Treatment, Causes, Warning Signs of Infection After Abortion
Several women who have had an abortion or miscarriage often complain of various problems. However, abortion is a very safe procedure when performed during the early stages of pregnancy and when performed through a reputable clinic. The appearance of problems after an abortion is very rare since the doctor usually prescribes antibiotics to cure and reduce the chances or signs of infection after the abortion, which are again very low. However, there are cases where infections have occurred and therefore it is always wise to watch out for some warning signs of infection after an abortion.
What does it mean to have an incomplete abortion?
Before you go ahead and learn more about the warning signs of infections after an abortion, you must know what an incomplete abortion is all about. In simple terms, an incomplete abortion is a condition where the abortion is not complete and some of the pregnancy-related products are present in the uterus even after the procedure is completed. This normally occurs when there is a miscarriage, which means that the abortion occurs without the woman's knowledge.
Warning signs of infection after an abortion
As mentioned above, it is very rare for any medical problems to arise after an abortion, but if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned below, it is time to seek immediate medical help. These are also the warning signs of infection after an abortion to watch for;
1. Heavy bleeding
Although heavy bleeding is common after an abortion, it should not be prolonged. If you have bleeding that absorbs more than 2-3 pads in less than 2 hours. It is definitely time for you to call your doctor.
2. Pain with cramps for more than 4-5 days
It is common for women to experience cramps after an abortion, and these can sometimes last for about 2 weeks and occur intermittently. Your doctor may suggest some pain relievers ease the pain, and you can also use a heating pad to ease any pain or discomfort. In case following the steps above does not bring you relief, you should see your doctor immediately. One of the causes of pain can be an infection. The other symptoms to check for in such a situation are fever and chills, foul-smelling discharge from the vagina, and general lethargy.
3. Very high temperature
If you have very high temperatures, you likely have an infection. In such cases, you can take paracetamol immediately and consult your doctor. The clinic can run some tests to confirm if you have an infection or not. You should also drink plenty of fluids in such a case.
4. Dizziness or malaise
Women do not normally show any hormonal changes for at least a week to ten days after an abortion. After an abortion, your body returns to normal and this is the time when most women complain of headaches or feeling very hot or cold. However, if you feel very unwell or have a faint sensation, you should see your GP immediately. Your doctor may prescribe some antibiotics for the abortion infection.
5. Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
If you have severe pain or even discomfort in your tummy, it may be due to a very serious complication, and chances of infection cannot be ruled out.
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should visit your doctor immediately. Yeast infection after an abortion is also quite common and some of the causes of it are discussed below.
Causes of infection after abortion
The chances of getting an infection after an abortion are very low. But as mentioned, an infection can occur due to various reasons and some of them are listed below;
- There may be a possibility of infection if the abortion has been performed by doctors who are not sufficiently qualified.
- When the abortion has been performed traditionally and not in a clinic or medical setting.
- The chances of infection are high if the abortion is done during late pregnancy.
- Infection can also occur if the woman uses any device internally. Some examples of these devices are tampons or douches.
- Women who have an existing sexual disease such as chlamydia or gonorrhea are at high risk for infection after an abortion.
- Infection after discharge from abortion is also common.
- Infection in the uterus can also cause problems after an abortion.
- Incomplete abortion can also cause infections.
- When any of the above conditions exist, there is a possibility of getting an infection after the abortion procedure is completed.
How to avoid infection after the abortion?
It is important to know that every medical procedure has some risks. But there are certain precautions you can take to avoid complications. Always make sure you have someone present when you go for the abortion procedure. Make sure it is done by a professional and qualified doctor. Make sure you don't put anything in your vagina until you have a regular period after the abortion. You should also take prescription medications, especially antibiotics to avoid complications. Don't drink alcohol or smoke until you are back to normal.
Also, women who have had an abortion should avoid taking bubble baths or swimming. Also, in case you have had repeat miscarriages, you should know that the risk of infection is high. Hence, it is good to use preventive measures than opting for an abortion every time.
How to treat infection after an abortion?
Infection after an abortion is a medical emergency and in many cases very immediate treatment is necessary. Be sure to always look for signs of infection after an abortion and seek medical help as soon as you see some. Women who have an infection can sometimes be hospitalized and any retained products from the pregnancy are removed from the uterus. Second, antibiotics are given to the patient, as they help prevent new infections.
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