There are significant risks to your health to consider before choosing an abortion. There are two main types of abortion procedures: medical abortion and surgical abortion. While they share some risks, they are different procedures and have unique risks as well.
Some of the major risks of abortion include infection and incomplete abortion (requiring a surgical procedure to remove the remaining parts of the pregnancy). It’s important to understand the risks fully before making such a major decision.
Risks of Medical Abortion
Medical abortion consists of two different abortion drugs that work to terminate and expel an ongoing pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Be sure you know how far along you are in pregnancy. It’s typically limited to the first ten weeks of pregnancy for safety reasons.
The risks of the abortion pill (medical abortion) include the following:
- An incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical procedure
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
It’s vital to get immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:
- 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
Risks of Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion procedure involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments (like strong suction and surgical instruments) can enter the uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy. Possible physical risks associated with surgical abortion include:
- Uterine perforation (which is when one of the medical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus)
- Uterine scarring (which can lead to painful periods or future infertility)
- Cervical damage
- Infection
Free Pregnancy Services in Great Falls
It’s essential to confirm your pregnancy to protect your health.
At Echoz, we offer free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. Our nurses will provide evidence-based information to give you the clarity you need.
Schedule a free and confidential pregnancy test appointment with us today. We are here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.