A Pelvic scan after an abortion whether it is unexpected or medical is considered to be a crucial process.
After an abortion, it is important to check if the process is successful or will there be a need for a further surgical process.
Here is a detailed article on all things related to pelvic scan after abortion with expert insights.
Why do you need a pelvic scan after abortion?
To check for any retained fetal parts:
There is a 1% chance for some parts of the fetus to be retained in the uterus after a medical abortion.
RPOC (retained products of conception) is when there is any fetal component present in the uterus.
It can potentially cause bleeding, infections, and other issues. If RPOC is found, there might be a need for minor surgery to take out the parts.
Hence it is extremely important to check if the gestational sac has any retained parts or components of the expelled fetus in order to make sure if the abortion is successful or not.
Endometrium thickness:
Although the endometrium thickness isn’t the only determining factor of a successful abortion, it is important to monitor it.
It is said that the ET of women with successful abortions will be around 10.9mm and the ET for women who need further intervention would be around 14.5mm.
When do you need a pelvic ultrasound scan after abortion?
Although not everyone requires a pelvic ultrasound after an abortion, the patient has to take one if the doctors suspect any abnormalities.
The cases where a patient needs a pelvic scan after abortion is when she has an abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge, or other complications.
Thus it helps with the diagnosis process to check if any further intervention is required.
Is a pelvic scan enough to diagnose an incomplete abortion?
The short answer is No. Although pelvic scan after abortion process has a larger impact in finding out any complications, it is not the only determining factor to diagnose an incomplete abortion.
A pelvic scan along with a clinical examination of the patient can help diagnose an incomplete abortion.
Do I need an ultrasound to confirm the abortion pills were successful?
However, it is not mandatory in all cases, but if the doctor recommends an ultrasound to confirm abortion, then the patient must take the pelvic scan.
Conclusion
It is proven that the success rate of a medical abortion is around 92 to 97% and the probability of one having an unsuccessful abortion is pretty low.
Although it is common to face bleeding, abdomen pain and discomfort after the abortion process, the patient must consult with a doctor if these symptoms are unusual.
Whether or not to take a pelvic scan after abortion is entirely the healthcare provider’s call and the patient must take one if it is recommended by the doctor.
FAQ
1. What happens if the pelvic scan reveals complications or an incomplete abortion?
The gynecologist will provide treatment according to your issues to guarantee that the uterus is free of any leftover tissue. This may require medication, or surgical intervention.
2. Can I take a pelvic scan after an abortion if I feel fine?
A scan could still be required, even if you feel great, to make sure there are no complications. Although it’s recommended to follow your doctor’s advice, you can convey your concerns to them.
3. Are there any risks associated with a pelvic scan after an abortion?
Ultrasounds and other types of pelvic screenings are often painless and safe procedures. There are very few concerns, like a little sensitivity or discomfort during the scan.
4. What are the abdominal findings in an incomplete abortion?
In a complete abortion, there may be retained parts of the fetus, distention of the abdomen, rebound pregnancy (growth of new organs or parts of the fetus), abnormal bleeding, etc.
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