Infection After Abortion: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Cramping, bleeding, fatigue, and temporary changes in how you feel can occur after an abortion. Because several normal recovery symptoms overlap with symptoms of infection, it is not always obvious when something requires medical attention.

An infection after abortion should be considered when symptoms are persistent, worsening, or different from the recovery pattern your healthcare provider told you to expect.

Important warning signs can include fever or chills, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, prolonged bleeding or spotting, and feeling increasingly unwell. WHO’s clinical abortion-care handbook identifies these among common signs and symptoms of post-abortion infection.

One symptom by itself does not always prove that an infection is present. For example, misoprostol can temporarily cause chills, feverish feelings, nausea, diarrhea, and other symptoms. What matters is when symptoms occur, how long they last, whether they are improving, and what other symptoms accompany them.

If you feel seriously ill, have severe or worsening pain, faint, or experience very heavy bleeding, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

What Is an Infection After an Abortion?

A post-abortion infection occurs when harmful microorganisms cause infection involving the reproductive tract after an abortion.

Infection is a recognized possible complication after either medication or procedural abortion, although experiencing pain, bleeding, or chills does not automatically mean an infection is present.

WHO identifies several common signs that healthcare professionals consider when evaluating possible infection:

• Fever or chills
• Foul-smelling vaginal or cervical discharge
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Prolonged vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Uterine tenderness

These symptoms must be interpreted in context because some overlap with normal abortion recovery.

How Do You Know If You Have an Infection After an Abortion?

You cannot reliably diagnose an infection at home from one symptom alone.

The overall pattern is more useful.

For example, cramps that gradually become milder can fit normal recovery better than pelvic pain that becomes increasingly severe several days later.

Similarly, temporary chills soon after taking misoprostol are different from continuing fever or illness that does not improve.

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms such as:

• Persistent or worsening fever
• Chills that continue or return
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Increasing abdominal pain
• Increasing pelvic pain
• Prolonged or worsening bleeding
• Pain that is not improving with recommended pain relief
• Persistent weakness or feeling increasingly ill
• Symptoms that improve and then become significantly worse

The NHS specifically advises seeking urgent medical advice after an abortion when pain or bleeding is not improving within a few days or signs of infection develop, including a temperature, flu-like feelings, or unusual vaginal discharge.

What Symptoms Are Normal After an Abortion?

Knowing what can normally happen after an abortion makes it easier to recognize when recovery is moving in the wrong direction.

Cramping

Abdominal cramps or pain can occur for several days after an abortion.

The uterus contracts during and after the abortion, which can cause period-like or stronger cramps.

The important question is whether pain is gradually improving.

Pain that becomes progressively worse, feels unusually severe, or does not respond to the pain management recommended by your provider deserves medical attention.

Vaginal Bleeding

Bleeding is expected after both medication and procedural abortions.

The NHS states that vaginal bleeding can last for several weeks after either type of abortion.

Bleeding alone therefore does not mean infection.

However, prolonged bleeding combined with fever, foul-smelling discharge, pelvic pain, or worsening illness can be more concerning.

Chills and Feeling Feverish

This symptom requires some nuance.

Misoprostol can cause temporary feverish feelings and chills as medication side effects.

Planned Parenthood notes that mild fever or chills can occur on the day misoprostol is taken. Fever or illness that persists after that expected period may require medical evaluation.

Fever After Abortion: When Is It Concerning?

A fever after abortion deserves attention, but timing matters.

After a medication abortion, misoprostol can temporarily cause:

• Chills
• Feverish feelings
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

These medication effects generally improve.

Planned Parenthood advises contacting a healthcare professional if fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or significant illness continues for more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol because persistent symptoms can signal infection.

You should also seek advice sooner if the fever occurs with:

• Worsening pelvic or abdominal pain
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Significant weakness
• Heavy bleeding
• Feeling severely ill

Do not rely only on the temperature reading. The complete symptom pattern matters.

Serenity Choice Health also covers this topic in its guide to fever after abortion pills and when to call a doctor.

Chills After Abortion Pills: Infection or Misoprostol?

Chills are a common source of confusion after taking abortion pills.

Misoprostol itself can cause chills, so having chills shortly after taking it does not automatically mean you have an infection.

More concern is warranted when chills:

• Continue well beyond the expected medication-effect period
• Occur with persistent fever
• Appear with worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
• Occur with foul-smelling discharge
• Are accompanied by significant weakness or illness

If you are uncertain whether your symptoms still fit the expected effects of misoprostol, contact your abortion provider.

You can also review Serenity Choice Health’s guide to chills after misoprostol.

