If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering an abortion, you deserve to know all the facts about the different types of abortion and how each might affect you.
There is a lot of information out there on abortion, and it can feel intimidating to know where to start. We understand, and it’s why we’ve put together the basics you’ll want to know before considering this option.
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill (also called “chemical abortion,” “medical abortion,” or “medication abortion”) is the process of ingesting two different drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to terminate a viable pregnancy. This isn’t an option if you are more than nine weeks into your pregnancy.
Mifepristone is taken first, and it blocks progesterone, the hormone that maintains the early stages of pregnancy.
After taking mifepristone, it’s possible to experience the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Vomiting
Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours after the first drug. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Potential side effects of misoprostol include:
- Painful cramping
- Heavy bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion includes the use of medical instruments to end and remove the pregnancy. There are different types, including vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C), and dilation and evacuation (D&E).
Each of these types of surgical abortion involve opening the cervix and using different instruments and surgical tools to take out the pregnancy. Surgical abortion is sometimes used if the pregnancy tissue wasn’t fully expelled from the uterus during a medication abortion.
Side effects can happen as a result of the procedure and include pain and cramping, which can be mild or severe.
The potential risks of surgical abortion include:
- Infection
- Cervical damage
- Uterine walls scarring, which can lead to infertility and painful menstrual periods
- Heavy bleeding
- Uterine perforation
These are just some of the possible physical effects of receiving an abortion. However, there are potential mental and emotional effects as well, including an increased risk for mental health problems.
What to Do Next?
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, we know it can be overwhelming to think about what to do next. Here at Echoz, we’re here to help, and we care about your health. This is why we offer limited ultrasounds and free pregnancy testing. We are here to help provide you with the necessary information to make the most informed decision.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment.