RPOC: Understanding Persistent Bleeding After Delivery or Miscarriage

 


After childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion, the body usually clears all pregnancy-related tissues from the uterus. However, in some cases, a portion of this tissue remains inside. This condition is known as RPOC – Retained Products of Conception.

RPOC is more common than many realize, and early detection is essential to prevent infection, heavy bleeding, and long-term complications.

What Is RPOC?

Retained Products of Conception refers to placental or fetal tissue that remains inside the uterus after:

  • Normal delivery
  • Cesarean delivery
  • Miscarriage
  • Medical or surgical abortion

When this tissue is not expelled naturally, it can cause ongoing symptoms that should not be ignored.

Warning Signs of RPOC

If you recently delivered a baby or experienced a miscarriage, watch for these symptoms:

  • Persistent or heavy vaginal bleeding
  • Severe abdominal cramps
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Fever or signs of infection
  • Prolonged bleeding lasting weeks
  • Weakness or dizziness

These symptoms indicate that the uterus is not healing properly.

How Ultrasound Helps Diagnose RPOC

Pelvic ultrasound is the most reliable, non-invasive method to detect RPOC.
During the scan, the radiologist checks for:

  • Thickened endometrial lining
  • Remaining placental/fetal tissue
  • Abnormal vascularity
  • Signs of infection or clots

Early diagnosis ensures prompt treatment and prevents complications.

Why Early Detection Matters

RPOC can lead to:

  • Severe blood loss
  • Uterine infection (endometritis)
  • Infertility if untreated
  • Need for emergency surgical procedures

Timely treatment helps protect long-term reproductive health.

Treatment Options for RPOC

Depending on the severity, your doctor may recommend:

  • Medication to expel remaining tissue
  • Manual vacuum aspiration
  • D&C (Dilation & Curettage)
  • Monitoring for small, stable retained tissue

The goal is to restore the uterus to normal and prevent future complications.

If you are experiencing persistent bleeding after delivery or miscarriage, do not ignore it. A simple ultrasound can give you clarity and prevent serious issues.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Importance of Diagnostic Imaging in Preventive Healthcare

Image
  In today’s fast-paced world, preventive healthcare is no longer an option it’s a necessity. One of the most powerful tools in this approach is diagnosticimaging , which helps detect medical conditions in their earliest stages long before symptoms appear. What Is Preventive Healthcare? Preventive healthcare focuses on early detection, risk assessment, and proactive treatment. It includes health screenings, lifestyle counseling, vaccinations, and diagnostic imaging. The goal is to prevent disease before it starts or catch it early when it’s easiest to treat. The Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Prevention Imaging technologies like ultrasound , X-ray, CT scans, MRI, and Doppler studies offer a window into the body’s inner workings. Here’s how they contribute to prevention: Early detection of chronic diseases like diabetes-related complications, liver issues, or kidney disease Screening for cancers , such as breast, cervical, and prostate cancer Monitoring i...
Read more

Abdomen-and-Pelvis Ultrasound Scan

Image
An ultrasound scan of the belly and pelvis is a popular non-invasive diagnostic method that shows the organs and structures located in these areas. This kind of ultrasound helps in the diagnosis of a number of diseases by creating images of inside organs using high-frequency sound waves. Indications An abdomen and pelvis ultrasound is typically performed for various reasons, including: ² Evaluating any swelling or pain in the abdomen ² Identifying and keeping track of liver conditions (such as tumors, cirrhosis) ² Evaluating issues with the kidneys and bladder (such as stones and tumors) ² Monitoring for inflammation or stones in the gallbladder ² Looking into pancreatic problems (such as tumors, cysts, and pancreatitis) ² Searching for aortic aneurysms in the abdomen ² Diagnosing disorders of the reproductive system (ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, etc.) ² Evaluating pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding Procedure Orientation: Usually lying on your back, you will be placed on an examinati...
Read more