What you might experience following an abortion

After an abortion, you might be required to remain at the abortion facility or hospital for a time so that you can be monitored for problems or complications. You might also be given an antibiotic to prevent infection and other medication that helps contract your uterus and reduce bleeding. You might also be given pain control medication. Your doctor will instruct you regarding recovery. Your abortion provider might also instruct you to contact the physician who performed the abortion procedure, and/or make contact with a local emergency treatment facility if heavy bleeding occurs (2 or more pads/hour), pain is severe or not controlled by pain medication, you have fever, you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, or you become disoriented.

It is normal for you to have some cramping, caused by the contraction of your uterus, and a small amount of bleeding after having any type of abortion. It is important that you return to your physician for a follow-up visit as instructed by your abortion provider.

Is there a link between breast cancer and abortion?

Studies on this issue have reached differing conclusions. Some studies indicate that there is no increased risk of breast cancer after a woman has had an abortion. Other studies indicate that there might be an increased risk. If you have a family history of breast cancer or have clinical findings of breast disease, you should seek the advice of your physician in order to be informed.