How Will an Abortion Affect Me Physically?

How Will an Abortion Affect Me Physically?

If you are considering an abortion, you may be wondering how the procedure could affect your body in the days, weeks, and years to come.

No two women experience abortion the same way. The physical impact depends on the method used, how far along the pregnancy is, and your overall health.

Some women recover quickly with only mild side effects, while others face complications that require additional medical care.

Understanding the possible outcomes is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and your future, and Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center is here to help.

Contact us to schedule your free and confidential appointment to get the details you need to answer all your questions.

How Abortion Works

There are two primary types of abortion procedures: medical and surgical.

A medical abortion combines two prescription drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is used first and blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the fertilized egg to detach from the uterine wall and stop growing.

Misoprostol is then taken to trigger contractions that expel the pregnancy through the vagina.

According to the FDA, the abortion pill is only approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.

A surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital. The cervix is dilated, and the uterus is emptied with a suction device or surgical instruments.

Possible Physical Risks

There are known risks to both medical and surgical abortion, and understanding them beforehand will help you make the best decision for your health and future.

Risks associated with the abortion pill can include:

  • Heavy or prolonged bleeding
  • Incomplete abortion that may require a follow-up surgical procedure
  • Continued pregnancy if the drugs do not work
  • Infection
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Risks tied to a surgical abortion can include:

  • Damage to the cervix
  • Perforation of the uterine wall
  • Scarring of the uterus, which may affect future fertility
  • Infection
  • Reaction to anesthesia

When to Seek Medical Attention

Some discomfort after an abortion is expected, but certain symptoms can signal a serious complication.

Contact a medical provider right away if you experience:

  • Bleeding that soaks two or more pads each hour for two hours
  • Severe abdominal, back, or shoulder pain
  • A fever lasting longer than 24 hours
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Pain that worsens instead of improving
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Cramping that lasts more than 48 hours after a surgical procedure

Get the Information You Deserve

Before scheduling any procedure, confirm your pregnancy with a medical-grade pregnancy test and an ultrasound.

An ultrasound can verify how far along you are, rule out an ectopic pregnancy, and confirm whether the pregnancy is viable.

At Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, we provide free and confidential pregnancy services so you can move forward with accurate information about your health.

You have the right to be fully informed about every option, and our caring team is here to listen, answer your questions, and walk with you without pressure.

Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.