Dear domicile,

Abortion begins a new menstrual cycle. You should have a regular period four to eight weeks after having an abortion. Make sure you keep your follow-up appointment to make sure the abortion was successful. Also be sure to use birth control whenever you have vaginal intercourse after an abortion to avoid having an unintended pregnancy.

Vacuum aspiration and D&E abortion procedures are nearly 100 percent effective. They fail to end a pregnancy about one out of 500 times. This can happen due to unusual conditions: there can be more than one chamber in the uterus, or the pregnancy may not be in the uterus. Repeated aspiration or other treatment may be needed if the initial procedure does not end the pregnancy.

Contact your private clinician or Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN if you do not get a regular period or if you have a positive pregnancy test after eight weeks.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.