As people's ideologies become more open-minded, cohabitation before marriage has become an undeniable fact. An increasing number of women are experiencing unintended pregnancies, and their first choice to resolve this issue is through painless abortion to terminate the unexpected pregnancy. Although it is repeatedly emphasized that modern painless abortion procedures have minimized harm to women, they can still have some effects, such as irregular menstruation or reduced menstrual flow after the procedure. Many women are unclear whether these issues are caused by the painless abortion surgery and are worried about whether it will affect their future fertility. So, why does menstrual flow decrease after a painless abortion?
Experts in gynecology from Xi'an abortion hospitals have summarized the following reasons:
1. Incomplete curettage
A small number of women experience amenorrhea or reduced menstrual flow due to incomplete curettage leaving placental tissue behind. After a second curettage to remove the residue, normal menstruation can usually be restored.
2. Premature sexual intercourse and盆bathing post-surgery
Some women resume sexual activity with their partners just days after the procedure or ignore doctor’s advice and take盆baths, allowing bacteria to invade the vagina and uterus, causing pelvic infections which may lead to reduced menstrual flow and irregular menstruation, potentially resulting in amenorrhea.
3. Excessive mental stress and anxiety
Fear before the surgery, fear of abortion, or psychological burdens related to infertility, especially feelings of shame among unmarried pregnant women, can persist post-surgery and result in reduced menstrual flow.
4. Individual differences
Each person's body reacts differently. Some women may experience hormonal changes after an abortion, such as a sudden drop in chorionic gonadotropin levels, making the ovaries temporarily unresponsive to pituitary gonadotropins, leading to thin endometrium and reduced menstrual flow.
5. Frequent abortions
Some women undergo multiple abortions within a year, thinning the uterine lining, which takes time to recover. If the basal layer of the uterine lining is completely damaged, permanent amenorrhea can occur; partial damage may cause temporary amenorrhea.
6. Cervical endometritis or damage to the uterine endometrium during curettage
Adhesions may form in the cervix or uterus after curettage, preventing menstrual blood from being discharged properly. These patients often experience cyclical abdominal pain each month. The degree of adhesion varies: extensive adhesions may cause amenorrhea, while minor adhesions may reduce menstrual flow.
7. Endocrine abnormalities
Endocrine disorders such as premature ovarian failure, hypothalamic amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, or ovarian anovulation and luteal phase deficiency.
So, how should women care for themselves after a painless abortion?
1. Rest for 2 weeks after a painless abortion, limit reading newspapers and watching TV.
2. Within 2 weeks post-surgery, rest appropriately and avoid heavy physical labor.
3. Consume nutritious foods (such as chicken soup, fish soup) to help the body recover quickly. Generally, cold drinks should be avoided for 7-10 days post-surgery, and spicy foods should be avoided for a month.
4. Maintain cleanliness of the external genitalia. Wash with warm water 1-2 times daily and change sanitary pads frequently.
5. Avoid soaking baths for 2 weeks or until vaginal bleeding stops.
6. Abstain from sexual intercourse for 1 month to prevent reproductive organ infections. Seek medical attention if there is fever, abdominal pain, or abnormal vaginal discharge.
7. Vaginal bleeding usually stops within 3-5 days, but should not last longer than 10-15 days. If the bleeding exceeds normal menstrual flow and persists for too long, seek medical attention promptly.
8. After a painless abortion, if sexual activity resumes, use contraception to avoid another pregnancy. The uterine lining typically takes about six months to fully recover, so special attention should be paid to prevent re-pregnancy that could damage the uterus.
9. Sit out a "small confinement period" after the abortion. Avoid cold exposure, refrain from cold water baths, consume nutritional supplements, and avoid sexual activity for a month. Pay attention to contraception for six months. If planning to conceive, wait at least one year.
10. Seek medical attention immediately if there is fever, abdominal pain, or abnormal vaginal discharge.
The Third Qin Hospital, located in the ancient city of Xi'an, has specialized in gynecological services for 15 years. It is a comprehensive hospital approved by the Xincheng District Health Bureau of Xi'an, focusing on women's health. The hospital features three major medical systems: a special diagnostic area for women's health, a reproductive medicine department, and a specialty expert outpatient clinic. There are also specialized departments such as the Gynecology Treatment Center, Painless Abortion Clinical Center, Uterine Fibroid Treatment Center, Breast Disease Treatment Center, and Infertility Treatment Center. It has always been a trusted support station for women and actively engages in public welfare activities, making it a reputable brand hospital for the general public!
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