Signs of Infection to Watch For Following Your Medical Abortion

While an early-stage medical abortion is incredibly safe, like any medical procedure, it's important to know what signs might indicate a complication.

While infections are rare, knowing what to look out for helps ensure you can seek care promptly if needed. Here are the key signs that may indicate an infection:

1. Fever:
   • A persistent fever higher than 38°C (100.4°F) beyond 24 hours after taking misoprostol.
2. Cold and Flu-like Symptoms:
   • These may include chills, muscle aches, and general malaise that persist or worsen.
3. Ongoing Abdominal Pain:
   • Lower abdominal cramping or pain that does not subside after taking prescribed pain relief.
4. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge:
   • Discharge that is yellow or green in colour, or has a foul smell, can indicate an infection.
5. Heavy or Prolonged Bleeding:
   • Bleeding that exceeds expected levels, or that continues heavily for more than 14 days.

What to Do If You Suspect an Infection:

• Contact Aunty Jane: If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact Aunty Jane or your healthcare provider immediately for an assessment.
• Seek Emergency Care: If symptoms are severe, such as high fever, severe abdominal pain, or significant bleeding, visit your nearest Emergency Department.

Treatment for Infection:

• Antibiotics: Most infections are treated successfully with a course of antibiotics.
• Further Intervention: In rare cases, a surgical procedure such as a Dilation and Curettage (D&C) may be necessary to remove retained tissue.

Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Infection:

1. Avoid Inserting Anything Into the Vagina:
   • For the first 7 days after taking misoprostol, avoid penetrative sex, inserting fingers, tampons, menstrual cups or pleasure toys.
2. Avoid Baths and Swimming:
   • Stick to showers during this period to minimise the risk of bacteria entering the vagina.
3. Practice Good Hygiene:
   • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the toilet or changing pads.

When to Call Emergency Services:

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• An altered level of consciousness or confusion.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or rapid heart rate.
• Consistent dizziness or episodes of fainting.
• Soaking a maxi pad every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
• Passing large clots bigger than the size of a tennis ball.
• Severe abdominal pain lasting 2 hours with taking pain relief.

Recognising and addressing signs of infection early ensures a safe recovery. If you're ever in doubt, reaching out to your healthcare provider is always the best step.

The information provided on this website by Aunty Jane in any format or medium, are for general information purposes only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The information made available by Aunty Jane do not provide personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To the extent permitted by law, Aunty Jane disclaims all liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information provided. For specific medical concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

1. Family Planning NSW. "Medical Abortion Information." Accessed at https://www.fpnsw.org.au/factsheets/individuals/abortion/medical-abortion-information.
2. HealthDirect Australia. "Abortion – Surgical and Medical Options." Accessed at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/abortion-surgical-and-medical-options.
3. World Health Organization (WHO). "Safe Abortion: Technical and Policy Guidance for Health Systems." Accessed at https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241548434.
4. National Abortion Federation (NAF). "Post-Abortion Care and Complications." Accessed at https://prochoice.org/resources/clinical-policy-guidelines/.