AFTER ABORTION CARE

Abortion aftercare helps you pay more attention to both your emotional and physical health. although there will usually be a little pain and bleeding, recovery usually happens fairly quickly for most women after an Abortion. Most women bleed for around 1-2 weeks after Abortion, use sanitary towels during this time. Bleeding will be like a normal menstrual period and you may also pass some small blood clots. In most cases the bleeding will then stop but you may experience spotting until your next period. Should you experience any of the following symptoms below. Please call our Aftercare Line immediately. Fever lasting pain Abdominal tenderness Discolored or smelly vaginal discharge Continuous heavy bleeding that soaks 2 or more pad

Recovery After Abortion

Pain
Most women experience off and on cramping for about a week after an abortion. Take ibuprofen and paracetamol to control pain if necessary. You can buy these over-the-counter pain medicines from a pharmacy, supermarket and other shops without a prescription. Please remember that there are 2 strengths of ibuprofen tablets. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with these medicines, and take them as directed. You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen together if the recommended dose of either medicine alone is not controlling your pain. If these medicines are not controlling your pain please call the clinic.
Feelings
After an abortion most women feel relieved, but some may also feel sad or guilty. It is a good idea to have someone with you afterwards so if you do need support, you have someone you know and trust to help you along. If you feel you need to talk to someone, you can call us on 076 903 9340 to make an appointment for post-abortion counselling. This is a free service for women who have had treatment at our Abortion Clinics
Sex
To reduce the risk of infection we advise against having sex for 1-2 weeks, but if this is not possible then a condom must be used to avoid infection. Fertility returns almost immediately after an abortion, so its important to use contraception if you do not want to get pregnant.
Bathing
You can take a bath or shower as normal. Take care if you have a bath in the 24 hours following a general anaesthetic, you will need to make sure someone is around to keep an eye on you, in case you are still feeling drowsy. Most women will be fit and well enough to return to normal activities within a day or two. Our best advice is to rest until you feel able to return to your normal routine.
Your next period
Your next menstrual period will begin 4-6 weeks after your treatment. If you have not had a period 4 weeks after your treatment, you should do a pregnancy test. If it is positive ring the clinic or Aftercare Line. It’s important to remember that any bleeding immediately after your treatment is not a period.