Both medical and surgical abortion carry a risk of infection. Fever, worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, foul-smelling discharge, or feeling increasingly unwell may indicate that an infection or another complication has developed. Recognizing these warning signs and seeking prompt medical care can help prevent the condition from becoming more serious.
If you’ve had an abortion and are experiencing symptoms that concern you, please reach out to a healthcare provider right away. While Pregnancy Choices cannot diagnose or treat a post-abortion infection, you do not have to sort through what comes next on your own. Our no-cost, confidential post-abortive resources and certified life coaching offer a safe place to talk through confusion, grief, or whatever you may be feeling.
Whenever you are ready, we are here. Schedule a visit today. And if you’re worried about an infection after an abortion, read on to learn more.
Why Can an Infection Develop?
An infection can occur if bacteria enter the uterus during or after an abortion. Infection may also develop as a complication of an incomplete abortion, which occurs when pregnancy tissue remains1 in the uterus after either a medical or surgical abortion.
Remaining tissue can contribute to infection and heavy bleeding. Without treatment, an infection can spread into the bloodstream and cause sepsis2, a life-threatening medical emergency.
Which Symptoms Require Medical Attention?
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience3:
- A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that lasts longer than four hours
- Severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pelvic tenderness
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Chills or flu-like symptoms
- Feeling persistently or seriously unwell
- A fast heartbeat or fainting
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness lasting more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol
Heavy bleeding, such as soaking through two thick, full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours, may signal a serious complication and also requires immediate medical attention.
These symptoms do not necessarily prove that an infection is present. A healthcare provider must evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you need treatment. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience fainting, difficulty breathing, confusion, severe weakness, or uncontrolled bleeding.
Learn More Before Making a Pregnancy Decision
If you have not had an abortion and are still considering your options, Pregnancy Choices offers no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing and evidence-based abortion information. Following a positive pregnancy test, you may also have the option of a limited obstetric ultrasound.*
You can also have an options conversation with a certified life coach who will listen without pressure. Schedule a no-cost appointment today.
Sources
- Retained Products of Conception. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21512-retained-products-of-conception
- Sepsis. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12361-sepsis
- Mifeprex. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/media/72923/download
*Pregnancy Choices offers limited obstetric ultrasounds to confirm intrauterine pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and check for fetal cardiac activity.
**Pregnancy Choices does not provide or refer for abortions.
