How Will Abortion Affect Me Physically?

April 16, 2024

There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. And both types of abortion come with risks to your physical health. Before choosing abortion, it’s critical to learn all you can to protect your health.

This article will explore the essentials you need to know about how abortion might affect your physical health. But if you’re looking for medically accurate information about your options or a safe place to talk, contact ALC today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”) involves taking two powerful drugs at home.

After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Some women have reported that the pain associated with these drugs is surprisingly severe.

You might also experience a physical complication after taking these drugs. Although rare, the risks of the abortion drugs include:

• Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus. This can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection and sepsis.
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic, and it involves the dilation of the cervix so that medical instruments (like strong suction and scraping tools) can enter the uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy.

Risks associated with surgical abortion include:

• Uterine perforation (this occurs when medical instruments poke a hole in your uterus)
• Uterine scarring (this can cause painful periods and future infertility)
• Cervical damage
• Infection

How Can I Protect My Health?

Before making any pregnancy decision, it’s critical to get an ultrasound. This simple scan will tell you the vital details you need to know to protect your health, including:

• Gestational age: This is especially important if you’re considering medical abortion, as this option is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under. If you take the drugs and you’re further along, you’re more likely to experience a risk to your health.
• Location: This ensures you’re not facing a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, which is when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus.
• Viability: Roughly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and an ultrasound can determine if your pregnancy has signs of life, like a heartbeat. If not, you will need medical follow-up to ensure you don’t experience complications.

We’re Here for You

You’re not alone as you navigate your pregnancy options. We’re here for you.

Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. We provide a safe space for you to learn more about your options and express your concerns without fear of judgment.

We have two locations for your convenience:

• 711 Henry Clay Street, Shelbyville, KY; (502) 647-0300
• 368 N. Buckman Street, Shepherdsville, KY; (502) 212-2535