Foul-Smelling Discharge After Abortion

A new, distinctly foul-smelling vaginal discharge can be an important infection warning sign.

WHO specifically lists foul-smelling vaginal or cervical discharge among common signs and symptoms of post-abortion infection.

Planned Parenthood also advises contacting a provider when vaginal discharge smells bad, particularly when other abnormal symptoms are present.

A menstrual or blood-related odor does not automatically indicate infection.

More concerning is discharge that:

• Smells distinctly foul or offensive
• Looks pus-like
• Occurs with fever
• Appears with worsening pelvic pain
• Occurs while you feel increasingly unwell

Smell alone cannot diagnose infection, so a clinician may need to assess the full symptom pattern.

For a deeper explanation, see Serenity Choice Health’s guide to bad smell after abortion.

Abdominal or Pelvic Pain After Abortion

Some cramping after abortion is expected.

The concern is not simply whether pain exists—it is whether the pain behaves like normal recovery.

Contact your healthcare provider when pain:

• Becomes progressively worse
• Is severe
• Does not improve with recommended pain medication
• Returns strongly after previously improving
• Occurs with fever or chills
• Occurs with foul-smelling discharge
• Is accompanied by prolonged or worsening bleeding

WHO includes abdominal and pelvic pain among common signs of post-abortion infection.

Planned Parenthood similarly recommends medical attention for severe abdominal pain or cramping that does not improve with pain medication.

Serenity Choice Health’s guide to severe cramping after abortion pills provides additional context.

Can You Have an Infection Without a Fever?

Potentially, yes.

Fever is an important warning sign, but the absence of fever should not be used as proof that there is no infection or other complication.

Contact your provider if you have concerning symptoms such as:

• Foul-smelling discharge
• Persistent or worsening pelvic pain
• Prolonged abnormal bleeding
• Significant weakness
• Symptoms that are worsening instead of improving

Clinical assessment considers the entire presentation rather than relying on one symptom.

Can Heavy Bleeding Be a Sign of Infection?

Heavy bleeding can have several possible causes after an abortion and does not specifically diagnose infection.

However, prolonged bleeding or spotting is included by WHO among symptoms that can accompany post-abortion infection.

Heavy bleeding can also signal another abortion-related complication.

Planned Parenthood advises urgent contact when bleeding soaks through more than two maxi pads per hour for two hours in a row.

Seek urgent medical attention if heavy bleeding is accompanied by:

• Fainting
• Significant dizziness
• Severe weakness
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Feeling dangerously unwell

If you are uncertain whether your bleeding is expected, see Serenity Choice Health’s guide to bleeding after abortion pills.

Infection After Abortion Pills

Medication abortion commonly causes significant cramping and bleeding, particularly after misoprostol.

Misoprostol can also temporarily cause:

• Chills
• Feverish feelings
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Because some of these symptoms overlap with infection, timing is important.

Symptoms should generally improve rather than become progressively worse.

Contact your abortion provider when:

• Fever continues beyond the expected medication-effect period
• You remain significantly ill more than 24 hours after misoprostol
• Abdominal or pelvic pain becomes worse
• You develop foul-smelling discharge
• Bleeding becomes concerning
• You feel increasingly weak or unwell

Planned Parenthood specifically notes that persistent fever or gastrointestinal illness more than 24 hours after misoprostol can be a sign of infection.

Infection After an In-Clinic Abortion

Infection is also a possible complication after an in-clinic abortion.

After a procedure, some cramping and bleeding can be normal. Planned Parenthood notes that most people recover without problems but advises contacting a clinician for fever, severe pain not relieved by medication, or very heavy bleeding. Bad-smelling vaginal discharge also warrants evaluation.

If your clinic prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed.

Follow the discharge instructions provided by the clinic because your individual recovery recommendations may depend on the specific procedure and your medical history.

Can Retained Pregnancy Tissue Cause Infection?

Incomplete abortion means that pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after the abortion.

Retained tissue can sometimes contribute to bleeding, pain, or infection.

WHO’s clinical handbook states that when infection is present, clinicians assess and manage it appropriately, and retained tissue may require additional treatment when it is contributing to the problem.

Symptoms that can justify further assessment include:

• Persistent or worsening bleeding
• Increasing pelvic or abdominal pain
• Fever or chills
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Continuing pregnancy symptoms
• Recovery that is not progressing as expected

These symptoms cannot confirm retained tissue on their own.

A healthcare professional may need an examination, testing, ultrasound, or other assessment to determine the cause.

What If You Still Feel Pregnant?

