Is it normal to have intermittent abdominal pain after a medical abortion?
Generally, medical abortion refers to terminating a pregnancy using medications that induce uterine contractions to expel the embryonic tissue from the body. Whether experiencing cramping after a medical abortion is normal mainly depends on the severity of the pain and accompanying symptoms. Mild pain without abnormal symptoms is usually normal. However, prolonged and severe pain with associated symptoms is not normal. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. The details are as follows:
If the pain is not very intense and there is no heavy bleeding, fever, or other abnormal symptoms, such cramping is typically a normal reaction. It is usually short-lived, lasting from several hours to a few days, and gradually subsides as the embryonic tissue is completely expelled. Pain can be relieved through methods such as warm compresses or massage.
If the pain continuously worsens and is accompanied by increased vaginal discharge, fever, a sensation of pelvic pressure, or other abnormalities, it may indicate an infection such as cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease. In such cases, the pain may become persistent rather than intermittent, and timely medical care is necessary. Under a doctor's guidance, anti-inflammatory treatment with medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, metronidazole tablets, or levofloxacin tablets may be required.
It is recommended that women avoid sexual intercourse for at least one month after a medical abortion, maintain good external genital hygiene, clean the genital area daily, and change underwear regularly to prevent infection.