Overview of retained products of conception after medical abortion

Retained products of conception are nonviable placental or fetal tissue that remains in the uterus even though the individual is no longer pregnant. This is the most common complication of medical abortion. Prolonged or heavy bleeding should be investigated for suspected retained products. See also Complications of medical abortion for more detail of symptoms and presentation of retained products of conception. If retained products are not expelled (naturally or with further treatment), they can cause chronic bleeding, pain and intrauterine adhesions and fibrosis.

Management options are expectant management, medical management or surgical evacuation; choice of management depends on the degree of bleeding, the risk of anaemia and patient preference for management.