One potential complication following an abortion procedure is an incomplete abortion. This happens when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, rather than being fully expelled. If left untreated, an incomplete abortion can lead to serious health issues that require immediate medical care.

Hope Women’s Center offers free and confidential medical services and support. If you’ve had an abortion or are experiencing unusual symptoms, we’re here to walk with you. Our medical staff provides counseling, reliable support, and a safe place to get the answers you need.

Recognizing the Symptoms

An incomplete abortion can happen after a surgical or medical abortion, but the risk is generally higher during second-trimester procedures. As symptoms can sometimes resemble common post-abortion side effects, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention.

Possible symptoms of an incomplete abortion include:

• Heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding
• Fever
• Pelvic pain
• Infection
• Missed menstrual period
• Enlarged, tender uterus

If you’re unsure about what you’re experiencing, don’t wait. Seeking care quickly can prevent further complications and provide peace of mind.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your healthcare provider will use various methods to diagnose an incomplete abortion, including:

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test to determine whether high levels of this hormone are present, potentially indicating an incomplete abortion
• Ultrasound (i.e., transvaginal) to check for a thick uterine lining or masses
• Hysteroscopy to examine the uterus for abnormal tissue
• Dilation & curettage (D&C) procedure to identify retained tissue

Once this condition has been diagnosed, it’s possible you may wait for the retained tissue to pass naturally. However, your provider might recommend treatment options, including:

• Misoprostol to cause the uterus to contract and expel the tissue
• Dilation & curettage (D&C) to remove the tissue from the uterus

Risks associated with these treatments include heavy bleeding and infection, and it’s critical to be aware of potential complications. It’s also important to note that delaying treatment for an incomplete abortion can increase the risk of severe complications such as:

• Anemia due to blood loss
• Infection (which can cause reproductive organ damage or sepsis)
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Asherman’s syndrome (uterine scarring that can lead to future miscarriages and infertility)

You’re Not Alone

If you’re recovering from an abortion and facing unexpected symptoms, Hope Women’s Center offers compassionate medical and emotional support. Our services include post-abortion exams provided by licensed medical professionals to evaluate your health and provide clarity.

Your well-being matters. Request a free and confidential appointment today or call us at 972-562-4673. 

Hope Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions. 

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.