What are the side effects of painless abortion?
Generally, as a surgical method for terminating pregnancy, painless artificial abortion may have possible side effects, including bleeding, infection, uterine perforation, intrauterine adhesion, menstrual abnormalities, and others. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Bleeding: Postoperative bleeding is common and mostly caused by damage to the endometrium during surgery. Usually, the bleeding is light, similar to menstrual flow, lasting 3–7 days before stopping spontaneously. If the bleeding is excessive or lasts too long, it may be due to poor uterine contraction or residual pregnancy tissue, requiring prompt medical attention.
2. Infection: Improper hygiene and postoperative care may lead to infections such as endometritis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Symptoms include fever, lower abdominal pain, and abnormal vaginal discharge. If not promptly treated, the infection may affect future reproductive health.
3. Uterine Perforation: This is a more serious complication, often caused by improper surgical technique or pre-existing uterine conditions. Small perforations may present no obvious symptoms, while larger ones can cause severe abdominal pain and internal bleeding, requiring emergency surgical repair.
4. Intrauterine Adhesion: Injury to the basal layer of the endometrium during surgery may lead to intrauterine adhesions. Symptoms include significantly reduced menstrual flow or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) after surgery. Severe cases may interfere with implantation of the fertilized egg, leading to secondary infertility, which requires hysteroscopic surgery to separate the adhesions.
5. Menstrual Abnormalities: Fluctuations in hormone levels and endometrial recovery after surgery may cause temporary menstrual irregularities, such as delayed menstruation or changes in menstrual flow. Most women resume normal menstrual cycles within 1–2 months; persistent abnormalities require further evaluation.
When undergoing painless artificial abortion, it is important to choose a qualified medical facility. Comprehensive preoperative examinations should be conducted, and postoperative care should follow medical advice, including avoiding strenuous physical activity and maintaining good personal hygiene, to minimize the risk of complications.