While abortion is often treated as an easy way to handle a pregnancy you didn’t expect, there are facts about abortion you want to be aware of before making a decision.
Keep reading to learn about the types of abortion, as well as the limitations and health impacts of abortion, that you need to know to protect your health.
You can also visit Alpha Pregnancy Care Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, for early pregnancy services and to speak with a caring professional about your situation. We’re here to help you.
Different Types of Abortion
There are two primary types of abortion, and the details of your pregnancy can determine which one is available to you as an option.
Medical Abortion: Also known as the abortion pill, medical abortion uses a series of pills to terminate an early pregnancy.
The first drug used is called mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain and grow a pregnancy. Without enough progesterone, a fertilized egg will detach from the uterus and stop growing, ending the pregnancy.
The next drug used is misoprostol, which causes your uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy from your body through vaginal bleeding.
It’s important to know that the FDA only approves medical abortion through ten weeks of pregnancy for safety reasons, such as preventing an incomplete abortion.
Surgical Abortion: An invasive medical procedure, surgical abortion is commonly used after ten weeks of pregnancy. This takes place at a hospital or clinic.
During a surgical abortion, an abortion provider dilates your cervix and inserts surgical tools into your uterus to manually remove the pregnancy and any related tissue through suction and scraping.
Side Effects and Risks of Abortion
While there are commonly known side effects of abortion, there are also risks to your health that can arise from complications.
Risks from medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical procedure
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Risks from surgical abortion can include:
- Uterine perforation (a hole poked through the uterus)
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Not removing all the tissue (requires another procedure)
Get the Help You Need
Gathering all the facts about your pregnancy is crucial to making an informed decision.
Alpha Pregnancy Care Center is here for you. We offer pregnancy test confirmation and an ultrasound scan to obtain important details, such as your pregnancy’s age, viability, and location.
Our skilled team can also answer all your questions and listen to your concerns, empowering you to make a decision for your health and future.
Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment.
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