Finding out you’re pregnant isn’t always the best of news. When you’re facing a pregnancy you didn’t plan, it can be overwhelming. Our staff at Oasis Medical can give you the information to help you make a decision that is best for you.
As you face the decision of obtaining an abortion or continuing with the pregnancy, you deserve to have all the information you need to make a confident choice. Your health is worth prioritizing – be sure you know all there is to know about the potential physical effects of abortion on your body.
What Are the Types of Abortion?
There are two common methods of abortion – medical or medication abortion (often referred to as the abortion pill) and surgical abortion (a procedure typically done in a clinic).
The abortion pill is actually a two-dose medication process. Mifepristone, the first dose, is typically taken under the supervision of a doctor or clinician. This dose blocks the pregnancy hormone progesterone, causing the pregnancy to detach from the uterine wall. Then, the second dose – misoprostol – is taken several hours or up to a day later at home (not under medical supervision). This medication causes contractions, which expels the pregnancy and tissue from the uterus through the vagina.
This medication regimen is approved by the FDA for the termination of early pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation. It is important to note for your health and safety that taking the abortion pill past this point in pregnancy could put you at risk for incomplete abortion or other complications.
The second method of abortion – surgical abortion – as its name suggests, is an out-patient surgical procedure. This means the procedure will be performed in a clinic and the woman will be sent home to recover. While there are several types of surgical abortion used depending on the stage of pregnancy, one of the most common is referred to as dilation & curettage, or D&C. During this procedure, a doctor uses medical instruments to open the cervix and scrape or lightly suction the fetus and tissue from the uterus.
Either method of abortion comes with potential physical risks or side effects.
What Are the Physical Risks of the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill process is quoted as having the following potential physical risks from the Mayo Clinic:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
What Are the Physical Risks of Surgical Abortion?
Surgical abortion procedures carry the following potential physical risks, as shared by the Mayo Clinic:
- Perforation (tearing or puncture) of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Dizziness or fever
- Severe cramping
How Can I Prioritize my Physical Health?
If you are having pregnancy symptoms, the best way to protect your health when seeking an abortion is to follow the following steps:
- Confirm with pregnancy testing
- Follow-up with an ultrasound to determine viability, date, and location of your pregnancy
- STI testing
- Learn more about the procedures available so you know what to expect
We’re Here to Help
At Oasis Medical, our medical team can offer you an ultrasound exam at no cost to you. You deserve to put your health and safety first and get your questions answered so you can make your next steps confidently. Schedule your free appointment today – we’re here for you.