Abortion is a serious medical procedure. Like any medical intervention, it requires careful consideration. Understanding the physical impacts of abortion is crucial for any woman thinking about it or wanting to learn more.
In this article, we will cover the various types of abortion and what physical changes you might expect both immediately and over time. We want to offer you clear information and help you make informed health decisions.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,” is the process of terminating a pregnancy using the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol.
These drugs are typically administered at home. Many women report that the pain is more severe than expected, with initial side effects of abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. You may experience other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, or diarrhea.
There are physical risks to be aware of when having a medical abortion. These include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
It’s essential to have access to good follow-up care in case you experience any of these risks.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion typically involves the use of drugs, surgical tools, or suction methods to end a pregnancy and remove related tissue. This procedure is most often carried out in the later stages of pregnancy.
Surgical abortions are performed at a hospital or clinic setting. You will likely remain in a recovery area for a few hours so that medical staff can monitor you for any excessive bleeding or other complications. This period also gives you time to recover from the effects of the anesthesia.
The risks from a surgical abortion can be more severe and include:
- Uterine perforation
- Damage to the cervix
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
In rare cases, you could develop Asherman’s syndrome, which leads to irregular, missing, or painful periods, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage and infertility in the future. It is treatable.
Get All The Facts
APCC is here to provide you with all the information and facts you need to know about abortion procedures to protect your health.
We also give free pregnancy services and options counseling to help you feel prepared to make a confident choice when it comes to your pregnancy.
