While not every woman experiences abortion exactly the same, there are common threads when it comes to the physical risks and side effects. If considering an abortion, you will want to understand these risks beforehand.
Learn all the facts before making a big move regarding your unplanned pregnancy. Ask the hard questions and confirm all your options.
Risks of Each Type of Abortion
Going through with an abortion procedure has physical effects and risks. Here are the two main types of abortion procedures done at different points of pregnancy.
1. Medical Abortion
Also called “the abortion pill,” medical abortion is a two-step process, taking both mifepristone and misoprostol. According to the Mayo Clinic, possible physical risks of this type of abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
It’s vital to know that a medical abortion isn’t an option if you:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy. You shouldn’t attempt a medical abortion if you’ve been pregnant for more than nine weeks (after the start of your last period). Some types of medical abortion aren’t done after seven weeks of pregnancy.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy.
- Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care.
- Have an allergy to the medicine used.
2. Surgical Abortion
Typically done after the first trimester, a surgical abortion consists of anesthesia, along with multiple surgical tools to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Though there are multiple types of surgical abortion, they all share the following physical risks:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Receive More Clarity
A pregnancy decision is not easy, and exploring your options can be confusing at times. Contact us today to talk in a safe and non-judgemental space about abortion risks and your other options, too.
Confirm your pregnancy options and safeguard your health today with a no-cost and confidential pregnancy test and ultrasound at our center.
We’re here to inform you so you can make a confident decision for your future. You are not alone.