Abortion can end a pregnancy in different ways, and the procedure type can vary based on factors like how far along the woman is in her pregnancy and her health. If you’re considering abortion, know that it’s a serious decision with risks and side effects.
Before making any pregnancy decision, it’s crucial to think about each option. You can’t make a thoughtful decision about abortion without first learning how the procedures work to end a pregnancy, as well as their potential impacts on your health.
While Choices Medical Services does not provide or refer for abortions, we’ll supply all the information you need to weigh each option carefully. This includes discussing the risks and side effects of abortion procedures and getting any questions answered.
Keep reading to learn about abortion. You can also schedule an appointment to speak to our friendly staff.
Get the Facts on Abortion
You have three options for an unexpected pregnancy: parenting, adoption, and abortion. Abortion will end the pregnancy, though the procedure type will depend on your unique situation.
By learning specific details about each method, you can consider your health and well-being, allowing you to make a confident decision.
We’ll walk you through the two types of abortion procedures: medical abortion and surgical abortion.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy. It is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation; taking the drugs after this time isn’t recommended, as it can pose additional health risks.
The first drug taken is called mifepristone. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that aids the pregnancy’s growth and development. Without progesterone, the uterine lining thins, and the pregnancy detaches and ends.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract. These contractions expel the pregnancy from the body.
Taking abortion drugs causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which can range in severity. Medical abortion also poses additional side effects that can occur, including:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
All procedures carry a certain level of risk, and medical abortion is no exception. It is critical to be aware of the following risks when making a decision:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Infection
- Fever
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- Incomplete abortion, which occurs when some pregnancy tissue remains in the body (this may require surgical treatment)
If medical abortion is not an option, a surgical abortion may be performed.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion uses drugs, surgical tools, and suctioning to end the pregnancy. How the abortion is performed will depend on how far along the woman is in her pregnancy and her specific situation.
Following the abortion, mild cramping and light bleeding or spotting can occur for several days. This method is also associated with specific risks, which can be severe. They include:
- Infection
- Perforation of the uterus (a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can lead to painful periods and infertility)
As you navigate the decision-making process, it is vital to weigh all your options and gather information to protect your health. Choices Medical Services will help you find what you need.
No-Cost Services
Are you facing an unexpected pregnancy? We offer no-cost services like limited OB ultrasounds and options information so you can get all the details needed to protect your health.
Only you know what’s best for this situation. We’ll equip you with resources to make an informed decision, discuss your questions and concerns, and more—all in a confidential, nonjudgmental environment.
Schedule an appointment today.
Choices Medical Services does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.