You may be considering abortion as an option for dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. In that case, it’s important to understand the details of the procedure, the risks involved, and any long-term implications.
All this information will help you make the best decision for your health and future.
Types of Abortion and Risks Associated
There are two types of abortion procedures, and the health risks you may face can vary depending on the type of abortion you have.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion uses a series of drugs to terminate a healthy pregnancy.
The first drug is used to stop the pregnancy from growing in your uterus, while the second drug forces your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy from your body.
Surgical Abortion
As the name suggests, a surgical abortion is an invasive medical procedure.
During a surgical abortion, your cervix is dilated, and a doctor will insert surgical tools and a suction device through your cervix into your uterus to remove the pregnancy.
What are the Risks of Medical Abortion?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the risks of a medical abortion can include:
- Incomplete abortion
- Extreme bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Allergic reactions to the medications used
What are the Risks of a Surgical Abortion?
The risk factors from a surgical abortion include:
- Injury to the cervix or uterus
- Extreme bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Scarring
- Incomplete abortion
- Allergic reactions to the medications used
What are the Long-Term Factors?
While some of the risks you see above can create short-term complications, long-term issues can arise from the risks.
For example, an infection, especially if left untreated, can lead to serious issues like pelvic inflammatory disease. This condition can create scarring in your reproductive organs and increase your chance of ectopic pregnancy and ovarian cysts in the future.
Damage to the uterus and cervix during a surgical abortion can also increase your chances of developing infertility or make it difficult to get pregnant in the future.
Additionally, research and studies have shown there can be negative impacts on some women’s mental health after an abortion, both in the short-term and long-term. These negative impacts may include feelings of anger, depression, suicidal thoughts, and self-destructive behavior like alcohol or drug abuse.
Where Can I Learn More?
Getting all the facts about your pregnancy and the options available is a crucial way to protect your health and future.
The team at Palm Beach Women’s Clinic is here to help you.
We can provide you with important details about your pregnancy, information about all the options available to you, and take the time to answer all your questions.
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you deserve to be empowered to have the facts you need to make the best decision for yourself.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost and confidential appointment.
