How can I prevent and spot an infection after an abortion

How does an infection happen after an abortion?

After an abortion, the neck of the womb is slightly open for a short time, and the lining of the womb is healing, much as it does after a period. During this time, germs from outside, or from the vagina, can occasionally travel upwards into the womb. If they settle there, they can cause an infection of the lining of the womb, and if it is not treated, the infection can spread to the tubes and the tissues around them. That is why early action matters. An infection that is caught early usually settles fully with treatment, while one that is left alone can make you very unwell and can affect future fertility. The risk is lower when care is given properly, in a clean setting, and when the womb is completely emptied. Serious infections are most often linked to abortions done without a doctor, in unsafe conditions.

How do single-use instruments and sterile care protect me?

The first protection is cleanliness, and it starts before you ever go home. Every instrument used in your care is 100% single-use disposable: sealed, opened fresh for you, used only for you and then discarded. Nothing that has touched another patient ever touches you, so there is no cross-contamination between patients. Around that, everything is done with sterile technique, from the gloves and drapes to the way the procedure room is prepared. Where it is right for you, the doctor may also give you medicines to prevent infection, to be taken exactly as advised. You can read more in our guide to single-use disposables in abortion care. These protections are quiet and easy to overlook, but they are among the strongest safeguards against infection that modern medicine offers.

How does real-time ultrasound help prevent infection?

Every surgical procedure we carry out, whether suction or D and C, is done under real-time ultrasound guidance. The doctor watches your womb on the screen throughout. This lowers the risk of complications such as perforation, and it shows the exact moment the womb is empty. That matters for infection, because tissue left behind in the womb can be a cause of infection and bleeding; seeing on the screen that the womb is empty helps lower that risk. It also means the procedure stops right there, with no unnecessary scraping, or over-curettage. Being gentle with the lining of the womb helps it heal well, and helps protect it for future pregnancies. If you have an abortion with medicines instead, a follow-up check, often with a scan, confirms that the pregnancy has passed completely.

What can I do at home to lower the risk?

A few simple habits make a real difference while your body heals. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons or a menstrual cup until your bleeding has settled and we tell you it is fine. Avoid intercourse for the time we advise, usually until the bleeding has stopped. A daily shower is good, but avoid swimming, and avoid sitting in a bath or a tub of water, for the time we advise. Do not douche or put anything inside the vagina. Wash your hands before and after changing a pad, and change pads often. Take any medicines we give you exactly as advised, and finish the course. And please keep your follow-up visit, because it is how we confirm that everything has healed. Our guide to recovery after an abortion covers the rest of the first days.

What are the early signs of an infection?

Some cramping and bleeding like a period is normal after an abortion, and it should gradually settle; our guide to bleeding after an abortion explains what to expect. Infection feels different. Watch for a fever, or feeling shivery, achy and unwell as if you have flu; pain in your lower tummy that is getting worse instead of better, or a tummy that feels tender to touch; a discharge from the vagina that smells bad or looks unusual; and bleeding that becomes heavier instead of settling, or carries on for longer than you were told to expect. These signs do not always mean infection, but each of them deserves a call. It is always better to ask early than to wait and hope.

When should I call, and when should I come in straight away?

Call or message us promptly if you notice any of the early signs above. We will ask a few questions and tell you whether you need to be seen. Come in straight away if you have a high fever, feel faint or dizzy, have a racing heartbeat, have severe pain, or are bleeding heavily enough to soak through pads very quickly. If you are far away and feel very unwell, go to the nearest hospital at once, and tell them you recently had an abortion so they can help you quickly. Please do not buy medicines from a pharmacy to treat yourself; the right treatment depends on being examined. Infections that are found early usually settle well with treatment, and nobody here will judge you for asking.

Is this care lawful, private and given in person?

Yes. Abortion care is lawful in India under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, and ours is provided at a government-licensed hospital in Goa. It is always given in person: we do not send medicines by post or courier, and no abortion is done by phone. A call, a message or an online consultation can tell you whether treatment is feasible and guide your next step, and any treatment then happens here, in person. Married or unmarried, you are welcome, and your privacy is protected, including when you call us afterwards. This guide is by Dr Mayur Pai, MBBS, MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

Getting started

If you have had an abortion and something does not feel right, call or message us now rather than waiting. If you are planning care, ask us anything about how we keep you safe. Free patient transport is available from across Goa and nearby areas. This article is for education only and is not personal medical advice; please consult your doctor about your own situation.

Or call +91 95459 20817 · +91 75582 52088 · 0832 251 3641

This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.