What Do I Need to Know About Abortion?

Despite what you’ve been told, abortion isn’t simple. No matter which procedure you have, abortion has serious side effects and the potential for long-term risks. Get the facts before you make your decision. You have a right to know the whole story.

Am I Really Pregnant?

Experts say up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. The number could actually be higher since most miscarriages occur before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Obviously, if you’ve had a miscarriage, there’s no need to make an appointment with the abortion clinic. A positive result on a pregnancy test should be verified. Because your body needs time after a miscarriage to realize you’re no longer pregnant, you could get a false positive test result. The best way to confirm if you’re still pregnant or you’ve miscarried is with an ultrasound. TryLife Center offers free limited ultrasounds. Schedule yours today.

Does It Matter How Far Along I Am?

The type of abortion procedure you get is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy. If you are less than 10 weeks, you would have a medication abortion. Another name for this type of abortion is the abortion pill or RU-486. It’s two different drugs taken several hours apart. If your pregnancy is over 10 weeks, you’ll have a surgical abortion. Depending on the number of weeks, you could receive a D & C or a D & E. Dilation and curettage (D & C) uses a vacuum and scraping device. Dilation and evacuation (D & E) includes the use of forceps.

What Are the Side Effects and Risks?

There are a variety of side effects and risks that come with any abortion. They include excessive bleeding and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and a possible fever. With a surgical abortion, you have the potential for a perforated uterus or damage to your cervix. In addition, some women report emotional and psychological side effects after their abortion. If you aren’t sure about the number of weeks you’ve been pregnant, an ultrasound can determine the date for you. Schedule your free limited ultrasound with us today.

If you’re sexually active, it is definitely possible to have an STD/STI. Pregnancy doesn’t prevent you from getting one. Everyone, especially those between the ages of 15 to 24, should be tested regularly. Many of the common STIs can be treated with antibiotics, but you’ve got to catch the infection early. Our center offers free STD/STI testing and treatment.

What is a Medical Abortion?

In the process known as medical abortion or “the abortion pill,” the abortion provider will prescribe two different drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is administered first to prevent the womb from absorbing the hormone called progesterone. Because progesterone is required in order for a pregnancy to grow and develop, the fetus will not survive. After the pregnancy ends, Misoprostol is taken to expel the fetus from the womb through a process of contractions. Medical abortions are only available in the first 70 days (or ten weeks) of pregnancy.

What Are the Side Effects and Risks of a Medical Abortion?

A medical abortion does come with some side effects and may also be accompanied by more severe risks. Side effects may include nausea, weakness, fever, chills, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and diarrhea. Some women experience health risks such as infection, sepsis, and hemorrhaging.

What Are the Different Types of Surgical Abortions?

As the fetus grows and develops in these later weeks, different surgical abortion procedures are required to terminate the pregnancy. Keep reading to learn about the first- and second-trimester surgical abortion procedures. Suction Curettage Abortions In a Suction Curettage abortion, the cervix is dilated so that the fetal tissue can be pulled apart and removed by a suction device. In order to ensure all of the fetal tissue was removed, the abortion provider may use a curette to scrape the uterus. A Suction Curettage abortion is available in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Dilation and Evacuation Abortion Second-trimester surgical abortion procedures require a more invasive process due to the mature state of the fetus at this stage in pregnancy. Like first-trimester abortion procedures, a Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) abortion involves first dilating the cervix, however, the fetal tissue is then broken down into smaller pieces of bone and tissue in order for it to be small enough for removal. The abortion provider may use forceps, suctioning, and scraping techniques.

What Are the Side Effects and Risks Related to Surgical Abortion Procedures?

Typical side effects of surgical abortions include cramping and bleeding. However, some women also experience more severe risks, including perforation of the uterus and other organs, damage to the cervix, scar tissue on the uterine wall, and infection.

What Do I Need to Know Before Getting an Abortion?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, take time to learn about your pregnancy and explore the options available to you. Visit TryLife Center to receive these important pregnancy screenings at no cost to you: Lab-quality pregnancy testing to confirm your pregnancy with the most accurate testing available Confirm the age, location, and viability of your pregnancy through an ultrasound scan. This scan will also rule out pregnancy complications, such as ectopic pregnancy. STI testing to rule out dangerous infections that may spread during an abortion procedure A medical consultation and options counseling session to better understand the safest option for you

When should I take a pregnancy test?

