Pelvic Floor Spasm After Abortion: Understanding Trauma, Healing, and When to Seek Help

For many people, abortion is not just a physical experience—it can also carry deep emotional and psychological weight. The pelvic floor, a complex network of muscles supporting the bladder, uterus, and bowels, often responds to both physical and emotional stress, sometimes resulting in pelvic floor spasm. While some discomfort is expected after a medical abortion, ongoing pelvic pain, tension, or difficulty relaxing these muscles can indicate a need for additional care.

How Emotional Trauma Affects the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is intimately connected to the nervous system, often reacting to stress, fear, and emotional trauma by tightening. When we experience anxiety, grief, or trauma, our bodies instinctively contract and hold tension—especially in areas associated with the experience, such as the pelvis.

During and after an abortion, the body may store emotions like fear, guilt, or sadness in the pelvic floor, leading to:

✔ Involuntary muscle clenching (often without realizing it)

✔ Pelvic pain or discomfort that persists beyond the expected recovery period

✔ Pain with penetration or tampon use

✔ A feeling of heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the lower pelvis

✔ Difficulties fully emptying the bladder or bowels

What’s Normal vs. What’s Not?

While some discomfort, cramping, and light bleeding are normal after a medical abortion, pelvic pain should not be ongoing or severe. Here’s how to differentiate between normal and abnormal symptoms:

✅ Normal Symptoms (Up to 2 Weeks Post-Abortion)

• Cramping similar to period pain, gradually improving
• Mild discomfort in the pelvic area
• Occasional muscle tension due to stress or anxiety

🚨 Abnormal Symptoms (May Require Further Support)

• Pelvic pain that does not improve or worsens over time
• Persistent feelings of tightness or difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor
• Pain with penetration, including sex or tampon use
• Ongoing bladder or bowel difficulties (hesitation, incomplete emptying, constipation, or urgency)
• A burning, aching, or deep discomfort in the vaginal or pelvic area

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it may be time to seek support from a pelvic floor physiotherapist.

How to See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Through Medicare

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery for many people, but cost can be a barrier. In Australia, you may be able to access Medicare-subsidised sessions through a GP referral under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly called an Enhanced Primary Care Plan).

✔ Step 1: Visit Your GP – Explain your symptoms and request a referral for pelvic floor physiotherapy as part of a Medicare care plan.

✔ Step 2: Get Your Referral – Your GP can provide a Chronic Disease Management Plan, which may allow you to claim up to five subsidized physiotherapy sessions per year.

✔ Step 3: Book with a Physiotherapist – Find a pelvic floor specialist who accepts Medicare referrals (some clinics may still require a gap payment).

✔ Step 4: Start Treatment – A pelvic floor physiotherapist will assess muscle tension, teach relaxation techniques, and offer gentle exercises to release stored trauma and improve function.

Healing and Moving Forward

Healing from an abortion is a multi-layered process—physical, emotional, and mental. If you find yourself carrying tension, pain, or discomfort in your pelvic floor, seeking support is an act of self-care, not weakness. You deserve relief, recovery, and respect for your body’s journey.

If you’re unsure whether pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you, consider starting with a conversation with your GPor a trusted healthcare provider. Your healing matters, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

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.