Abortion can lead to different physical effects depending on your health and the method used. The two primary types of abortion, medical and surgical, each involve a unique process and come with potential risks.
You don’t have to sort through this information on your own. Ohana Health offers no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, education, and support to help you explore all your options with clarity and confidence. If you have questions, we’re here for you with compassionate care.
Keep reading to learn more about the physical impacts of abortion.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy and is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestation. It typically involves two drugs: mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, and misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Additionally, cramping and bleeding will occur during the process.
For many women, the pain and bleeding can be more severe than expected. In addition to these side effects, medical abortion also carries risks such as:
- Incomplete abortion, where not all pregnancy tissue is expelled, sometimes requiring a surgical procedure
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive issues like an upset stomach
It’s especially crucial to note that many women report the pain of medical abortion to be much more severe than they expected. It’s more comparable to giving birth than a heavy period, as it’s sometimes described.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is a procedure in which the pregnancy is ended and removed from the uterus using suction, medical instruments, drugs, or a combination of methods. After the procedure, most women experience mild cramping and light bleeding or spotting for several days. You will likely be in a recovery room for a few hours after the procedure to monitor for heavy bleeding and other complications.
However, there are more serious risks to be aware of, including:
- Uterine perforation
- Cervical damage
- Uterine scarring
- Infection
These complications can sometimes lead to long-term reproductive issues, such as difficulty getting pregnant in the future or an increased risk of miscarriage.
Know Your Options
Understanding the physical effects of abortion is an essential step in making an informed choice. At Ohana Health, we’re here to walk alongside you. Our licensed nurse and trained client advocates provide no-cost, confidential support and education in a space free of pressure or judgment.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more about your options. We’re here to support you during an unplanned pregnancy.
Ohana Health does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information is sourced from accurate information at the time of writing.