It is recommended that you take an at-home pregnancy test at least one week after a missed period and that you take it first thing in the morning before drinking any fluids. For a free pregnancy test, make an appointment at TryLife Center today!

Why do I need an ultrasound?

Once you receive a positive pregnancy test, we recommend getting an ultrasound scan. Whether you’re considering abortion or plan to carry your pregnancy to term, an ultrasound is a vital step in learning the age, location, and viability of your pregnancy, understanding your abortion options and identifying any concerning health conditions. TryLife Center provides free limited ultrasound scans! Call our clinic today to inquire.

Can I order the abortion pill online?

The abortion pill should not be accessed outside of a medical setting. While you may be able to order the abortion pill online, it’s not recommended due to a lack of testing and regulation of medications sold online. In addition to the risk of taking an unapproved medication, ordering the abortion pill online likely means you have not received the necessary screenings and tests (ultrasound, a medical consultation, etc.) from a trusted medical professional to determine if the abortion pill is safe for you

What are the risks and side effects of the abortion pill?

According to the FDA, side effects of the abortion pill include nausea, weakness, fever, chills, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and diarrhea. Additionally, some women experience more long term health risks, including infection, sepsis, and hemorrhaging. This is why it is important to involve a trusted medical professional in order to make an informed decision.

What are the risks and side effects of an abortion?

While side effects of surgical abortions typically include cramping and bleeding, some women face more serious risks, including… Perforation of the uterus Damage to the cervix Scar tissue on the uterine wall, leading to painful menstrual cycles and future miscarriages and fertility issues Infection

Abortion: Get the Facts

How much do you know about the various types of abortion procedures? Each method is complex and includes different side effects and potential risks. Get the facts before making a decision.

You May Not Be Pregnant

A positive result on a pregnancy test should always be verified. We recommend making an ultrasound appointment, and offer free limited obstetrical ultrasounds through our clinic. Any symptoms you may be experiencing could also be caused by other health issues such as an STD/STI.

Although we are currently providing ultrasounds, the in-house clinic is not currently able to do any STD/STI Testing or screenings. See below for some other places that may be able to help:

MyChoice Medical Clinic | Free Ultrasounds, STD/STI Testing, & more

Women’s Choice Network | Free STD/STI Testing, Pregnancy Evaluations, & more

Types of Abortion Procedures

The type of abortion procedure you get is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)

Typically, if you are less than 9 weeks, you would most likely have an abortion via an oral pill called RU-486 or mifepristone. Mifepristone is used in a regimen together with misoprostol to end a pregnancy that is less than 9 weeks in duration.

Medical abortion stops the supply of hormones that maintains the interior of the uterus. Without these hormones, the fetus cannot survive, and all contents of the uterus are expelled.

Potential risks of a medical abortion can include:

Incomplete abortion (could lead to infection and may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
Failed abortion (ongoing pregnancy)
Heavy, prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever
Digestive issues

You may experience issues with future pregnancies if any of these complications arise. We recommend discussing the specifics of all risks involved with your OB/GYN to prevent future issues and complications.

Surgical Abortion

If your pregnancy is over 9 weeks, you’ll have a surgical abortion. Depending on the number of weeks, you could receive a Dilation and Curettage (D&C) or a Dilation and Evacuation (D&E).

Dilation and Curettage dilates the cervix then uses a vacuum and scraping device to first vacuum out the contents of the uterus (including the fetus) and then scrape the remaining contents. This procedure requires anesthesia, and typically women are prescribed antibiotics or OTC pain relievers after the procedure.

Dilation and Evacuation is for pregnancies that are too far along for a D&C due to the size of the fetus. D&E dilates the cervix and uses forceps to remove the fetus piece by piece. This procedure requires anesthesia, and typically women are prescribed antibiotics or OTC pain relievers after the procedure.

Potential risks of a surgical abortion can include:

Infection
Cervical tears or lacerations
Uterine perforation
Retained fetal tissue (incomplete abortion – this could lead to severe infection and may require additional surgical procedures)
Scarring of the inner lining of the uterus (Asherman syndrome)
Bleeding
Allergic or adverse reactions to medications

Note: each time you have an abortion procedure, your risks increase significantly.

All information in the Types of Abortion Procedures section is from the Mayo Clinic & Healthline.

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Disclaimer: Origins Family & Pregnancy Services does not perform or refer for abortion procedures.