Are you considering abortion and have lots of questions regarding the physical risks? Though every woman’s experience is unique, there are common risks like infection or incomplete abortion.
Abortion is a major pregnancy decision with sometimes physical consequences. It’s important to fully understand the risks before making a serious medical decision.
Medical Vs. Surgical Abortion
There are two main types of abortion procedures, done at different points of pregnancy.
1. Medical Abortion
A medical abortion uses two different drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. Medical abortion works to terminate an existing pregnancy. The common risks of this medical procedure include the following:
- 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
Signs and symptoms that need medical attention after a medical abortion are:
- 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
2. Surgical Abortion
There is more than one type of surgical abortion, all with similar risks and procedures. Typically, a surgical abortion involves dilating the cervix and using a suction tube to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
Common risks of surgical abortion include:
- 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 requires another procedure
Confirm Your Pregnancy
Before making such a serious decision, be sure where your pregnancy stands. Confirm your pregnancy at Echoz with free and confidential pregnancy testing and a limited diagnostic ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms what options you have and whether your pregnancy is healthy, progressing, and more.
You are not alone in this journey! We’re here for you. Schedule a free appointment to find answers.
Echoz does not provide abortion services or referrals for abortions.