Love Beauty >> Love Beauty >  >> FAQ >> Beauty and Health >> Womens Health >> Abortion

Understanding Post-Abortion Complications: Blood Clots and D&C


Question
QUESTION: hi my name is isabel i had an abortion six weeks ago when i was 15 weeks pregnant an since that time i have been having bleeding on and off so i went to the doctor they did an ultrasound and they found out that i have blood cloths and that is the reason, so they say that i need to get a d & c again and i am very afraid of going through a surgery again but they also said that there is a possibility that the cloths come out by themselves and  i want to know do u think something bad can happened if i wait to see if that happen ? and i also want to know what is the difference between a vacuum aspiration and a D & C? THANK YOU

ANSWER: Hello, isabel,

I can understand your reluctance to have more surgery. The blood clots could indicate several things, and only a doctor who sees you can tell for sure. As long as you are not bleeding heavily, and especially if the blood is brown, there may not be a major concern. But six weeks is a long time to bleed anyway. It isn't good for you to bleed so long. If your uterus was damaged, then it might keep bleeding where the damage occurred. Damage is fairly common. They're operating blind. At 15 weeks, there is more possibility of damage. Depending on how severe the damage is, they could have to do a hysterectomy. However, from what you are telling me, that isn't something they are considering.

I urge you to get a second opinion, from a doctor who wasn't involved in the abortion.

There are three types of abortions which are surgical in nature, which are commonly done.

In your case, probably what you had was a D&E. This stands for "dilatation and extraction". In this, they slice up the body and remove the pieces.

A D&C is the same process as a D&E, but used on earlier pregnancies. It stands for "dilatation and curettage".

A vacuum aspiration uses a hose which is attached to a machine that produces a vacuum. It is used to suck out the material. An edge like a curette is used as well.

I hope this helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: yes, what i had done was a D& E but can U please tell me what a hysterectomy is? and what are the three types of abortion? thanks so much!

Answer
Hi, isabel,

I did describe three most common types of surgical abortion. Abortions can be done by other means. But let's not even go there.

A hysterectomy is when the doctor surgically removes your uterus. If this is necessary, you will not be able to have any children in the future. So let's hope and pray that your condition can be brought under control.

You're welcome.