Abortion is often marketed as a simple, safe, and effective means to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. The truth is, abortion poses both short and long-term health risks to women.
Keep reading to learn about the types of abortion available and the risks associated with each. You deserve to know all the facts before deciding whether an abortion is the right choice for your unplanned pregnancy.
Two Types of Abortion
There are two main types of abortion available today: medical (the abortion pill) and surgical. Health history and how far along the pregnancy is usually determine which type of abortion is available.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion (the abortion pill) works by using a combination of the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first to block the body’s production of progesterone, a hormone essential to keep the pregnancy alive.
After about 24-72 hours, a dose of misoprostol is taken to bring on uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy. The entire process of a medical abortion can take several days and will cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. The pain may be severe.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is usually an outpatient procedure at a hospital or clinic and can take around three hours to complete.
The procedure begins by dilating and opening the cervix, either through medication or a series of medical instruments. Once the cervix is open, your healthcare provider will use forceps, a vacuum device, or scraping tools to remove the pregnancy from your uterus.
Risks of A Medical Abortion
Risks associated with a medical abortion include:
- An incomplete abortion, requiring a surgical procedure
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Risks Involved With A Surgical Abortion
Undergoing a surgical abortion exposes women to risk of:
- Needing another procedure, if some tissue was accidentally left inside the womb
- Heavy bleeding
- Sepsis, which can be a life-threatening infection
- Damage or injury to the cervix or uterus, which can cause fertility issues in the future
Make A Plan
You get to decide what’s best for your body and pregnancy. Never feel pressured by time or friends and family to choose a medical decision you’re uncomfortable with.
The staff at Women’s Hope Medical Clinic is here to provide honest information so you can make a confident and informed decision about your future. Take the next step and call (334) 502-7000 to get the support and care you deserve today.