Understanding the risks associated with abortion is essential. Like any medical procedure, abortion carries potential physical risks and side effects, which vary depending on the type of abortion performed. Being informed about these risks can help you make the best decision for your health and personal circumstances.
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and unsure of your next steps, Pregnancy Help Center is here to support you. We offer free services such as pregnancy testing, options counseling, and limited ultrasounds to help you navigate your options with confidence.
The Two Types of Abortion
- Medical Abortion: This method uses drugs to terminate a pregnancy. It is typically done at home and is performed early in pregnancy.
- Surgical Abortion: This procedure uses a combination of drugs, suction, or surgical instruments to remove a pregnancy from the uterus. Surgical abortions are performed in a clinic or hospital and typically occur later in pregnancy.
Risks of Medical Abortion
Medical abortion, also known as “the abortion pill,” involves two medications. While it is common to experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding during this process, other side effects include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.
Medical abortions are FDA-approved only through 10 weeks gestation. Attempting a medical abortion beyond this timeframe can increase the risk of serious health complications.
The risks of a medical abortion include:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion (this may require surgical abortion)
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
Risks of Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion also carries similar side effects with different potential risks, including:
- Infection
- Uterine perforation
- Cervical damage
- Scar tissue formation on the uterine wall
One possible complication is Asherman’s syndrome, which can result in irregular, absent, or painful menstrual cycles, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage or infertility. In some cases, this condition may require additional surgical treatment.
Get Free Pregnancy Services
These are just some of the risks associated with abortion. At Pregnancy Help Center, we provide the information and support you need to make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
We offer free services to help you get the critical details about your pregnancy, such as its viability and gestational age, so you can fully understand your options moving forward.
Schedule a confidential appointment today. Pregnancy Help Center is here to support you every step of the way.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
