take you, and then ask them to look for Clostridium sordellii specifically, and to provide immediate treatment. Whether or not this will help, I don't know. But it's your best chance for survival. If it is a tubal pregnancy, then you will need emergency surgery. If the pain suddenly stops, then your life is in immediate danger. Again, go to the emergency room. If it is some other kind of infection, you may have other options. But the problem is, you may be looking at being killed versus facing a legal penalty.

You can try to get some help from an organization in your area, that works with pregnant women, and helps them in different ways. If your government is using its resources wisely, it will concentrate on finding the abortionist or other person who supplied the Cytotec. It would be in your best interests and the best interests of women everywhere if you would give them that information. That person hurt you, and is threatening your life. He is acting unethically. He needs to be put out of business. The organization may be able to help you in a way that will keep you from having to spend time in jail, but only they can advise you. To find an organization near you, go to this web site:

http://heartbeatservices.org/index.php/connections/worldwide-directory

Choose "Philippines" and then your city.

Please let me know how you do. Take care.