If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy, abortion could have crossed your mind.
An abortion is a procedure that will end your pregnancy intentionally, either by drugs or surgical tools. Because it’s permanent and involves your health, it’s essential to be well-informed before choosing this option. Remember, it’s up to you to decide.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
You may have heard terms like “the abortion pill,” “at-home abortion,” “online abortion,” or even “Plan C.” All of these terms refer to a medical abortion procedure.
This type of abortion should only be performed within the first ten weeks of pregnancy, as approved by the FDA. After this timeframe, another form of abortion may be considered safer. That’s why an ultrasound is crucial to learning your gestational age so you can understand your available options.
How Does a Medical Abortion Work?
Medical abortion involves two drugs taken in succession: mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first drug, mifepristone, is typically taken in an abortion clinic or hospital setting to begin the process. It will terminate the pregnancy by blocking progesterone, a hormone that a pregnancy needs to continue.
Without enough progesterone, the uterine lining will begin to thin, and the pregnancy will no longer be able to remain attached or grow.
The second drug, misoprostol, then triggers the uterus to contract to expel the pregnancy and related tissue from the body. It will cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
These are side effects that every woman experiences during a medical abortion because it’s how the drugs work. The goal is to empty the uterus completely.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks?
In addition to abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, you may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.
Risks can arise with a medical abortion if tissue or parts of the pregnancy remain inside the uterus. This is known as an incomplete abortion, and it may need to be followed by a surgical procedure.
Other risks include:
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Fever
- Infection
- Digestive system discomfort
Medical abortion is not an option for every woman. Some women with certain medical conditions or allergies should not take the abortion pill for their health and safety.
Women who start a medical abortion should know what to look for if complications arise. For instance, if you experience foul-smelling vaginal discharge, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal or back pain, or a fever lasting more than 24 hours, you should seek medical attention.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion takes place in a clinic or hospital setting. It involves an abortion provider dilating the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and then removing the pregnancy and related tissue with surgical tools, suction, or both.
This type of procedure doesn’t have the same time restrictions as medical abortion. However, at a certain point, the procedure may be restricted depending on your state.
Two types of surgical abortion are dilation & curettage (D&C) and dilation & evacuation (D&E). They both generally work the same way. However, a D&E is usually performed later and may involve more surgical tools like forceps to remove larger pieces of pregnancy tissue.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks?
The side effects of a surgical abortion include mild cramping and light vaginal bleeding or spotting, which can last for a few days.
The risks, while rare, can be serious and include:
- Uterine perforation (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix (such as a tear requiring stitches)
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall (Asherman’s syndrome)
- Infection
Are There Any Emotional Side Effects or Risks?
Women can feel a range of emotions after an abortion, but how they respond mentally will be unique to them.
Experts agree that at least some women experience negative mental health impacts after an abortion, and they have identified risk factors.
These risk factors include feeling pressured into an abortion, having a history of mental health issues, having existing maternal desires, and having conflicting moral or religious beliefs.
Visit Oasis Resource Center
Considering abortion? While we do not refer for or perform abortions, we can confirm your pregnancy with a lab-grade pregnancy test and limited obstetrical ultrasound at no cost.
We can also provide you with information on every option so you feel informed and empowered. Schedule a free and confidential appointment today.
