Understanding how abortion ends a pregnancy can help you make an empowered choice. As with any procedure, abortion has risks and side effects you should know beforehand.
Sage Women’s Center discusses all options with evidence-based education. We’ll help you learn everything possible about your options.
Schedule a no-charge, private appointment today. In the meantime, keep reading to get the facts on abortion.
Abortion: Know the Facts
Abortion is a procedure that ends a pregnancy. The method used depends on a woman’s gestational age (how far along she is) and other factors.
There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion uses two different drugs to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone is taken first; this drug blocks progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to grow and develop. Without this hormone, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining and ends.
Misoprostol is the second drug used, and it causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy and tissue from the body.
When a woman takes these abortion drugs, she will have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Other side effects can occur, including:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
There are risks associated with medical abortion, including:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- An incomplete abortion (this occurs if not all the pregnancy tissue has left the body), which may need a surgical procedure
Additionally, the FDA only recommends medical abortion through 10 weeks gestation. There is no guarantee that abortion drugs will be effective after that period, and serious risks could occur.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion procedures vary based on the gestational age. The procedure may be longer and more complex if the woman is further along.
This method uses drugs, suctioning, and/or surgical tools to end the pregnancy. Common side effects include mild cramping and light spotting or bleeding.
The risks associated with a surgical abortion procedure are rare but could be severe. Learning them is an important way to protect your health:
- Perforation of the uterus (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
If you are considering abortion, it’s critical to speak with your medical provider and review your health history. Your provider can discuss these procedures, the side effects, and possible complications.
Sage Women’s Center can also educate you on your pregnancy options.
No-Charge Options Education
Sage Women’s Center will help you understand your options and answer your questions. We’ll help you make an educated decision for your unexpected pregnancy.
Schedule a private appointment today.
Sage Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.