If you’re facing a pregnancy decision, you may be wondering how an abortion could impact your physical health. While every woman’s experience is different, there are known side effects and possible risks that come with both medical and surgical abortion procedures.
At Choices Medical Services, we believe you deserve answers before making any decision about your pregnancy. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today to talk with a caring team member, ask questions, and get the information you need about all your options.
Why It’s Important to Know the Facts
There are two main types of abortion—medical and surgical—and each works differently to end a pregnancy. Understanding these procedures and their possible physical effects can help you decide what’s best for your health and future.
Medical abortion is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation, while surgical abortion is generally performed later in pregnancy. Both have side effects and potential risks you’ll want to be aware of before making a choice.
Medical Abortion and Its Effects
A medical abortion usually involves two drugs. The first, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the pregnancy to detach from the uterus and end. The second, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Every woman undergoing this procedure will experience cramping and bleeding. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and headaches.
Medical abortion also carries certain risks, such as heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion where some tissue remains in the uterus, potentially requiring a follow-up surgical procedure.
Surgical Abortion and Its Risks
Surgical abortions are done using medical instruments and suction to remove the pregnancy. Vacuum aspiration is the most common method up to about 12–14 weeks of pregnancy.
Afterward, it’s normal to experience cramping for a day or two, along with bleeding for up to 10 days. Risks associated with surgical abortion include uterine perforation, cervical damage, scar tissue on the uterine wall that can affect fertility, excessive bleeding, infections, or incomplete removal of pregnancy tissue, which may require an additional procedure.
Some women may also experience adverse reactions to drugs or anesthesia used during the procedure.
You Have Options
Abortion is just one of your pregnancy options. Parenting or adoption are also possibilities. Taking time to understand every option can help you make a confident choice.
At Choices Medical Services, we offer no-cost pregnancy confirmation and confidential consultations to help you navigate your next steps in a non-judgmental setting.
Schedule your confidential appointment today.
Choices Medical Services does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information is based on accurate information at the time of writing.