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Recovery of Abortion
No clinical procedure is entirely free from risk but abortion poses few risks to a womans physical health, particularly when provided in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some women may experience some period type pains and there may be a few days of gradually lessening bleeding. Most women are able to return to their usual activities within a day or so of their abortion.
The main risk after an abortion is infection in the womb caused by a failure to empty it completely. This will show itself by heavy bleeding from the vagina and sometimes some period-like pain. This is usually treated with antibiotics.
Women are usually advised to avoid sexual intercourse for two weeks after treatment.
Women vary greatly in their emotional response to having an abortion. Research evidence suggests that abortion does not lead to long-term emotional or psychological problems. However, some women can experience feelings of sadness or guilt after an abortion, and post abortion counselling services are widely available.
If you are experiencing either physical or emotional problems after an abortion, always seek advice from your GP, a family planning clinic or pregnancy advisory service.
