Severe Bleeding After Abortion: Causes and Management

Last Updated on 02/25/2026 by Farid Helal

Abortion is a medical procedure. It ends a pregnancy. Some bleeding is normal after abortion. Severe bleeding after abortion is a concern. It requires prompt medical attention. Understanding the causes is crucial. Knowing how to manage it is also key.

Recognizing the warning signs and understanding the causes of severe bleeding after abortion could save your life. Keep reading to learn more about this important topic.

In this article, we will explore Post Abortion Severe Bleeding and its causes. We will also discuss management strategies. Our goal is to provide accurate information.

What is Abortion?

Abortion is the process ending a pregnancy, it is a common medical procedure. There are different types of abortion. Read more about (Induced Abortion: Reasons, Pros and Cons, Complications, and How to Manage Them).

• Medical Abortion using medications to end early pregnancies.
• Surgical Abortion involves a procedure that removes the pregnancy tissue.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C). this is a common surgical method to end pregnancy.
• Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is used for later abortions.

Normal Bleeding After Abortion

Some bleeding is expected that is similar to a period. It can last for a few days or weeks after abortion.

Causes of Post Abortion Severe Bleeding

There are several factors that can cause severe bleeding after an abortion, including:

1. Incomplete abortion:
   If the abortion procedure is not completed successfully, some fetal tissue may remain in the uterus. This can lead to bleeding.
2. Uterine perforation:
   During the abortion procedure, the uterus may be accidentally punctured, leading to severe bleeding.
3. Infection:
   An abortion must be performed in a sterile environment. Otherwise, it can result in severe bleeding. Similarly, if the woman has an underlying infection, it can also lead to severe bleeding.
4. Blood clotting disorders:
   Women with blood clotting disorders are at a higher risk of severe bleeding after an abortion.
5. Medication:
   Some medications, such as blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase the risk of bleeding.

Other Post-abortion complications

Abortion, as mentioned above, is generally considered safe, but there are several complications that may occur. We discussed severe bleeding, here are other complications of abortion including:

Infection

It is a potential complication of any surgical procedure, including abortion. If the abortion is not performed in a sterile environment, it can lead to infection of the uterus. It can also infect the fallopian tubes or other reproductive organs. An underlying infection in the woman can also cause this. Symptoms of infection may include fever, abdominal pain, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

Uterine perforation

This is a rare but serious complication that can occur during an abortion. It happens when the uterus is accidentally punctured during the procedure. Symptoms may include severe pain, heavy bleeding, and difficulty breathing. If uterine perforation is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Incomplete abortion

An incomplete abortion is a complication. It occurs when the abortion procedure is not completed successfully. Some fetal tissue remains in the uterus. Symptoms may include heavy bleeding, cramping, and fever. If incomplete abortion is suspected, additional medical treatment may be required to remove any remaining tissue from the uterus.

Emotional and psychological effects

Abortion can affect a woman emotionally and psychologically. It can lead to feelings of guilt, regret, and depression. It is important for women to seek emotional support from family, friends, or a mental health professional if needed.

Management of Severe Bleeding After Abortion

If you experience severe bleeding after an abortion, it is essential to seek medical attention. Here are some steps that may be taken to manage severe bleeding: Read More: (Bleeding After Abortion: How to Manage?).

1. Manual Vacuum Aspiration:
   If the bleeding results from an incomplete abortion, a doctor can perform manual vacuum aspiration. This is a procedure that removes any remaining fetal tissue from the uterus.
2. Medication:
   Medications such as oxytocin and misoprostol may be prescribed to help stop the bleeding.
3. Surgery:
   In some cases, surgery may be required to stop the bleeding. This may involve removing the uterus or performing a hysterectomy.
4. Blood transfusion:
   If the bleeding is severe, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace lost blood.

Preventing Severe Bleeding After Abortion

It is not always possible to prevent bleeding after an abortion, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of sever bleeding:

1. Follow post-procedure instructions:
   You have to follow all the instructions provided by your doctor. Avoid sex or any strenuous activity.
2. Attend follow-up appointments:
   Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure that the procedure was successful and to detect any potential complications.
3. Avoid medication that can increase bleeding risk:
   Women who are at risk of bleeding should avoid certain medications. These include blood thinners and NSAIDs, as they can increase the bleeding risk.

SUMMARY

Abortion is generally safe, but complications may occur including severe bleeding after abortion, which is considered a serious complication. It requires immediate medical attention. It is not always possible to prevent it. However, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk. If you experience severe bleeding after an abortion, seek medical attention immediately.