With any type of abortion procedure, there are risks you need to know about before making your final decision. It’s easy to feel rushed or pressured, but take the time you need to get educated about all your options. 

There will be long-term effects with whichever decision you choose. No one can decide for you but is ultimately yours to make. Feel confident in your next step today by first being informed. You are not alone in your unplanned pregnancy. 

What are the Types of Abortion?

All abortion procedures accomplish the same goal: to end the existing pregnancy within the uterus. Two main types of abortion work to do this, medical and surgical abortion. The gestational age of the pregnancy will determine which abortion is available to you.

Medical Abortion

Only women pregnant during the first 10 weeks are eligible for this type of abortion. A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill method, terminates pregnancy through two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. The first drug is normally taken at a clinic, and the second is taken at home within 24-48 hours later.

Mifepristone (the first drug) is used to block the womb from absorbing progesterone. This causes the lining of the uterus to thin and stops the embryo from staying implanted. Then, Misoprostol expels the embryo by causing the uterus to contract. 

Surgical Abortion

A surgical abortion is more invasive than a medical abortion, using anesthesia and surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy through the vagina. Surgical abortion works to dilate the uterus and utilizes instruments like a suction tube to remove the fetus and contents of the pregnancy. 

A Vacuum Aspiration or a D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) are the different types of in-clinic abortions. How far along you are will determine what type of surgical abortion you’re eligible for. Surgical abortions are done mostly within the second trimester of pregnancy.

What are the Risks of Abortion?

It’s important to know and consider the risks of abortion. The effects of abortion can be difficult on women physically and emotionally.

Possible Medical Abortion Risks:

  • Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
  • An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Digestive system discomfort

Possible Surgical Abortion Risks:

  • Damage to the womb or cervix
  • Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
  • Scarring of the inside of the uterus
  • Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
  • Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure

No-Cost Pregnancy Confirmation

To move forward with a pregnancy decision, understand what options you’re eligible for. Confirm how far along you are with a no-cost appointment at Lakes Lifecare Center.

Schedule a no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasound appointment to find out key details about your pregnancy. Get the clarity and support you need today.