There are two main types of abortions: medical abortion and surgical abortion. They both come with risks to your health, so it’s important to understand them better before making up your mind about this option. Be sure of your pregnancy details, as certain abortion methods are performed at different points of pregnancy.
You are not alone as you consider your pregnancy options. At Crossroads Care Clinic, we can provide the clarity you need about how far along your pregnancy is, educate you on abortion, and more.
1. Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Medical abortion consists of mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate an existing pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that sustains a pregnancy, and misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Some of the side effects that come with medical abortion include nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, headache, and diarrhea. Bleeding and cramping will also occur. Possible risks of this procedure include:
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- An incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical procedure)
2. Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion includes dilation of the cervix and a mix of tools and suction. Multiple surgical instruments are used to remove the pregnancy. It’s a much more invasive process than medical abortion.
Though there are multiple surgical procedures, they all share possible physical risks, including:
- Damage to the uterus or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the drugs or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Understand Where Your Pregnancy Stands
It’s vital to fully understand your pregnancy details before an abortion decision to safeguard your health. The FDA has approved the abortion pill through 10 weeks gestation only, so you must know how far along you are.
We offer free pregnancy services so you can get answers about your pregnancy details. The advocates at the Crossroads Care Clinic are prepared to give you the information you need to make a fact-based decision. Talk to us today to learn more.
Crossroads Care Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
