Post-Medical Abortion Exercise & Recovery: Pain, Bleeding, and Healing

Question
Hi,

I took my second set of pills in my medical abortion on Sunday 8/02, on 8/05 I resumed my normal, fairly strenous workout regime.  After I suffered severe cramps and more bleeding than I had been experiencing, the cramps have not entirely gone away.  I would like to know whether this pain is just superficial or whether I am delaying the healing process in any way by continuing to exercise.  Additionally, wearing pads makes working out very difficult, when is the earliest I may wear tampons?

Thank you!

Answer
Dear Rachel,
It is common and normal to have cramping and bleeding after working out the first few times after any time of abortion, including the abortion pill.  It is fairly common for there to be blood, clots, and even somtimes a minimal amount of menstrual tissue (looks like white or brown paper wet paper towel) remaining in the uterus after the abortion.  When you exercise, your uterus is stimulated to contract (causing cramping), and this helps expel whatever is in your uterus.  There is nothing to be concerned about, in fact it's healthy.  You can go ahead and use tampons, but change them frequently.  If the cramping is persistent and doesn't respond to motrin, or continues after a few more work-outs, you should get an evaluation.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City