Septic Abortion
Alternate Names : Infected Abortion
What are the treatments for the condition?
Immediate and aggressive treatment in a hospital is necessary to avoid serious
complications of septic abortion. The woman should have intravenous (IV) fluids
to maintain blood pressure and urine output. IV antibiotics will be given to
cover a range of bacteria until the fever is gone. A dilatation
and curettage (D & C) may be needed to clean out the uterus if
fetal tissue has remained inside it.
A woman with Rh negative
blood will be given an injection of Rh immune globulin, unless the
father is also known to have Rh negative blood. In cases so severe that
abscesses have formed in the ovaries and tubes, it may be necessary to remove
the uterus and the infected organs.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antibiotics may cause
rash, upset stomach, or
allergic reaction. Surgery can cause bleeding, further infection,
or allergic reaction to
anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Following a septic abortion, a woman may be tired for several weeks. Taking
vitamins with iron once a day will help. She should
not have intercourse or use tampons until recommended by the healthcare
provider.
If another pregnancy is desired, a couple should wait three to six months after
treatment is successfully completed to try to conceive. If they are not
successful within a year, a test may done to see if the fallopian tubes were
damaged by the infection. A woman should be alert to signs of depression.
If she does become depressed, counseling or antidepressant medications can
help.
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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