Thread: scanty period-looking for some advice

Hi all!

I'm new to this community and am hoping that some of you could give me some advice. I started my period when I was 14 and was sexually active since I was 19. I became pregnant when I was 20, by a freak accident when the condom broke. I was in the middle of my studies, had many years of University ahead of me, wasn't too sure of the relationship, wasn't ready for marriage either-which would be required by my orthodox culture- and so had an MTP (medical termination of pregnancy) done in the first month without telling my family or anyone. My periods were always regular before this event and lasted 5 days; but after my MTP I get a period every once in 28 days, but I bleed for exactly one day and that the bleeding on that day is pretty scant.
I never went back to a gynaecologist after the abortion and now it's been 7 years since the incident. The pattern still continues. I'm now in a relationship with a wonderful person and we're considering marriage and would like to have a baby in a few years. I feel worried that I may be suffering from deep scars on the uterine wall, or fibroids and something devastating that could have possibly made me infertile. If I really have to go to the gyanec, I guess I would. But, my first and last experience with the gyaec to get an abortion filled me with so much of shame and fear, that I have a psychological fear of gynaecologists and have never been to one in all these years. I would like to know the answers to the following questions in particular:-

1. Is it possible for women to concieve and have a healthy baby with a history of an abortion?

2. Is a regular, but one day scant bleeding a dangerous symptom of infertiliy or something worse?

3. What would be the best thing to do?

It has taken me a lot of courage to speak about this. I never discussed this with any friend or relative. I feel deeply ashamed and anguished about the decision I took about aborting the baby and it hangs heavy on my conscience. Um, please be kind in your posts and replies. I've been dealing with my guilt for years now....well....I hope some of you out there will understand my predicament.

Looking forward to hearing from all of you. : )

Hi Aparna!

I’m also new to this community, so it’s nice to meet you!

I think it’s really brave to speak about such private aspects of your life. I’m not an expert in the gynecology field, but as a woman, I hope that I can answer your questions (to the best of my ability!)

About your questions….

1. Is it possible for women to concieve and have a healthy baby with a history of an abortion?
I know for a fact that it is possible to conceive and have a baby with a history of abortion - I’m living proof of that! My Mom was pregnant three times: the first was an abortion, the second was a miscarriage and the third was me.

2. Is a regular, but one day scant bleeding a dangerous symptom of infertiliy or something worse?
Some women just have very short periods, and I’ve never heard of that causing infertility or anything worse.

3. What would be the best thing to do?
I know you have a fear of gynecologists, so here’s what I would do if I were you: I would call (only call, not necessarily visit) a gynecologist’s office and see if you could talk to the doctor and ask him/her these questions that have been praying on your mind. Also, if you haven’t already, I would research the topic via either the internet and/or going to the library and checking out books. After those two things, if you’re unable to find the answers and comfort that you’re looking for, I would go to a gynecologist.

I think it’s great that you have such a loving partner at this time in your life. I wish you all the best!