Why does it hurt after having an abortion? When a woman gets pregnant by accident and doesn't want to continue, the best solution is to go to the hospital for an abortion. However, many women report experiencing lower abdominal pain after the procedure. So what's going on? Let’s hear what Ms. Luo Chunmei, the director of the Gynecology Department at Xi'an Sanqin Hospital, has to say. On the day of the abortion, patients may experience mild stomach pain, which usually fades with time or occasionally leaves a faint ache in the lower abdomen. Patients should note that if the pain persists after the abortion, it should be taken seriously as it could indicate one of the following situations:
1. Post-abortion infection: This is one of the most common complications after an abortion. Infections usually occur within two weeks after the surgery and can be caused either directly by the operation itself or due to poor personal hygiene, disregarding medical advice, engaging in sexual activity, or swimming post-surgery.
2. Blood accumulation in the uterine cavity: This mostly happens within a few hours after the abortion. The patient experiences severe cutting-like pain that is almost unbearable, with a small amount of bloody discharge from the vagina. A gynecological examination reveals significant enlargement of the uterus, softness, and tenderness. In such cases, a curettage must be performed immediately.
3. Uterine perforation: This is a very serious complication that can occur during an abortion. When a perforation happens, the patient often feels sudden sharp abdominal pain, though some may not feel it significantly. The abdominal pain caused by uterine perforation is continuous, with slight vaginal bleeding. If there is internal bleeding, it can lead to peritoneal irritation symptoms: abdominal pain, refusal to be touched, tenderness, and rebound tenderness present simultaneously.
The above content is a detailed analysis by Director Luo of the Gynecology Department at Xi'an Sanqin Hospital regarding why it hurts after an abortion. The article provides a general overview, but we recommend spending a few minutes talking face-to-face with an online gynecologist. The online expert will analyze your symptoms and help you resolve your health concerns as soon as possible.