What would I feel during an abortion?
Do I understand the risks?
These are just some of the questions women may ask themselves when considering abortion. While every experience is unique, it’s essential to understand the risks and side effects associated with abortion before moving forward.
Knowledge is power. When it comes to your health, you deserve to be fully informed. Next Step is here to equip you with information and answer your questions. We’ll discuss what can occur with the two main types of abortion: medical and surgical.
Medical Abortion: Understanding the Process
Medical abortion, often called “the abortion pill,” involves taking two drugs—mifepristone and misoprostol—to end a pregnancy. This option is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks gestation.
Mifepristone, the first drug, blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary to sustain a pregnancy. Then, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. The process will cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which can be severe.
However, additional side effects can occur, including:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
Taking abortion drugs is also associated with certain risks to your health, including:
- Digestive issues
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (some tissue remains in the uterus, which may require surgical treatment)
- Infection
- Fever
While experiencing these risks isn’t guaranteed, they can occur. By reviewing the potential physical effects, you can make an educated decision.
Surgical Abortion: What to Know
Surgical abortions use drugs, surgical tools, suction, or a combination of these methods to end the pregnancy.
After the procedure, women may experience mild cramping and spotting or light bleeding for several days afterward. However, serious risks are also associated with surgical abortion, and it’s critical to consider them as you navigate the decision-making process.
These risks include:
- Uterine perforation (a tear or hole in the uterus)
- Cervical damage
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can lead to painful periods or infertility)
- Infection
These risks may vary depending on how far along the woman is, the type of procedure performed, and each woman’s medical history.
You Deserve Accurate Information
Before making any decision, it’s crucial to confirm key details about your pregnancy and ensure you’re fully informed. Next Step offers free, confidential services like ultrasounds to provide clear answers in a safe, compassionate environment.
We also offer accurate, up-to-date information on abortion and all your options, empowering you to make a confident decision.
You don’t have to walk through this alone. Make an appointment today to learn more.
Next Step does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.