Abortion is a major medical decision, and you deserve the facts before making a final choice. Here are the details about each type of abortion procedure, the associated risks, and important steps to take before an abortion to safeguard your health.
Two Types of Abortions
Based on how far along you are and your pregnancy details, you could be eligible for a medical or surgical abortion procedure. Pregnancy confirmation is needed to confirm your eligibility, as medical abortion is only recommended by the FDA for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion consists of two different drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, which work to terminate an existing pregnancy. First, mifepristone causes your uterine lining to shed and the pregnancy to detach. Second, misoprostol causes your uterus to contract, expelling your pregnancy through the vagina.
Medical abortion includes side effects like nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, headache, and diarrhea. Some possible physical risks of this procedure include:
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Infection
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Fever
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Digestive system discomfort
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Heavy and prolonged bleeding
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An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
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An incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion includes dilating the cervix, a suctioning device, and other surgical and medical tools to terminate and remove the pregnancy.
There is more than one type of surgical abortion procedure, but they all are similar and share possible risks, including:
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Damage to the uterus or cervix
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Uterine perforation
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Excessive bleeding
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Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
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Scarring of the inside of the uterus
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Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
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Not removing all of the tissue, which requires another procedure
Free Pregnancy Confirmation
Confirm your pregnancy before making any final move. We provide free medical-quality pregnancy tests. If your pregnancy test from us is positive, we may recommend you for a free limited ultrasound.
Statistics estimate up to 20% of pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage, so it’s important to ensure your pregnancy is viable or see if you have miscarried or have any other complications.
Before scheduling an abortion, verify your pregnancy, learn more about the potential side effects and risks, and discuss all your other options. We’re here for you along the way.
Schedule a free pregnancy confirmation appointment today.