Having an abortion may seem like the simplest option when facing an unexpected pregnancy.
Still, for the sake of your health, it is essential to understand the potential side effects of both medical and surgical abortion.
To make the best decision for your health and future, continue reading to learn more about the unwanted health effects of abortion.
How Does Abortion Work?
Medical abortion, commonly referred to as “the abortion pill,” consists of two pills that are used to terminate the pregnancy.
Mifepristone is administered first to block progesterone and stop the growth of the pregnancy. Then, misoprostol is taken to create uterine contractions, which lead to the expulsion of the pregnancy through the vagina.
During a surgical abortion, a doctor dilates the woman’s cervix with medication or surgical instruments and scrapes or suctions the pregnancy from the uterus.
According to the FDA, a medical abortion should only be performed within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Physical Risks of Abortion
There is no way to predict how a woman’s body will respond after having an abortion, and the severity of potential side effects vary.
According to the Mayo Clinic, risks of the abortion pill include:
- Incomplete abortion (when a portion of the pregnancy remains inside the uterus)
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Risks of surgical abortion include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall, which could lead to future infertility
- Infection
If you experience any of the following complications, seek medical attention immediately:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours (after surgical abortion)
Before An Abortion Decision
Deciding to have an abortion is a serious medical decision. For your safety, it is important to speak with a medical provider to understand your unique risk.
Lilli Women’s Center can provide you with a free medical-grade pregnancy test and ultrasound scan. After learning more about your pregnancy, our trusted medical staff can talk to you about your options and answer any questions you may have.
Contact us today to get the help you deserve.
