If you have recently had an abortion, or are considering an abortion, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and health risks in order to protect your health and safety.
Both surgical and medical abortions are serious medical procedures that have known risks, which include infection.
Signs of Infection
According to the Mayo Clinic, possible signs of infection following an abortion can include:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours)
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after your abortion it’s important to seek medical attention immediately to protect yourself.
Risk of Infection from an Incomplete Abortion
An infection can also be an indication of an incomplete abortion—which occurs when a surgical or medical abortion fails to remove all the pregnancy tissue from your uterus.
Symptoms of an incomplete abortion can include:
- Moderate to heavy vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
Just as with an infection, if you are worried that you might be suffering from an incomplete abortion contact your doctor or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
Risk of Long Term Infection
If an infection remains untreated in your reproductive organs it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a serious condition that can lead to complications such as:
- Chronic pelvic pain, usually during sex or ovulation
- Tubo-ovarian cyst, which is an abscess in the reproductive tract that can become life-threatening if left untreated
- Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy not located in the uterus)—because scarring from PID in the fallopian tubes might make it impossible for an embryo to reach the uterus, the embryo may implant in the tube. This can become a life-threatening condition.
- Infertility—it may become difficult or impossible for women to conceive after damage caused by PID. This risk increases with repeated PID diagnoses and untreated PID.
Pre-Abortion Screening and Consultation
If you are considering an abortion, Palm Beach Women’s Clinic can provide you with a no-cost pre-abortion screening. This screening includes a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy and a follow-up ultrasound scan to provide you with valuable information like the age, viability, and location of your pregnancy. All of these details are important in knowing what options are available to you.
Our trained staff will also answer all your questions and listen to your concerns, empowering you to make the best decision for your health and future.
Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.
