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If You Skip Care After Abortion, You May Regret It for Life

An abortion due to an unplanned pregnancy or the heartbreaking experience of a miscarriage leaves deep scars on a woman. The sense of loss and guilt that comes along with physical pain is indescribable. Many people think, "The surgery is over, so I should be fine now," and neglect their recovery. However, post-abortion care is more than just recovery; it is a crucial process that determines a woman's lifelong health. Failing to recover properly can lead to various sequelae and difficulties in future pregnancies.

💡 [Key Answer] 3 most common causes for post-abortion care: ① Intrauterine stagnant blood and damage: Wounds can occur on the uterine lining during surgery, and stagnant blood that wasn't discharged can remain. ② Hormonal imbalance and loss of vitality: The sudden termination of pregnancy causes significant hormonal changes and energy depletion. ③ Psychological trauma and stress: Mental shock and stress slow down physical recovery. Dalimchae Clinic uses a constitutional improvement approach to increase the body's fundamental recovery power, minimize sequelae, and create a healthy uterine environment.

Why is recovery after abortion so important?

An abortion is as taxing on a woman's body as childbirth. Since the uterine wall is artificially scraped during the surgery, the uterus becomes weak, and immunity drops, making it easily exposed to infections. Just because the bleeding has stopped and things look fine on the outside doesn't mean the body has fully recovered. Hidden problems such as damage to the uterine lining, stagnant blood, and hormonal imbalance can have a lasting impact on women's health.

Specifically, neglecting recovery increases the risk of female diseases such as irregular periods, chronic pelvic pain, leukorrhea, and endometriosis, and also increases the likelihood of infertility or habitual miscarriage in the next pregnancy. According to a study from Curtin University published in the journal eClinicalMedicine in March 2024, women who have experienced a miscarriage have a 44% increased risk of developing gestational diabetes in subsequent pregnancies, and those with recurrent miscarriages have a 37% higher risk of preeclampsia. This suggests that a miscarriage is not just a one-time event but affects long-term women's health. Therefore, proper recovery after abortion is both a current health recovery and an essential investment for a healthy future pregnancy.

What symptoms can appear if recovery is neglected?

If post-abortion care is not done properly, various sequelae can occur. Even if these symptoms are not immediately noticeable, they can develop into chronic problems over time, so special attention is required.

• Persistent bleeding and inflammation: Mild bleeding after surgery is natural, but if it lasts more than 2-3 weeks or is heavy, residual tissue or inflammation in the uterus should be suspected. Inflammation can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease, causing chronic pain.
• Intrauterine adhesions and damage: If the uterine lining is injured during surgery, adhesions can occur. Adhesions cause reduced menstrual flow, severe cramps, and, in severe cases, can be a cause of infertility.
• Postpartum-like symptoms: Not only after childbirth but also after a miscarriage, the body becomes weak and vulnerable to cold, potentially leading to symptoms like cold hands and feet, joint pain, and a chilling sensation. According to a study published in the Korean Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1999, 82% of women who did not recover properly after a miscarriage complained of physical discomfort such as postpartum wind (Sanhupung).
• Irregular periods and cramps: Hormonal imbalance and a deteriorating uterine environment can lead to irregular menstrual cycles or worsened cramps.
• Psychological sequelae: Feelings of depression, anxiety, and guilt are common. According to a study in the journal Current Traditional Medicine in 2023, one month after a miscarriage, 32% of women met the criteria for anxiety, 16% for depression, and 28% for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This mental stress also negatively affects physical recovery.

How does Korean medicine help in recovery after abortion?

Recovery after abortion is not just a matter of time. At Dalimchae Clinic Incheon Branch, we focus on recovering the damaged uterus, regaining the balance of the entire body to prevent sequelae, and preparing a healthy body for the next pregnancy.

