Abortion can impact women differently based on the method and individual circumstances. There are two primary types of abortion—medical and surgical—each with distinct processes and potential physical effects.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Care Net LVNM offers free pregnancy services and resources to help you make an informed decision. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion involves taking drugs to terminate a pregnancy. It is FDA-approved for use up to the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. This method typically requires two drugs:
- Mifepristone, which blocks the hormone progesterone.
- Misoprostol, which induces uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy.
Common physical side effects include cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. While these are typical, there are also potential risks, such as:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is a procedure that removes the pregnancy from the uterus using drugs, suction, instruments, or a combination of both.
After the procedure, women may experience mild cramping and light bleeding for a few days. However, there are potential risks, including:
- Uterine perforation.
- Cervical damage.
- Uterine scarring.
- Infection.
These risks can lead to complications such as painful or irregular periods, increased risk of miscarriage in future pregnancies, or infertility.
Get Fully Informed
Understanding the physical effects and risks of abortion is an essential step in making a confident, informed decision. Care Net LVNM provides free and confidential pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasound referrals, and information about all your options.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.