QuestionDoctor Joan
I took RU486 at the end of March, my checkup 1 week later at my checkup the tech said I passed everything but a little piece of tissue (pointing to her pinky nail saying less then this big). She said tampons are ok and I wouldnt bleed much more probably. I continues to bleed not spot till I got my period the first of May that was almost normal. Then spotting started then and pink colored discharge. 2 weeks later I got a period again, then spotting everyday of red clumps. 2 weeks later another period and finally went about 5 days for the first time with no spotting or bleeding. Then at work last weekend I had a pretty heavy bleed come on with no warning I was walking and just felt a discharge it was gone. Now I start my "normal" period Monday as expected.
I called my provider and went back in 1 time after the checkup, they just acted like I have nothing to worry about maybe my cycle was changing and I went through this at the same time. Maybe its just me being paranoid but I swear I think I notice a odor that is noticeably unpleasant, but I am horrified to try and spit this out to a person face to face. They did not so much as even examine me at all when I went back around day 40 (no one could consult with me over the phone everything was fine, I had to set an apppointment & drive 22 miles one way to be told Im fine). Im embarassed, worried, exhausted and if its not life threatening I dont think I can go voluntarily tell this problem to a soul.
AnswerDear Jackie,
I have prescribed the abortion pill for over a decade, and was an original U.S. researcher of RU486. Unfortunately, what you are describing is a normal bleeding pattern with the abortion pill. It is common to have weeks to months of irregular bleeding - intermittent spotting, period-like bledding, sudden heavy clotting. It can go on for three months, normally. You have a few choices in this situation - wait it out, or get a procedure.
However, the odor is something that should be evaluated, along with what you are describing. The odor can be a completely normal bacterial overgrowth that can go away by itself, or can be treated with antibiotics (Flagyl) if it doesn't resolve on its own. It can also be a sign that the tissue has not completely passed. Many doctors who are less experienced with the abortion pill look at the ultrasound and say it is complete, without taking a look at the cervix. It is not uncommon for a clot/tissue to get "stuck" in the cervix. Since you have an odor, they should have carefully examined the cervix with both the ultrasound, and with an examination.
FYI and for others reading this site, I am a big advocate of the Aspiration procedure - a non-surgical method that can end early pregnancy in less than 5 minutes, with immediate recovery and only a few days of bleeding. It has many advantages over the abortion pill and surgical abortion (D&C). Many women have never heard of this procedure and should take the time to learn more about the methods of ending early pregnancy. My websites are: earlyabortionoptions.com and earlyabortion.com.
I would recommend you go back for a second follow up. If you live near New York City, I would be happy to evaluate you.
I hope this is helpful to you,
Doctor Joan