Continuing pregnancy symptoms do not specifically mean infection, but they can indicate that follow-up is needed.

The NHS advises seeking medical guidance if you still feel pregnant about a week after an abortion.

Possible follow-up may involve:

• A pregnancy test at the time recommended by your provider
• A clinical review
• Blood testing
• Ultrasound when clinically appropriate

Do not assume that bleeding alone confirms that the abortion is complete.

For additional information, see Serenity Choice Health’s guide to how to know if the abortion pill worked.

How Is an Infection After Abortion Diagnosed?

There is no reliable home test that can confirm a post-abortion infection.

A healthcare professional may ask:

• When the abortion occurred
• Whether it was medication or procedural
• When symptoms began
• Whether you have a fever
• Whether pain is improving or worsening
• How much you are bleeding
• Whether the discharge has changed
• Whether you still have pregnancy symptoms
• Whether you feel weak, dizzy, or generally ill

Depending on your symptoms, an assessment may include:

• Physical examination
• Temperature and vital-sign assessment
• Pelvic examination when appropriate
• Blood testing
• Pregnancy hormone testing
• Ultrasound
• Vaginal or cervical testing when clinically indicated

Not every person needs every test.

The evaluation should be based on the specific symptoms and clinical situation.

How Is an Infection After Abortion Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection.

WHO’s clinical guidance indicates that diagnosed post-abortion infection requires appropriate antibiotic treatment. If retained pregnancy tissue is contributing to infection, additional management of the uterus may also be necessary.

Treatment may therefore involve:

• Antibiotics
• Clinical monitoring
• Treatment of retained pregnancy tissue when present
• Additional supportive care
• Hospital care for severe infection when necessary

The exact treatment should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.

Do not try to select antibiotics yourself based only on symptoms found online.

Do Not Self-Treat a Suspected Infection

If you think you may have an infection after abortion, avoid trying to treat it with:

• Leftover antibiotics
• Antibiotics prescribed to another person
• Vaginal douches
• Vaginal antiseptics
• Fragranced cleansing products
• Herbal preparations
• Unverified home remedies

These approaches can delay appropriate diagnosis or treatment.

Different conditions can cause fever, pain, bleeding, or abnormal discharge, and treatment depends on the actual cause.

When Should You Contact Your Abortion Provider?

Contact your provider promptly if you have:

• Persistent fever
• Fever or significant illness continuing beyond 24 hours after misoprostol
• Chills that persist or return
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Worsening pelvic or abdominal pain
• Severe pain that medication does not relieve
• Bleeding that is not improving
• Unusual or prolonged bleeding
• Significant weakness
• Symptoms that are worsening instead of improving
• Continuing pregnancy symptoms
• Any recovery symptom that concerns you

The NHS recommends urgent medical advice when pain or bleeding is not improving or signs of infection develop after abortion.

You do not need to determine whether you definitely have an infection before contacting your healthcare provider.

When Could an Infection After Abortion Be an Emergency?

Severe infection can become a medical emergency.

Seek urgent or emergency medical care if you experience symptoms such as:

• Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
• Very heavy bleeding
• Fainting
• Severe dizziness or weakness
• Difficulty staying awake
• Feeling acutely or seriously ill
• Severe symptoms that are progressing rapidly

WHO’s clinical guidance emphasizes prompt evaluation and management of abortion-related complications, while Planned Parenthood advises immediate contact for severe pain, very heavy bleeding, significant fever, fainting, and other serious symptoms.

Do not wait for every possible infection symptom to appear before seeking urgent help if you already feel seriously ill.

Expected Recovery vs. Possible Infection

A simple way to think about recovery is to look at the direction your symptoms are moving.

More Consistent With Expected Recovery

• Cramping gradually becomes milder
• Bleeding gradually decreases
• Temporary misoprostol-related chills or nausea resolve
• Energy gradually returns
• You generally feel better as time passes

More Concerning for Infection or Another Complication

• Pain becomes worse rather than better
• Fever persists or develops outside the expected misoprostol side-effect period
• Foul-smelling discharge develops
• Bleeding remains prolonged or becomes concerning
• You feel increasingly ill or weak
• Symptoms improve and then become significantly worse

This comparison cannot diagnose an infection, but it can help you recognize when it is appropriate to contact a healthcare professional.

Can Infection After Abortion Be Prevented?

The most useful approach is to follow the aftercare instructions given by your healthcare provider.

That includes:

• Taking prescribed medicines exactly as directed
• Knowing your clinic’s warning signs
• Knowing how to contact your abortion provider
• Monitoring bleeding and other symptoms
• Seeking help when recovery is not progressing normally
• Avoiding unverified treatments

Different abortion providers may give somewhat different aftercare instructions, so individualized medical guidance should take priority over general information online.

