Post Abortion

You stated in your e-mail that you had an abortion in December, a light period in January, and a very heavy, prolonged painful period in February. The first thing that is important is to make sure that you have had a check-up after your abortion. This will rule out infection or retained tissue. If your exam is normal, be aware that it is common for a few periods after an abortion to be somewhat abnormal, so what you are experiencing may not indicate there is a physical problem. Pain, cramps, and a heavy period can be due to stress and temporary hormonal problems. Occasionally having sex too early after an abortion can cause an infection; again, a check-up will rule out this possibility.

I am worried that you say that you are in “terrible pain”, and note that you stopped using the birth control patch and started having sex again soon after your abortion. Often it is hard to separate physical and emotional pain after an abortion. Very often women suffer grief after an abortion, and immediately get pregnant again to fill up the emptiness they are feeling. This is so common that it is called a “replacement pregnancy”. Young women often do not realize they are doing this, and unwittingly get themselves into the exact same situation of a crisis pregnancy. Also, new research has shown that depression and even suicide after abortion are much more common than previously thought.

I would encourage you to abstain from sex at this time, take care of yourself, and get the physical and emotional healing that you need. Throwing yourself back into a sexual relationship will almost certainly create more problems. A wonderful organization that assists women in post-abortion healing is Project Rachel. On their web site at www.hopeafterabortion.com under the section on finding help, there are referral numbers for free counseling in all regions of the USA. Project Rachel is a ministry of the Catholic Church, but is open to all women and is not judgmental in its approach to helping women after abortion. The emphasis is on God’s forgiveness and healing.

I would not recommend using hormonal contraception (pills, patches or injections) in your situation. Abstinence is the safest way to avoid pregnancy in this period of your life. You deserve to have your next pregnancy in a situation in which you and the father of the baby love one another and are committed to each other in marriage. This would be your healthiest and best goal.

Please excuse me if it seems like I am preaching to you or if what I am saying does not fit your individual situation.

Dr Mary Davenport