When facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may feel like you’re navigating a lot of information at once. Understanding your options can make it feel less overwhelming. At Ohana Health, we’re here to help you explore the different types of abortion so you can make an informed decision.
Let’s break down the two types of abortion procedures and the important details you should know about each.
What are the Different Types?
There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. The type available to you depends primarily on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Here’s a closer look at both.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion involves taking two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, typically at home. This method is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks gestation. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, while misoprostol causes uterine contractions that lead to cramping in the stomach area and bleeding, expelling the pregnancy.
You may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, and diarrhea. Possible risks include:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital setting, generally later in pregnancy. This procedure involves dilating the cervix to access the uterus and then using suction or medical instruments to remove the pregnancy.
Risks associated with surgical abortion include:
- Cervical damage
- Uterine perforation
- Infection
- Uterine scarring
Empower Yourself with Information
Ohana Health offers no-cost pregnancy services to provide you with the support and information you need. Get answers to your questions, learn more about your pregnancy, and gain clarity about your options.
Contact us to schedule a confidential appointment and take the first step toward making an informed choice.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.