Dr Girl/Dr Kate Q&A

Dr Kate specialises in women's reproductive health and is a representative of MSIA - Marie Stopes International Australia. As the resident doctor at GIRL, she is here to advise and answer all your medical queries.

So if you have a medical question or a concern - send your email to: deardoc@girl.com.au

Dear Dr. Kate,

I just had an abortion one week ago tomorrow. I also have Sickle Cell Anaemia too. I've been bleeding badly with also a lot of clots. My lower back is swollen on both sides. Has been swollen for like four weeks. I've been having severe pain all over. I take tylenol 4's to help with the pain. However they're not helping very much. Is there anything else I can do to ease my pain?

Signed Swollen

Dear Swollen,

If you are experiencing any bad bleeding or pain after an abortion you need to go back to your doctor - so that she/he can make sure that there is nothing serious going on. You should not delay, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition such as Anaemia. Normally after an abortion there would not be a lot of bleeding or pain.

- Dr Kate (deardoc@girl.com.au)