Incomplete Abortion: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

The loss of a pregnancy may be a devastating experience. In other instances, the pregnancy tissue is not fully cleared by the body. This is referred to as an incomplete abortion and it has to be treated by a doctor to ensure the health and well being of a woman is not compromised.

Learning about the causes of incomplete abortion, signs and symptoms of incomplete abortion can help you to obtain care when it is necessary and prevent complications.

What Is an Incomplete Abortion?

An incomplete abortion occurs when a pregnancy is terminated, but a portion of pregnancy tissue is left in the uterus. This can be following a natural miscarriage, medical abortion or surgery.

In case the uterus cannot completely expel this tissue, it may cause persistent bleeding, pain, and infection. Although the condition may be distressing, it is treatable, particularly at an early stage.

Reasons for Incomplete Abortion.

Incomplete abortion may have a number of causes, and these causes are not universal. Common reasons include:

Miscarriage in which the body fails to deliver all pregnancy tissue.
Failure to respond to abortion drugs.
Remaining tissue following a surgical operation.
Poor uterine contractions, and it is hard to expel tissue.
Hormonal or structural causes of uterine functioning.

Understanding the reasons behind the incomplete abortion will assist the doctors in making the most effective and safe treatment.

Indications and Symptoms of Abortion Incompleteness.

The symptoms of incomplete abortion can either be immediate following the loss of pregnancy or they can be progressive. It is significant to pay attention to these changes.

Symptoms of Incomplete Abortion Include:

Prolonged or excessive vaginal bleeding that is longer than usual.
Constant lower abdominal or pelvic pain that fails to resolve.
Vaginal discharge of blood clots or tissue.
Foul-smelling discharge, chills, or fever, which can be a symptom of infection.
Weakness, dizziness, or severe fatigue, usually due to loss of blood.

These are the symptoms of incomplete abortion that must not be overlooked because they can become more severe.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Unless the signs and symptoms of incomplete abortion are addressed, severe complications may arise, including:

Uterine or pelvic infection
Hemorrhage and anemia.
Reproductive health problems in the long-term.

Early treatment is a key to minimizing these risks and facilitating a faster recovery.

What Is the Diagnosis of Incomplete Abortion?

The doctors typically diagnose incomplete abortion by a combination of:

Symptoms and medical history.
Physical and pelvic examination.
Ultrasound to determine the presence of retained tissue.
Blood tests to determine hormone levels and blood loss.

These measures are used to validate the diagnosis and direct treatment.

Therapy of Uncompleted Abortion.

The severity of symptoms and the quantity of tissue left determine the treatment.

1. Watchful Waiting

In mild cases, the body can spontaneously dispose of the remaining tissue through close observation.

2. Medication

Drugs can be used to assist the uterus to contract and to remove retained tissue in a safe manner.

3. Surgical Treatment

In case of heavy bleeding or infection, vacuum aspiration or dilation and curettage (D&C) can be suggested.

4. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are administered in case of infection or potential infection.

Your medical professional will explain the most appropriate one depending on your condition and comfort.

When to See a Doctor at Once?

Emergency medical assistance is required in case of:

Bleeding more than two pads in an hour.
Extreme or progressive abdominal pain.
Vaginal discharge is foul or feverish.
Dizziness or fainting

These are severe symptoms of unsuccessful abortion that should be taken care of.

A Final Word

A partial abortion may be physically painful and emotionally challenging, but you are not alone. Most women can heal completely without any long-term issues with timely medical care. Knowing the causes, signs, and symptoms of incomplete abortion, you will be able to take control of your health and receive help when it is most necessary.