If your at-home pregnancy test came back positive and you are considering abortion, take some time to familiarize yourself with the potential risks of abortion. You deserve the best for your health and future!
What is the Abortion Pill?
You may think it’s a simple, easy pill, but medication abortion (more commonly known as the abortion pill) is actually a two-step process involving two separate drugs.
The first drug in the process is Mifepristone (or Mifeprex). This drug is typically taken at a clinic or with an abortion provider, and it prevents the pregnancy from growing and/or implanting in the uterus.
The second drug is typically taken many hours later at home. This drug, Misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and other uterine tissue through the vagina.
Taking the abortion pill is a serious medical procedure and it is very important to seek medical attention both before and following the process. A doctor can help make sure the abortion is complete and that there are no further complications like infection or excessive bleeding.
What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
The Mayo Clinic states the following as physical risks of medication abortion:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
It is very important to know how far along in your pregnancy you are before taking the abortion pill, as it is only recommended and approved by the FDA for early pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Taking the abortion pill past 10 weeks gestation may result in an incomplete abortion or cause other complications.
What is Surgical Abortion?
Terminations of pregnancies past 10 weeks – known as surgical abortion – are more involved and require in-person care in an abortion clinic or hospital with a provider. These types of procedures are typically available as an option for pregnancies up to 20 weeks gestation.
Most surgical abortions involve a procedure known as dilation & curettage, in which an abortion provider opens (or dilates) the cervix using medication or medical instruments, and then utilizes a tool called a curette to scrape or lightly suction out the fetus and uterine tissue.
These medical procedures may require sedation, such as general anesthesia. Because of the more involved, in-person nature of these types of abortion, the cost is generally higher than other methods.
What Are the Risks of Surgical Abortion?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are potential physical risks of surgical abortion:
- 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
You may also choose to consider the mental health effects of any method of abortion. Some women report experiencing strong negative emotions after having an abortion, and in some cases, lasting emotional or psychological effects.
Schedule a Pre-Abortion Assessment
Want to make sure you’re making the best informed choice about abortion and your health? Take the first step by confirming your pregnancy and finding out how far along you are with the help of a medical professional.
An ultrasound can answer this question, as well as help you know if other medical concerns – such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy – may affect your eligibility for a specific type of abortion. In the presence of either of these complications, abortion is not a viable medical solution and other emergency medical attention would be required.
Our professional medical staff at Oasis Medical can help answer your questions and get you an ultrasound at no cost to you! Get the evidence-based education you need today – schedule your free appointment now.