Are you considering an abortion right now? It is a serious medical decision that comes with risks to consider. Be sure to confirm your pregnancy before making any major decision regarding your pregnancy to protect your health.
Types of Abortion
Medical
A medical abortion is typically done during an early pregnancy and is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestation. There are two different drugs used to terminate an existing pregnancy.
- Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that sustains the growing pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue.
- Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
There are common risks of medical abortion you may want to consider to safeguard your health, including:
- Infection
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Incomplete, which may require surgical treatment
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the abortion medications don’t work)
Surgical
A surgical abortion is much more invasive than a medical abortion. It involves medication, surgical instruments, and/or a suctioning technique to remove the pregnancy tissue. It is typically done later in a woman’s pregnancy.
The most common surgical abortion procedure is dilation and curettage (D & C). Common side effects include abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
How far along you are, if the procedure was performed with sanitary equipment, and the cleanliness of the exam room, could affect your chances of developing surgical abortion-related risks. Common risks include:
- Infection
- Uterine perforation
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Know Where Your Pregnancy Stands
First, ensure your pregnancy details with an ultrasound once you confirm your pregnancy with medical-grade pregnancy testing. An ultrasound will alert you to any potential complications and give you the details you need to know if and what types of abortion you are eligible for.
Schedule a free and confidential pregnancy confirmation appointment to get clarity about your pregnancy and your options. We are here to answer any questions you have.