No period following surgical termination, please help

[canderella]

I am so scared. I had a SA 5 weeks ago. 2 and a half weeks ago my partner and I had intercourse but the condom tore. I had a strong suspicion I was ovulating at the time (due to cervical mucus etc.) therefore I took the Ellaone MAP but decided to have the coil fitted also as a secondary precaution as I couldn't go through it again. I still have very light dark coloured spotting, but no cramps no sore boobs or headaches or mood swings. I am 100% not pregnant I have tested and all negative. I dont want to go to my GP as this isnt my first SA but I am terrified my cycle wont return. Has anyone any advice based on their experience?

If you had a surgical abortion, it’s possible that damage has been done to your uterine cavity. This can ruin your lining/scar your cervix and so you either stop having periods or you just get very light spotting. I would give it a bit longer and if your period still hasn’t returned, I would consult a doctor and mention Asherman’s Syndrome. It’s a very common (but very underdiagnosed) consequence of any kind of uterine surgery, including termination. The main symptoms or lack of/lighter periods after surgery and infertility. I had a SA 3 years ago, my periods are basically just spotting and I’m currently being tested for Asherman’s (scar tissue in the uterine cavity/cervix/tubes) It can cause endometriosis from backflow of blood that’s unable to escape too. This is worst case scenario of course and is probably not the case for you but most women don’t even know about it and wouldn’t think of it as an issue so I thought t was just best to make you aware, just I’m case. Hopefully your cycle will return to normal soon. Good luck.

Before I get to go through a procedure I needed to attend a 2 hour appointment yesterday where I spoke with nurse, dr, nurse, and another nurse to understand everything and also to then go away and have a couple of more days to be certain of my decision.
However, at that appointment yesterday I also took the decision to have the mirena coil inserted at the same time as the procedure and the dr & nurse were both very clear in letting me know that the coil would lead to much lighter periods and possibly even stop them altogether. Given my age (40) that may be more helpful to me as many women's periods start to get heavier as they get into their 40s anyway. So it may be that the coil will lead to a change in your cycle rather than the SA which has made changes. That said they also offered a copper coil and I think she said that can make periods heavier so it may depend on what you have been given. Is there any way of getting in touch with the team who took you through the procedure and gave your initial advice - they may be able to clear things up for you. Am i right in thinking you are concerned because your period is due around now and all you have is a light flow of dark spotting? I'd keep testing just for my own piece of mind given the stress you have been under but I imagine your body (and mind) probably needs some time to recover from everything.

I am now terrified bubblegum 😱

canderella please don’t be! It is probably nothing as extreme as that but I just wanted you to be aware that it is a possibility. I was never told that it was a risk of the surgery. If I had known, I would never have gone through with it. I have been ttc for 15 months now with no luck despite falling pregnant twice in the past whilst on the pill, and it seems my surgery caused enough damage to make me infertile. Thousands of women have surgical abortions every year and it’s such a small percentage that end up with damage to their uterus etc. I’m one of the unlucky ones. If you’re concerned about the lack of periods, speak to your GP. They will be able to check you over to see what the reason is and obviously, if they have any concerns, they can begin investigations but I’m sure you have nothing to worry about!

I know this thread is a few weeks ago, hoping you see it Bubblegum89.

I had a surgical termination nearly 6 weeks ago and I'm still waiting for my period, only odd thing is last week (5 weeks after the procedure) (and what I think would be about 14 days post ovulation) I had excruiating cramps what I thought was just my period coming on, I broke out in sweats, was sick a few times and was in agony - so close to calling an ambulance the cramps were that bad) I called the clinic where I had the surgical procedure to see what they suggested but they said it could be period cramps and to wait it out. 4 days later nothing just the odd right sided pains again.

I'm starting to worry that maybe I have ashermans and wondered how you are getting on with any tests you are having?

I saw my GP the same day I had the excruciating painful cramps and they did an internal swab which they sent away for testing but did not seem overly concerned that I had not yet had my period. Neither did the clinic.

Any help/further advice you could give re Ashermans would be gratefully received :)

@canderella I don't want to scare you but if you've had no period and no sign of it you should definitely see your gp. I had a SA over four weeks ago. Coil fitted during it etc. didn't bleed or cramp at all until 4 week mark. Thought it was period then the bleeding stopped. Then two days later suffered a severe bleed just like a miscarriage. Rushed to hospital, emergency surgery for an incomplete abortion.
On the nhs site it states the risk for failed SA is 1 in 20. I had no idea before this.
Again. I don't want to scare u but I'd suggest getting checked asap and an ultrasound as it can be fatal if just left to wait and see