There are many things to know when considering an abortion. One of the large questions you may have is, “How will abortion affect me physically?” Abortion recovery will depend upon whether you’ve had a surgical abortion or a medication abortion. There are different types of risks and symptoms associated with each one that you should be aware of for your health and safety.
What Are The Common Abortion Side Effects?
Surgical
A surgical abortion procedure requires attending an in-person clinic visit where the abortion is performed under anesthesia. Some temporary side effects that may arise in the days following the surgery include those outlined by sources like the Mayo Clinic, such as:
- Mild cramping
- Spotting or light bleeding
Medication
A medication abortion requires two series of drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. One ends the pregnancy, and the other induces cramping to expel the pregnancy.
Bleeding and spotting can occur up to 30 days after the procedure. Other common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
What Are The Health Risks Of An Abortion?
Risks Of Surgical Abortion
The risks of surgical abortion may include the following:
- Internal damage from one of the surgical instruments
- Excessive bleeding that gets worse instead of better
- Infection
- Scarring
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia used
- Not removing all of the tissue, requires another procedure
Risks Of Medical Abortion
Potential risks of medical abortion include:
- 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
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Your Future Health
Some studies suggest undergoing an abortion may correlate with higher risks of future health impacts under certain circumstances.
For instance, a 2013 study found a greater likelihood of very early preterm delivery for subsequent pregnancies if you have had an abortion.
Additionally, surgical abortion could result in cervical or uterine scarring (called the Asherman Syndrome) which may relate to challenges in conceiving again or potentially premature birth later.
Moving Forward
Every woman deserves to control her reproductive future with confidence and all the information. At Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, we offer no-cost services such as pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds. These important screenings can give you more information about your pregnancy and help clarify what options are available to you.
We also offer no-cost consultations where you can ask questions and learn about local resources. Contact us today to make a confidential appointment!
