If you’re unexpectedly pregnant and considering abortion, you might be wondering about the types. There are two kinds of abortions: medical and surgical.
Understanding the various side effects and risks linked to abortion is crucial for making an informed choice. It’s important to be aware of what each procedure involves before making your decision. We will detail these aspects below.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,” is a series of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. It is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation (how far along you are.)
First, you would take mifepristone. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is a hormone. 24-48 hours later, you would take misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy from the uterus.
After taking the drugs, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, and there are some other side effects that could occur. You’ll also want to consider the risks involved:
- Incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
Unlike a medical abortion, a surgical abortion is usually performed in a clinic or hospital setting. The procedure requires the cervix to be dilated for medical tools, including suction and scraping equipment, to enter the uterus for terminating and removing the pregnancy.
The risks can be more severe and include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
These risks, though rare, can lead to unusual, absent, or painful menstrual cycles, future miscarriages, and infertility. It can often be treated with surgery.
Before Seeking An Abortion
Get all the details you need about your pregnancy before seeking an abortion. Care Net Pregnancy Center of Borger provides pregnancy services for you.
We have free quality pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds, so you’re fully informed about everything you need to know prior to an abortion.
Contact us today to make a confidential appointment.
