Depending on where you’re at in your decision-making process, you may still be considering if abortion is your next best step, or you may be gathering information to help you prepare for your upcoming procedure. 

You are in the right place! As with any decision, knowledge is power, and learning more about potential risks is important for advocating for your own health. 

What Are the Types of Abortion?

The risks of abortions can depend on the type of abortion you have. There are two main types: medical abortion and surgical abortion.

Medical Abortion

Often called the “abortion pill,” medical abortions can be an option for women who are ten weeks pregnant or less. This typically involves taking two types of medication over a period of time. 

What Are the Risks of Medical Abortion?

Like any procedure, no abortion is 100% without risk. However, the chances for problems with medical abortion could be higher when ordering the medication online and foregoing important safety measures, such as not getting an ultrasound beforehand to determine the stage of the pregnancy.

According to the Mayo Clinic, risks of medication abortion include: 

  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Digestive system discomfort
  • Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
  • An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding

Surgical Abortion

Medical abortions are typically not safe for women who are later in their pregnancies, and instead, surgical abortions are used. There are a few different subtypes of surgical abortion, but in general, these procedures involve removing the pregnancy tissue with suction or other medical instruments. 

What Are the Risks of Surgical Abortion?

The U.S. National Library of Medicine shares the following potential risks of surgical abortion

  • Damage to the womb or cervix
  • Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
  • Scarring of the inside of the uterus
  • Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
  • Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure

Are There Any Long-Term Risks of Abortion?

The above risks would be noticeable fairly soon after an abortion, but some patients have experienced other side effects later on. 

A 2015 review suggests a link between past surgical abortion and future problematic pregnancies for some women. Additionally, some people have experienced increased mental health struggles following an abortion. 

How Can I Manage The Risks of Abortion?

By asking questions like these, you are acting as an advocate for your own health, which is the first step. Here are a few other ways you can manage the risks of abortion: 

Talk With Someone 

It’s important to feel confident about your next steps, free of pressure or coercion. Talking with someone can give you the assurance that you are making a clear, mindful decision. 

At PRC of the Valleys, our caring Client Advocates are ready to listen.    

Assess Your Safety

Before getting an abortion, assess your health and safety with an ultrasound. At PRC of the Valleys, we can provide you with a referral for an on-site ultrasound, free of charge. 

An ultrasound allows our licensed medical professionals to confirm the dates and location of your pregnancy, two important factors for determining which type of abortion procedure you are eligible for. 

Make an Appointment

We believe you are bold and empowered, and our trained staff and licensed medical professionals are here for you along your journey.  

Contact us today to schedule a time to discuss your risks, assess your situation with an ultrasound, and talk about any other questions you may have. It’s confidential, and there is no cost to you.

The Comeback Is Always Stronger Than The Setback