HomeAnswersObstetrics and GynecologymisoprostolI have retained pregnancy tissues after taking Misoprostol. Help.

How long does it take for the bleeding to stop after taking Misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Uzma Arqam

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 4, 2023
Reviewed AtNovember 29, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a single woman living in a country that banned abortions. When I found out that I was four weeks pregnant I had to terminate the pregnancy. I got three doses of Misoprostol (800 mcg each) and had excessive bleeding the whole night. I felt fine the next morning but I was still bleeding. 48 hours later I went to my gynecologist for a checkup and he told me I still have retained tissue and I need surgery. He cannot do the surgery due to my country's restrictions regarding the matter but he prescribed an antibiotic course. I have consulted other doctors also. Two doctors advised that I should do the surgery, and the third doctor prescribed a Methergine injection but I was skeptical about it and did not take it. I used another dose of Misoprostol (400 mcg), and I had a little cramp but no significant side effects. I am still bleeding, and have pain in my left side ovary that comes and goes. I am worried and cannot wait any longer especially when the word infection is at the back of my head. I still have Misoprostol pills and I need to know if another dose will be sufficient or if I still need to do surgery though I am not prepared physically, emotionally, and mentally to do it. I have IBS and severe vitamin D deficiency.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Uzma Arqam

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You did not have an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus) that needs emergency major surgery. It would be better if you would send me your scan so I could comment more easily. To remove the retained product of conception we can take the help of conservative (natural), medical (oral or per vaginal medications), or surgical evacuation. It depends on how the body reacts to management. Sometimes patients do not need even medication and the uterus becomes clean. It is good if you still have bleeding and cramps as the uterus gets contractions and responds to the last taken dose of Misoprostol. As you said, you have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and vitamin D deficiency as well. These medications are hormones that affect the whole body so you can feel irritation more than any other patient.

How long you took the antibiotic? It would be better if you took it for 7 to 14 days as you have avoided evacuation. Take the antibiotics you were using for more than seven days. Still bleeding is good as the uterus responds to get rid of extra tissues. If the retained product comes out or you feel that some extra tissues came out you can rescan to check. If cramps stop and the product remains even after stopping bleeding then only you repeat another dose. During cramps do not overstimulate the uterus as you are bleeding. Think positive. Eat healthy, nutritious food. Go for a morning or evening walk. Do a healthy intellectual or physical recreational activity to have fresh emotional well-being.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Uzma Arqam
Dr. Uzma Arqam

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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