QuestionI had an abortion 2/06 at age 31. Since that time, my periods come every
month, but are extremely light, meaning very little blood. They last about 3
days, but I truly bleed only about a full day, meaning there is about 1 day
when I need to wear a pad, but the other two days, I can wear a panty liner.
Also the blood is dark, black sometimes, and often has clots. I hope to have a
baby within the next 2 years, and am afraid I won't be able to conceive. Could
this change mean I'm less fertile? What should I do?
AnswerThe light and irregular periods are completely normal for a few months following an abortion. It can take up to six months for your menstrual cycle to settle down, so I don't think you should worry. Just continue to eat healthy, iron-rich foods (lots of leafy greens) and you should be fine.
Light periods do not mean that you are less fertile, by the way. Even though you are having only light periods, it is perfectly possible for you to get pregnant right now if you have unprotected sex.
There are many studies that show that safe, uncomplicated abortions do not affect your ability to have a child in the future.
In future pregnancies, abortions do not
* cause birth defects
* cause premature birth or low infant birth weight
* make ectopic (not in the uterus) pregnancy more likely
* make miscarriage more likely
* make the risk of infant death more likely
This does not mean that abortions are GOOD for your reproductive health - it is very important to try and prevent abortions by consistently using contraceptives.
Hope this answers your question. Feel free to ask for follow-ups if you have any doubts.