Eliminating stagnant blood and uterine recovery: Stagnant blood and waste products that may remain in the uterus after surgery cause inflammation and pain. In Korean medicine, herbal medicine with 'Hwalhyeol-geo-eo' (invigorating blood and removing stasis) action is prescribed to gently discharge stagnant blood and help regenerate the damaged uterine lining. According to a meta-analysis study published in the journal Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs in 2022, the group of patients who took Shenghua Decoction (3016 subjects) after an abortion had a 14% higher complete abortion rate (RR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.10 - 1.18; p<0.01) compared to the control group and showed significant effects in shortening the duration of vaginal bleeding and menstrual recovery time. Researchers concluded that Shenghua Decoction helps uterine contraction and promotes the discharge of stagnant blood, contributing to faster uterine recovery. These results support Dalimchae Clinic's treatment philosophy focused on removing stasis and uterine recovery.

Boosting vitality and constitutional improvement: After an abortion, the loss of Qi and blood is large, making the body prone to weakness. Especially being vulnerable to cold, one can suffer from symptoms similar to postpartum wind. At Dalimchae Clinic, we meticulously diagnose each patient's constitution and current state to prescribe personalized herbal medicine that boosts Qi and blood, regains body warmth, and strengthens immunity. Making a body where symptoms don't turn back on, rather than just turning them off — this is the principle of Dalimchae Clinic's constitutional improvement treatment. Beyond just alleviating immediate symptoms, the goal is to build immunity and self-healing power so that the woman's body can recover on its own and maintain a healthy state. This constitutional improvement is also an essential process for healthily preparing for the next pregnancy.

Psychological stability: Along with physical recovery, psychological support is also important. Korean medicine treatment can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety and regain psychological stability by stabilizing the Gut-Brain Axis, which is the link between the uterus and the mind. We promote the holistic health of women through the harmonious recovery of body and mind.

Check your recovery after abortion yourself!

If 3 or more of the following apply, you are in a state where post-abortion care is needed. We recommend reviewing the Korean medicine complex treatment at Dalimchae Clinic Incheon Branch. If 5 or more apply, it is better to visit immediately for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

• Bleeding has lasted for more than 2 weeks after surgery or the amount has increased.
• Lower abdominal pain or pelvic pain persists or has worsened.
• The menstrual cycle has become irregular or cramps have become severe.
• Postpartum-like symptoms such as cold hands and feet or aching joints are felt.
• You get tired easily, have no energy, and feel lethargic.
• You feel depressed or anxious for no special reason and have trouble sleeping.
• Vaginal discharge has changed, such as an increase in leukorrhea or an odor.
• You are planning a next pregnancy but have a vague fear of miscarriage.

Q. How long is the recovery period after abortion?

A. Generally, at least 2 weeks of sufficient rest is needed after surgery, and it takes about 1 to 3 months for the uterus to fully recover. During this period, it is important to combine appropriate Korean medicine treatment at Dalimchae Clinic, which specializes in recovery after miscarriage in Incheon.

Q. Is it okay to continue bleeding after abortion? A. Mild bleeding after surgery is a natural phenomenon, but if the amount is large or lasts more than 2 weeks, residual tissue or inflammation in the uterus should be suspected. This can lead to future complications, so it is recommended to visit Incheon Dalimchae Clinic for an accurate examination.

Q. Can irregular periods after abortion also be treated with Korean medicine? A. Yes, Korean medicine helps to correct the disrupted hormonal balance and improve the uterine environment to restore a normal menstrual cycle. The constitutional improvement treatment of Dalimchae Clinic, an Incheon women's clinic, is effective.

Q. When is the next pregnancy possible after abortion? A. It is recommended to try to conceive after the uterus has fully recovered and the normal menstrual cycle has returned 2 to 3 times. As there are individual differences, it is important to consult with the medical staff of Dalimchae Clinic to set a plan suitable for your body's condition.

Recovery after abortion is not a problem that can be solved by enduring. You no longer have to ignore the signals your body has been sending for a long time. If approached in the right direction, the body responds faster than you think. Bring your symptoms exactly as they are. Dalimchae Clinic will find the cause together.

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This article is health information compiled by Dalimchae medical staff based on questions frequently received in the treatment room. Medical Supervision | Women's and Pregnancy Treatment Standards Dalimchae Clinic Incheon Branch Korean Medicine Doctor Min Jihong (Recovery After Miscarriage Column)