When considering an abortion, informing yourself of the procedure’s risks is a good idea to protect your health and safety. The risks of abortion can vary depending on the procedure that is used.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, sometimes called the abortion pill, uses two drugs to terminate the pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, is usually taken at an abortion provider’s office. It blocks the hormone progesterone that the body needs to continue a pregnancy. Within 48 hours, the second drug, misoprostol, is taken, usually at home. Misoprostol causes the uterus to begin contracting (squeezing repeatedly) to force the pregnancy out of the body through the vagina.
Risks of medical abortion can include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion involves opening the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and using surgical tools and suction to remove the pregnancy.
Risks of surgical abortion can include:
- Uterine perforation (a small tear in your uterus), which may happen if the tip of the curette passes through your uterine wall
- Uterine infection
- Uterine bleeding
- Scarring of the uterine wall (can affect future fertility)
When to Seek Help
Complications arising from an abortion can endanger a woman’s health and safety and should be addressed with a medical provider. Signs and symptoms that a woman should seek immediate medical treatment can include the following:
- Severe bleeding — soaking more than two thick pads within an hour
- Fever that lasts more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- You do not get your period after two months
- You have symptoms of pregnancy
Let Us Know How We Can Help
My Future Approved offers no-cost pre-abortion screening. Get all the information that you need about your pregnancy to prioritize your safety. All services including pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and STD testing are free and confidential. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
