Women who go for an abortion may not know that while the procedure removes the unborn child, it can also cause harm to their own bodies.
Step 1: First, confirm the pregnancy
Based on a history of missed periods and a positive pregnancy test, a diagnosis of pregnancy can generally be made. However, ectopic pregnancies and hydatidiform moles must be ruled out. Only after confirming an intrauterine pregnancy should an abortion be performed.
Failure to follow this step can result in additional harm to the patient. Ms. Chen went to a staff hospital for an abortion after missing her period for over 40 days. The outpatient doctor diagnosed her with early pregnancy based solely on a positive urine test result and admitted her for a painless abortion. During the surgery, no embryonic villous tissue was found, indicating she was not experiencing an intrauterine pregnancy. A subsequent ultrasound revealed an abnormality near her left ovary, but the attending physician did not take further action and instead sent her home. Five days later, Ms. Chen experienced severe lower abdominal pain upon waking and rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a left tubal pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy). That day, she underwent surgery and had part of her fallopian tube removed, resulting in damage to her fertility.
Step 2: The abortion surgical phase
Using surgery or medication to remove the embryo from the uterus is a critical step. Traditional methods of abortion include vacuum aspiration and dilation and curettage. However, whether through medication or traditional surgical abortion, both can cause varying degrees of harm to the uterus, potentially leading to serious complications such as heavy bleeding, uterine perforation, irregular menstruation, or even infertility.
Step 3: Post-abortion recovery period
Improper handling during this period can also lead to serious consequences. Ms. Liu, who works for a foreign company and often works tirelessly, resumed her normal work schedule the day after her abortion and even worked overtime as if nothing had happened. A week later, she began to feel mild pain in her lower abdomen, followed by worsening pain and sudden high fever. Her frightened husband rushed her to the emergency room, where a gynecological examination revealed inflammatory masses in her pelvis with significant tenderness. She was diagnosed with acute pelvic inflammatory disease and hospitalized for treatment. After three weeks, her fever subsided, but the inflammatory mass remained. After discharge, Ms. Liu still did not rest properly, resulting in an acute flare-up of pelvic inflammation, which was diagnosed as a pelvic abscess. After a consultation, doctors surgically removed her bilateral infected fallopian tubes and right ovary, leaving only her adhered left ovary, rendering her infertile.
Although the abortion process harbors various hidden dangers, proper adherence to protocol can ensure women who experience contraceptive failure receive good treatment and avoid unexpected occurrences.
Firstly, one should not seek medical care indiscriminately but should go to a regular hospital. Secondly, strive to have an ultrasound before the procedure; if conditions do not allow, pay special attention post-operation to whether the aspirated material contains villi. If no villi are present, immediate hospitalization for further diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy should occur, preferably opting for drug treatment to avoid surgery. Thirdly, monitor post-operative bleeding, which is more common in medication-induced abortions. Seek medical attention promptly if vaginal discharge increases. Fourthly, relax during pre-operative gynecological examinations so the doctor can clearly determine the position and size of the uterus, effectively preventing uterine perforation. Additionally, infection should be avoided.
The post-abortion period is crucial for preventing infection. Rest and recuperation, along with proper nutrition and personal hygiene, are essential. Be vigilant for early signs of infection such as low-grade fever, mild lower abdominal pain, increased lochia, or foul odor. Seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms appear and ensure thorough treatment. Avoid resuming sexual activity too soon—those who had early abortions should wait until one month post-operation, specifically after the first menstrual cycle has ended cleanly. Those who had late-term abortions should wait 42 days. If lochia persists, sexual activity should be postponed further.
Relevant recommendation:
Dual-chamber decompression painless abortion stands out due to its minimally invasive, pain-free, visible, short operation time, lack of postoperative infections or complications, no impact on the uterus, and no effect on fertility. Therefore, experts from the Cixi Painless Abortion Network remind: When choosing a painless abortion, select the method that causes the least harm to the female body. Minimally invasive and painless procedures are our ultimate goal. We recommend that women choose "dual-chamber decompression painless abortion," which causes the least harm to the body.