There are several types of abortion procedures that women are eligible for, but each comes with certain risks that you should know. 

If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to get all of the facts beforehand. This way, you’re prepared to make a decision and understand all of the options that are available to you.

What is a Medical Abortion?

Two medications are used during medical abortion: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, which is needed to help the pregnancy along and ensure that the embryo remains implanted in the uterine wall. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions to start and expels the embryo and pregnancy tissue from the uterus.

Side effects of medical abortion include: 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Cramping 
  • Vaginal bleeding

What Could Happen After a Medical Abortion?

Although these may seem uncommon, there are some risks associated with a medical abortion procedure. You should know these risks prior to having an abortion because they may negatively impact your health. 

The risks of having a medical abortion are the following:

  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • An ongoing pregnancy (if the abortion pill didn’t work)
  • Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion)
  • Digestive system discomfort

If you’re experiencing any signs of complications, you must seek medical treatment immediately.

What Does a Surgical Abortion Entail?

Surgical abortions are performed later in a woman’s pregnancy and are more complicated procedures. During a surgical abortion, the cervix is dilated by surgical instruments or medication, and an instrument called a curette or a gentle suctioning technique removes the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.

As with medical abortion, there are side effects associated with a surgical abortion procedure, some of which can be serious. These include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Cramping
  • Bleeding
  • Feeling faint or lightheaded 
  • Sweating

Risks of surgical abortion vary, but you must seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of them. The following could endanger your health:

  • Damage to the cervix
  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall
  • Fever
  • Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Infection
  • Pain that worsens instead of improving
  • Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour

Have More Questions?

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to know more about your options, or if you’re considering abortion and want more information about the risks of these procedures, contact Embrace Wichita today.

Embrace is here for you and offers a variety of no-cost services. Consider reaching out to make an appointment!