Are you considering an abortion? Sometimes the stress of an unplanned pregnancy can make you feel pressured into making a quick decision. Be sure to understand the facts and the risks of abortion before making a final decision that will affect your future.
Different Types of Abortion
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. Learn about both procedures so you can make an informed decision.
Medical Abortion
Commonly known as the abortion pill, medical abortion is a pregnancy termination method involving two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. This procedure is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days).
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a vital hormone for maintaining the interior of the uterus during pregnancy. This will cause the pregnancy to end.
Misoprostol goes a step further and causes the uterus to contract to expel the pregnancy through the vagina. Typically, mifepristone is prescribed at an abortion clinic, and misoprostol is taken at home about 24 to 48 hours later. The specific instructions will depend on the prescription.
Risks of Medical Abortion
There are some potential risks of medication abortion to think over before making a final decision, including:
- Infection
- Fever
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Allergic reaction to the medications
Surgical Abortion
The process of surgical abortion uses a combination of dilation, surgical instruments, and suction to remove the embryo or fetus and placenta from the uterus. The procedure is typically performed at an abortion clinic or hospital setting. Women can choose between local anesthesia or sedation to numb the pain during surgical abortion.
There are different types of surgical abortion procedures used at varying points in pregnancy. Vaccuum aspiration abortion, dilation & curettage abortion (D&C), and dilation & evacuation abortion (D&E) are similar but range from using only suction, to a tool called a curette and, in some cases, more extensive tools like forceps.
Risks of Surgical Abortion
There are risks to consider when exploring the option of surgical abortion. Potential risks of surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the fetal tissue, requiring another procedure
Get Answers Today
An ultrasound will tell you how far along you are in your pregnancy, screen for certain complications, and reveal your options. Start pregnancy confirmation with our staff today to get the answers you need. Contact us to make a no-cost and confidential appointment.