Though it’s hard to pinpoint with 100% certainty how abortion will affect you, we do know there are side effects and risks to be aware of. Whether someone has a medical or surgical abortion, they are making a decision that comes with potential impacts on their health.
Bella does not provide or refer for abortions. However, we provide comprehensive information on all your options. You deserve to make an informed choice and get your questions answered. Schedule a no-cost appointment today.
Continue reading to learn more about how abortion can affect you physically.
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Each abortion method ends a pregnancy differently, and they come with distinct side effects.
The two main types of abortion are medical and surgical abortion. Medical abortion is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation, while surgical abortion is typically performed later on.
Learning about each procedure can help you understand potential effects and inform your decision-making process.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion typically uses a series of drugs to end the pregnancy.
Mifepristone is taken first, which blocks a hormone called progesterone, causing the uterine lining to thin and the pregnancy to detach and end. Next, misoprostol causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy.
A medical abortion will cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Every woman will experience these two side effects.
Other side effects can also occur, including:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Additionally, this method is associated with certain risks. Though women won’t necessarily experience the following, it’s crucial to be aware of them when making a decision:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion (when some of the pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, potentially requiring surgical treatment)
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion procedures use various methods to end the pregnancy. The procedure type depends on a woman’s gestational age (how far along she is), among other factors.
The most common surgical abortion method is vacuum aspiration, which is used up to 12-14 weeks gestation.
Following a vacuum aspiration, women can experience cramping for a day or two. Vaginal bleeding can last for a week to 10 days.
This method also poses serious health risks, so it’s crucial to consider them when making a pregnancy decision.
These risks include:
- Perforation of the uterus (accidentally poking a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall (potentially causing painful periods and infertility)
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Reactions to the drugs or anesthesia (i.e., problems breathing)
- An incomplete abortion (not removing all of the tissue, potentially requiring another procedure)
Learning about all your options, including parenting and adoption, is essential for making an educated decision about your pregnancy. You can decide what’s best for your future and health with information on each.
Bella will help you navigate this time and weigh your options.
Free & Confidential Services
Bella’s services prioritize your well-being and unique situation. We offer various free resources, including pregnancy confirmation and options information, so you have what you need to make an informed choice.
Schedule a confidential appointment today to learn more.
Bella does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.