Abortion can have a range of physical effects, depending on the method and individual factors. There are two primary types of abortion: medical and surgical, each with its own process and potential risks.
You don’t have to research them alone. Heartbeats Women’s Center provides free pregnancy services and resources to help you get fully informed about your options. Contact us to make an appointment.
Continue reading to learn more about the physical impact of abortion.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion involves taking drugs to end a pregnancy. This method is FDA-approved for use through the first ten weeks of gestation. The process typically involves two medications: mifepristone, which blocks the hormone progesterone, and misoprostol, which induces uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy.
The physical side effects of a medical abortion can include cramping, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. While these symptoms are expected, there are potential risks as well.
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.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is a procedure that removes the pregnancy from the uterus using a combination of drugs, small medical instruments, or suction.
After a surgical abortion, a woman may spend a few hours in a recovery room to check for complications or excessive bleeding. They also may experience mild cramping and light spotting or bleeding for a few days.
There are different potential risks of surgical abortion, which can include uterine perforation, damage to the cervix, uterine scarring, or infection. These risks can lead to painful or absent periods, as well as future miscarriages and infertility.
Get Fully Informed
Understanding the physical effects and risks of abortion is important in making informed decisions. If you have questions or concerns, you can reach out to us at Heartbeats Women’s Center.
Our compassionate team is here to help you understand all your options, including abortion. All our appointments are free and confidential. Schedule your appointment today.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
