If you are early in your pregnancy, there are two types of abortion commonly used. One is a medical abortion and the other is a surgical abortion.

Medical Abortion:

A medical abortion is often called taking the “abortion pill.” However, it is actually performed using two medications: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. 

Mifepristone decreases the amount of progesterone produced in a woman’s body. Progesterone is necessary for the fetus to grow. 

One or two days later, misoprostol is taken. It causes cramping to expel the fetus from the body. 

Surgical Abortion:

Surgical abortion in the early stages of pregnancy is usually either a D&C (dilation and curettage) or a suction abortion. 

With a D&C abortion, the uterus is dilated, and a sharp instrument, called a curettage, is used to scrape the uterine contents out of the body. Sometimes suction can do this by itself and sometimes it is used in combination with the D&C. 

Risks Of Both Types Of Abortion:

With medical and surgical abortions, the primary risks are heavy bleeding, cramping, fever, chills and headache. There is also a risk of infection.

Infection can result when fetal tissue remains in the uterus or, in the case of a surgical abortion, the uterine wall is cut or damaged. 

Signs Of Infection:

  1. Fever or Chills- these can also occur as regular side effects. However, if the fever increases or lasts more than a couple of days, it may indicate infection. 
  2. A foul-smelling discharge from the vagina. 
  3. Extreme pain could indicate there is still fetal tissue in the uterus that must be extracted or lead to infection or worse. 

Special Risk If You Have An STI And A Surgical Abortion:

If a woman has either Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, especially in the vaginal area, a surgical abortion can carry the infection into the uterus. This increases a woman’s risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID.)

This can be a very serious condition. If not treated, it can lead to cancer and infertility. Warning signs include:

Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis

  • Foul-smelling discharge
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Pain during sex
  • Fever
  • Painful urination

We care about you and your well-being. We at Options Clinic can provide you with a no-cost pregnancy test and ultrasound and comprehensive information about your options. 

Please contact us today.