Expert: Pat G - 8/3/2010

Question
Dear Dr Pat G,
I would like to ask you about menstrual cycle after the abortion. I am 31yo and had a regular 28 day cycle, 4,5 weeks ago I had my first abortion, and 4 days ago I got my period. I had unprotected sex last night. Before I wasn't worried as I ovulated on my 12-14th day, but since I had an abortion, I am wondering if there is a chance I will ovulate earlier and if my period cycle will change. Thanks so much in advance.

Answer
Hello, kate,

You're welcome in advance. :)

Please know that I am not a doctor. I am simply someone who has done a lot of research and talked to a lot of women.

Your abortion WILL affect your cycle. How it affects it remains to be seen. Abortion always disrupts a woman's hormones.

Do you know how to tell when you are fertile? You can recognize the signs of fertility if you are aware that conceiving means a woman has to have fertile mucus. This mucus is observed when a woman wipes, and it is transparent and slippery, and stretches like a raw egg white. You can learn more about it here:

http://www.fertilityuk.org/

If you are not married, you really should stop having sex. If you don't, you will probably wind up in exactly the same position you were in when you decided to have an abortion. Abortion damages a woman's body, so it's never a good idea, and every additional abortion a woman has does more damage.

If you have never had a child, you have greatly increased your chance of getting a particularly deadly form of breast cancer. If you had a surgical abortion, this can affect your ability to have a normal pregnancy and a normal child in the future. If you would like me to provide you with some details and recommendations, please let me know.

Please take care of yourself, and don't take any more chances. Please let me know how you do.