Abortion is a medical procedure that, when performed correctly, typically does not cause major physical complications. However, like any medical intervention, complications can sometimes occur. One such complication is an incomplete abortion—a condition that can pose serious health risks to you if left untreated.
Understanding the signs of an incomplete abortion can be crucial to protecting your health and well-being. Whether you’ve had a medical abortion, surgical abortion, or experienced a miscarriage, knowing what to watch for can help you seek timely care and prevent further complications.
In this guide, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for incomplete abortions. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health.
What Is an Incomplete Abortion?
An incomplete abortion occurs when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus following a miscarriage or abortion. This retained tissue can cause ongoing bleeding, infection, or other medical issues.
While not everyone experiences complications, untreated incomplete abortions can become life-threatening, especially if an infection sets in. That’s why early recognition and intervention are essential.
What Causes an Incomplete Abortion?
Pregnancy tissue can be left in the uterus after both spontaneous miscarriages and induced abortions, whether the abortion is medical (using medication) or surgical.
- Medical Abortion
A medical abortion involves taking pills (usually mifepristone and misoprostol) to terminate a pregnancy. While effective in most cases, there’s a 7-10% chance that not all of the pregnancy tissue will be expelled. This is more common if the medication is taken after the first trimester, though incomplete abortions can still occur in earlier stages.
- Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion methods such as vacuum aspiration or dilation and curettage (D&C) are generally more thorough. However, if the uterus is not fully cleared, an incomplete abortion can still happen—especially in procedures performed later in pregnancy.
- Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)
An incomplete miscarriage occurs when some tissue remains inside the uterus. Many women don’t realize that miscarriages can also result in retained products of conception (RPOC), requiring medical management.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of an incomplete abortion:
- Undergoing an abortion in the second trimester
- Using abortion medication improperly or too late
- Having certain uterine abnormalities
- History of multiple pregnancies or abortions
- Infections or chronic illnesses
Common Symptoms of an Incomplete Abortion
Recognizing the signs of an incomplete abortion early can help prevent severe complications. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Persistent Vaginal Bleeding
While bleeding is normal after an abortion, heavy or prolonged bleeding may indicate retained tissue. If you’re soaking more than one pad per hour for several hours, seek medical attention.
- Lower Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
Cramping is a natural part of the recovery process, but if the pain becomes intense or localized to one side, it could signal a complication.
- Pelvic Cramping That Doesn’t Subside
Normal post-abortion cramps should improve over time. If cramping continues or worsens, it could suggest the uterus is trying to expel remaining tissue.
4. Signs of Infection
An untreated incomplete abortion can lead to infection, which is a medical emergency. Watch for these signs:
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Chills or body aches
- Fatigue or general feeling of being unwell
If you’re experiencing any of these post-abortion symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
Why Seeking Medical Help Matters
Many women may feel embarrassed or hesitant to seek help, but it’s vital to remember that your health is the top priority. There is no shame in seeking medical care after an abortion or miscarriage—especially if something feels “off.”
Health professionals are trained to provide non-judgmental support and treatment. Early detection and proper care can prevent more serious outcomes such as sepsis, infertility, or even death in rare cases.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Incomplete Abortion
If you visit a provider with symptoms of an incomplete abortion, they will usually perform one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound to detect retained tissue
- Blood tests to assess hormone levels or infection
Treatment Options
Depending on the severity of your condition and how far along you are, treatment may include:
1. Expectant Management
Sometimes, the body expels the remaining tissue naturally. Your provider may recommend monitoring your condition with follow-up visits and ultrasounds.
2. Medical Treatment
You may be prescribed misoprostol to help your uterus expel the remaining tissue. This option is less invasive and often used for early pregnancies.
3. Surgical Intervention
If bleeding is severe or tissue is not expelled, a surgical procedure such as dilation and curettage (D&C) may be necessary. This procedure removes retained tissue from the uterus.
Can an Incomplete Abortion Be Prevented?
While not all incomplete abortions can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Follow medical instructions carefully if undergoing a medical abortion
- Choose a licensed provider for abortion procedures
- Attend follow-up appointments to ensure complete uterine evacuation
- Listen to your body—seek help if something doesn’t feel right
Emotional Impact of an Incomplete Abortion
It’s important to acknowledge the emotional toll that abortion and miscarriage—especially when complicated—can take. Anxiety, sadness, guilt, and grief are all common reactions. Don’t hesitate to seek emotional support from a counselor, support group, or trusted healthcare provider.
At Ava Health, our team is here not just for your physical health but also to provide compassionate care for your emotional well-being. You are not alone.
Ava Health Is Here for You
We offer confidential, no-cost appointments to discuss your symptoms and connect you with appropriate medical resources. While Ava Health does not provide or refer for abortions, we are fully equipped to help you understand your options and prioritize your well-being.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If you are experiencing any of the following incomplete abortion symptoms, do not wait—go to the emergency room or contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (more than one pad per hour)
- Severe pelvic or abdominal pain
- Fever over 100.4°F lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Difficulty breathing or extreme fatigue
Prompt medical attention can make all the difference in ensuring a healthy recovery.
Conclusion: Know the Signs, Protect Your Health
An incomplete abortion is a serious condition that requires attention. The key to protecting your health is awareness, vigilance, and timely care. Don’t ignore the signs—persistent bleeding, ongoing cramps, and signs of infection are all red flags.
You deserve to feel safe, supported, and informed. At Ava Health, we’re here to listen, guide, and care for you—without judgment. If you have concerns or symptoms, request a confidential, no-cost appointment today and get the support you need.
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance, please consult with your primary healthcare provider, as we are a screening clinic.
