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Pain after abortion
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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In this article, we propose to find out why some women experience pain after abortion, what are their causes and what is the prophylaxis. But first let's consider the very concept of abortion. And so, abortion is an artificial termination of pregnancy, which is usually carried out for a period not exceeding 20 weeks. There are two methods of conducting abortion: surgical and medication. The first method is direct surgical intervention, which is also called instrumental, the second is the use of special drugs.
And so, because one of the methods of abortion involves the operation, which is usually very unpleasant, and sometimes a painful procedure, in which the uterine walls are often injured, so the pain after this process is not uncommon.
Another cause of pain after abortion is the contraction of the uterus to its natural size, as during pregnancy the sexual organ of a woman stretches as the fetus increases. But it is worth noting that if the process of artificial termination of pregnancy has occurred yet in a short time, no more than 13 weeks, the pain can and do not bother the woman at all. But it already depends on each individually.
Symptoms of pain after abortion
There are cases when abdominal pains after an abortion are caused due to complications that arose during the operation: various microbes from the outside can enter the injured uterus while infecting. Scientifically speaking, the infection causes endometritis (inflammation of the uterine mucosa). In this case, the pain is almost inevitable, so a visit to the doctor can not be postponed.
Nevertheless, there are characteristic signs that an infection could have occurred during an operation to extract the fetus. If a woman complains of general weakness, chills, soreness of the cervix, abdominal pain, as well as back pain after abortion, then there is a possibility of infection.
Pain after abortion can occur because the fetal egg has not been removed completely. Yes, this also happens. Remnants of the fetal egg interfere with the process of contraction of the uterus, so abdominal pain and back pain, as well as heavy bleeding, often accompany the woman after the artificial prevention of pregnancy.
It should also be noted that the cause of pain in the abdomen of women after abortion may be premature physical exertion on the body, such as active sports or the rapid resumption of sexual activity.
Pain after medical abortion
Let's now consider the causes of pain after medical abortion. As already mentioned above, medical abortion provokes special drugs that a woman should take strictly under the supervision of a doctor. Although this method is relatively safe, no one is immune from unpleasant consequences in the form of secretions and pains. Cramping pain after abortion is often a consequence of the drug method. How is this explained? The answer is simple: because of the drugs, the muscles begin to contract and push the fruit out of the vagina. Most often, the pain is tolerant and more like a menstrual. But if severe pain after abortion is observed with a medicamentous method and lasts more than 2 days, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.
Who to contact?
Diagnosis of the female body after an abortion
After the abortion, every woman should undergo a certain course of rehabilitation in order to avoid unpleasant, and possibly sad consequences, such as infertility or the development of cancer. Diagnosis of pain and any complications after abortion implies:
- ultrasound examination of mammary glands and genitals. This makes it possible to identify any changes in the structure of the ovaries, uterus, mammary glands of a woman and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.
- diagnostic examination - colposcopy, - which provides information on the condition of the uterine mucosa, cervix and vagina.
- carrying out laparoscopy in case of suspected obstruction of the fallopian tubes.
Treatment of pain after abortion
If a woman after an abortion shows signs of infection: temperature, low blood pressure, lower abdominal pain, general weakness in muscles, etc., urgent hospitalization is necessary. The doctor prescribes intravenous antibiotic therapy, as well as the removal of the remaining fetal tissues, if any. The therapy continues until the patient's condition improves. After bringing the temperature and pressure back to normal, the patient is stopped injecting antibiotics, replacing it with oral therapy.
In case the infection does not progress, affecting only the uterus, and the remnants of the fetal tissues are not observed, hospitalization is not necessary. The doctor prescribes a course of antibiotic treatment and prescribes some limitations in physical activity. Treatment of pain after abortion implies that a woman must comply with the doctor's instructions, which we will consider in the next subparagraph.
Mini abortions and their consequences
In very early stages of pregnancy, up to 20 days, women can resort to mini-abortions. This type of abortion can also be classified as relatively safe. To begin with, we will clarify that mini-abortion is performed by means of a special vacuum suction, which extracts the fetus. This operation not only reduces the risk of negative consequences of abortion, but also does not require general anesthesia, in contrast to the surgical method, and is carried out for a short period of time. But the risk of complications is always present. In this case, the consequences can manifest as a pulling pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the form of abundant blood secretions. This is due to the fact that there is still a piece of fetal egg in the uterus, which, of course, must be removed. It should be remembered that to avoid pain after a mini-abortion and any other consequences, it is necessary to observe some rules: do not wear weights, do not strain, do not exercise and no sexual life for a month. Observing all the necessary prescriptions, the woman will keep herself healthy.
Abortion is not a natural process, but an artificial one, so holding such an unpleasant event is a great stress for the body. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body starts all the processes for the development and preservation of the fetus. But if this process forcibly stops, the body reacts painfully. Women's mammary glands are very sensitive to any changes in the body and therefore often, after an abortion, a woman starts to hurt her breasts. It should be emphasized that the pain in the chest after an abortion can also testify about various complications: mastopathy and even tumors. Yes, it is abortions that are often the cause of the formation of swelling on the chest.
Prevention of pain after abortion
As already mentioned above, abortion is dangerous for its consequences, even if the artificial prevention of pregnancy has passed perfectly. We want to focus your attention on what needs to be done and what advice to adhere to, so as not to cause complications. First, you can not take a warm bath - bathing is only allowed under the shower. Secondly, any physical activity, including sex life, is prohibited. Return to active life is possible only at least a month. Thirdly, a woman must strictly observe the rules of hygiene: 2 times a day to conduct hygiene of the genitals with warm water, preferably boiled, or a solution of potassium permanganate.
To avoid complications, the doctor usually prescribes a course of antibiotics to prevent possible infection; the course of hormonal contraceptives, which is appointed on the first day after the abortion.
Observance of all these rules will not only be a good prophylaxis of pain after an abortion, but will also be able to preserve both women's health and the health of future offspring.