Whether you’re considering the abortion pill or surgical abortion, it’s important to know the risks involved.
Being fully informed will allow you to make an empowered decision that’s best for your health.
Risks of The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is only available during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. It utilizes two different drugs to terminate the pregnancy.
Mayo Clinic lists the following risks of the abortion pill.
- Incomplete abortion (may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- Heavy/prolonged bleeding
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
Some of these risks are more extreme than others, and if you experience heavy or prolonged bleeding, fever, or abdominal discomfort, you should seek medical help immediately.
Risks of Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions can happen during all three trimesters of pregnancy, and how far along you are most often determines your eligibility for a specific procedure.
Mayo Clinic lists the following as potential risks of surgical abortion:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Heavy bleeding
- Cramping
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Some of these risks can lead to other long-term complications like damage to certain parts of your reproductive system and difficulty getting pregnant in the future. Risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is possible when the procedure is completed with unknown Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). It’s important to consider your future and present circumstances before making your decision.
Before Your Abortion
Before getting an abortion, it’s essential to consider the risks and receive an ultrasound to learn more about your pregnancy.
An ultrasound will tell you:
- How far along you are
- Where your pregnancy is located
- If your pregnancy is viable
How far along your pregnancy is will determine what kind of abortion you may be eligible for.
An ectopic pregnancy is located outside the uterus, is nonviable, and can pose significant risks to your health. It must be treated by a medical professional, immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Finally, around 30% of pregnancies end in early miscarriage. Your pregnancy test can be positive, but an ultrasound can reveal you’ve already miscarried. This is important to know because you don’t want to pay for something you do not need.
Schedule an Appointment
At Options Women’s Care Center, we offer ultrasounds and limited STI testing at no cost to you. This allows for you to learn as much as possible to make an informed decision about your options.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and explore all your options.