There are two different types of abortion: surgical abortion and medical abortion.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, there are very real and practical implications you want to explore so you can make an informed decision.
This article will outline the procedure types, potential risks, and recommended steps before an abortion.
Surgical Abortion vs. Medical Abortion
Surgical Abortion
There are two types of surgical abortion, depending on which trimester: dilation and curettage (D&C) or dilation and evacuation (D&E).
In a D&C, used in earlier pregnancies, the vagina is dilated with medication and then sanitized. After the physician applies the numbing medicine, they will vaginally insert a tube to remove the fetus and pregnancy tissues via suction.
A D&E does not require an overnight stay but is usually done in a hospital. You’ll undergo an exam and be prepped for the procedure by dilating your cervix with small dilating sticks called laminaria. You will also receive any necessary pain medication or antibiotics.
On the day of the procedure, you may receive anesthesia. The physician will remove the dilating sticks, and an ultrasound will guide them using suction and surgical tools to remove the fetus and pregnancy tissue.
Medical Abortion
Medical or medication abortion is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of gestational age. It requires a series of two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
You take mifepristone first to prevent the pregnancy from receiving progesterone, a necessary hormone for fetal growth and development.
Once the pregnancy ends, you take misoprostol 24-48 hours later to induce uterine cramping. These contractions force the uterus to expel the fetus and pregnancy tissue.
What Are the Risks of Abortion?
Risks of Surgical Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, the risks include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Risks of Medication Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, 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
Schedule an Appointment
Now that you have a greater understanding of the different abortion procedure types, you’re one step closer to making an informed decision.
At Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, we provide no-cost pregnancy services, including limited ultrasounds, consultations, and more.
You will get valuable details with a limited ultrasound, such as the pregnancy age, which can inform you of your eligibility for specific procedures.
This important scan can also alert you to potential complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage, which require medical procedures other than an elective abortion.
Contact us today to schedule a pregnancy confirmation appointment! We provide a safe, confidential space where you can receive information, process this experience, and learn about local resources. We are here to support you on this journey.
