Are you seeking an abortion but unsure how the procedure will affect you physically? Abortion is a major medical event and it’s important to understand the risks and side effects to prepare yourself for a successful recovery.
Here’s what you need to know in order to prepare for a better post-abortion recovery.
What Side Effects Should I Expect?
It’s important to note that every woman responds to abortion differently. While we will discuss the most commonly reported side effects, you may not experience everything listed.
Side effects for a medical abortion are abdominal discomfort, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and nausea or vomiting. Women should also expect spotting and bleeding as the pregnancy is expelled.
Surgical abortions may cause nausea, cramping, and bleeding for as long as two weeks post-surgery.
Risks to Consider
Severe and life-threatening complications from an abortion are rare, but in order to fully provide informed consent, you should be aware of what’s possible.
Medical Abortion Risks
A medical abortion uses medication to terminate a pregnancy. Risks associated with a medical abortion are as follows:
- Heavy bleeding
- Sepsis and infection
- Needing another procedure to remove tissue left behind
Surgical Abortion Risks
As the name states, a surgical abortion is a surgical procedure used to terminate and remove a pregnancy. The process involves dilating and gently opening the cervix, then using forceps and a curette to remove the pregnancy tissue.
Documented risks for a surgical abortion include damage to the cervix, perforation of the womb with a surgical tool, heavy bleeding, and infection.
Understanding Future Health Implications
Having an abortion poses a small risk to women’s future reproductive health. If an infection is contracted post-abortion and not found or treated right away, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease.
Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause damage to the fallopian tubes, making it difficult to become pregnant or have a normal pregnancy in the future.
What Should I Do Next?
If you have questions about abortion or are curious about alternative solutions, Life Choices is here for you.
Our center offers free, confidential medical care for women struggling with an unplanned pregnancy and post-abortive care and support.
Call us at 720-453-9908 to make an appointment and connect with a nurse. Or you can contact us on our website.
We do not perform or refer for abortions.