Medical and surgical abortion both come with physical side effects and risks you should know about. While every woman’s experience will differ, there are also similarities that depend on the type of procedure.
Learning about potential health risks and how abortion procedures work can help you make an informed decision.
If you haven’t confirmed your pregnancy yet, schedule an appointment for a free pregnancy test and ultrasound at A Women’s Pregnancy Center today.
Physical Effects of Medical and Surgical Abortion
Medical abortion, which ends a pregnancy with the medications mifepristone and misoprostol, will trigger abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. This bleeding is usually heavier than a monthly period, with blood clots up to the size of a lemon.
This is a painful process, but the severity differs from person to person. Usually, women are advised to take painkillers, either prescribed by the abortion provider or over-the-counter, to manage the pain.
Surgical abortions are provided in clinic or hospital settings. This process involves dilating the cervix and inserting surgical instruments to remove a pregnancy. Local anesthesia or sedation can be provided for pain relief.
After the procedure, you may experience mild cramping and light bleeding or spotting for a few days. If you experience discomfort from cramping, an abortion provider may recommend a painkiller like ibuprofen.
Medical Abortion Side Effects
In addition to vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, some women may experience upset stomach, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.
Possible Risks
As with any medical procedure, abortion can involve risks.
For medical abortion, the risks can include infection, heavy and prolonged bleeding, incomplete abortion, fever, and an upset stomach or other digestive symptoms.
Surgical abortion also carries the risk of infection. Additionally, there can be a perforation of the uterus (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus), damage to the cervix, and scar tissue on the uterine wall.
Protect Your Health
Your health and safety are crucial. Before you make any decisions, it is recommended that you confirm your pregnancy, how far along you are, the location of your pregnancy, and whether or not your pregnancy is developing.
Schedule your free appointment with A Women’s Pregnancy Center to receive care and clarity from a compassionate team.
At our clinic, we do not perform or refer for abortions, but we are committed to being an affordable first step so that you can receive the information and clarity you need.