It’s important to consider all the risks of abortion before scheduling an abortion appointment. Both medical and surgical abortions, as with any medical procedure, pose potential hazards to your health and wellness.
Are you faced with an unplanned pregnancy? It’s important to receive a pregnancy test and an ultrasound before receiving any abortion services. These procedures inform you about what abortion services you qualify for and if your pregnancy is viable.
Talk with us at Heartbeats Pregnancy Care Center to receive these free services. You can schedule an appointment today. Continue reading for more on abortion risks.
The Risks of Medical Abortion
Medical abortion typically involves taking drugs, such as mifepristone, followed by misoprostol 24-48 hours later to terminate an early pregnancy.
Side effects such as vaginal bleeding, cramping, nausea and vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headaches accompany the procedure, but there are further risks to be aware of:
- Incomplete Abortion: Sometimes, the abortion may not be complete, requiring a surgical intervention.
- Heavy Bleeding: Some women may experience heavy or prolonged bleeding.
- Infection: an infection may develop after a medical abortion.
- Adverse Reactions to Medication: Some women may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or an allergic reaction to the medications.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A medical abortion is not effective in ending an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus). It’s crucial to ensure the pregnancy isn’t ectopic before undergoing a medical abortion.
The Risks of Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions are typically performed using suction or aspiration abortion or the dilation and curettage (D & C) method. Along with the side effects of medical abortion, surgical abortion comes with added risks such as:
- Injury to the Uterus or Cervix: The surgical instruments can cause a tear or perforation.
- Infection: There’s a small risk of developing an infection after a surgical abortion, particularly if there is an existing infection at the time of the procedure.
- Retained Tissue: Occasionally, not all of the pregnancy tissue is removed, which can lead to bleeding or infection.
- Scarring: A condition called Asherman’s syndrome can develop, where scar tissue forms inside the uterus after a D&C.
- Fertility Impact: Both medical and surgical abortions can have an impact on fertility with an untreated infection or severe scarring
Getting The Assistance You Need
It’s crucial to consult with professionals to discuss the best option before getting an abortion based on individual circumstances and to ensure which options are available.
At Heartbeats Pregnancy Care Center, you can confirm your pregnancy with a test and get an ultrasound free. This will give you the information and peace of mind to decide what’s right for you. Schedule a confidential appointment here.