The Bottom Line

An infection after abortion is a possible complication, but many symptoms that occur during normal recovery—particularly cramping, bleeding, and temporary chills after misoprostol—do not automatically mean that an infection is present.

The warning signs become more concerning when symptoms are persistent, worsening, or occur together.

Pay particular attention to:

• Persistent fever or chills
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Increasing abdominal or pelvic pain
• Prolonged or concerning bleeding
• Severe pain that does not improve
• Increasing weakness or illness

WHO identifies fever or chills, foul-smelling discharge, abdominal or pelvic pain, prolonged bleeding or spotting, and uterine tenderness as common signs associated with post-abortion infection.

After medication abortion, remember that misoprostol itself can temporarily cause feverish feelings, chills, nausea, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Persistent fever or illness beyond the expected period, particularly more than 24 hours after misoprostol, deserves medical attention.

If you are experiencing severe pain, very heavy bleeding, fainting, severe weakness, or feel dangerously unwell, seek urgent medical care.

Serenity Choice Health provides confidential abortion care and women’s healthcare support, including guidance during recovery. If you are worried about fever, discharge, bleeding, pelvic pain, or another symptom after an abortion, contact Serenity Choice Health for individualized clinical guidance.

Sources & Medical References

This article was developed using guidance from established medical and public-health organizations. The following sources support the clinical information above and provide additional reading.

1. World Health Organization — Abortion Care Guideline, 2nd Edition (2025).
WHO’s current comprehensive evidence-based recommendations and best-practice statements for quality abortion care.
WHO — Abortion Care Guideline, 2nd Edition

2. World Health Organization — Clinical Practice Handbook for Quality Abortion Care (2023).
Provides clinical guidance for abortion and post-abortion care. It identifies fever or chills, foul-smelling vaginal or cervical discharge, abdominal or pelvic pain, prolonged bleeding or spotting, and uterine tenderness among common signs of infection.
WHO — Clinical Practice Handbook for Quality Abortion Care

3. NHS — Recovery After an Abortion.
Explains common recovery symptoms and advises urgent medical assessment when pain or bleeding does not improve or signs of infection such as fever, flu-like symptoms, or unusual vaginal discharge occur.
NHS — Recovery After an Abortion

4. Planned Parenthood — Is the Abortion Pill Safe?
Explains warning signs following medication abortion, including persistent fever or illness, severe pain, and very heavy bleeding.
Planned Parenthood — Abortion Pill Safety

5. Planned Parenthood — What Are the Abortion Pill’s Side Effects?
Explains expected medication-abortion effects, including bleeding, cramping, chills, and temporary fever, and when continuing symptoms should prompt medical attention.
Planned Parenthood — Abortion Pill Side Effects

6. Planned Parenthood — In-Clinic Abortion Safety.
Describes possible complications after procedural abortion and warning signs requiring medical attention, including severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, and bad-smelling vaginal discharge.
Planned Parenthood — In-Clinic Abortion Safety

Medical Disclaimer

This content is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you have severe symptoms or believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.

FAQ Section

What are the main signs of infection after an abortion?

Important warning signs include persistent fever or chills, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, prolonged bleeding or spotting, and feeling increasingly unwell. WHO lists fever/chills, foul-smelling discharge, abdominal or pelvic pain, prolonged bleeding, and uterine tenderness among common signs of post-abortion infection.

Is fever after abortion pills always an infection?

No. Misoprostol can temporarily cause chills and feverish feelings. However, persistent fever or significant illness more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol may indicate a complication and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Can you have an infection after abortion without fever?

Yes, the absence of fever does not rule out infection or another complication. Foul-smelling discharge, worsening pelvic pain, prolonged bleeding, or increasing illness can also justify medical evaluation.

What does infected discharge after abortion look or smell like?

There is no single appearance that confirms infection. A distinctly foul-smelling or pus-like discharge is concerning, particularly when accompanied by fever, worsening pain, or illness. Planned Parenthood specifically advises contacting a provider for discharge that smells bad.

Can retained pregnancy tissue cause an infection?

Retained pregnancy tissue can sometimes contribute to infection and other complications. Persistent pain, bleeding, fever, or foul-smelling discharge requires clinical assessment because symptoms alone cannot confirm retained tissue.

When should I go to the emergency room after an abortion?

Seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, very heavy bleeding, fainting, severe weakness or dizziness, difficulty staying awake, or feeling dangerously ill. Do not wait for every possible symptom of infection to appear.