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

What Are the Risks of Abortion? | Origins Family & Pregnancy Services

Here is a woman wondering What Are the Risks of Abortion?

March 14, 2022

If you’re considering abortion for your unplanned pregnancy, you need to know about the different procedures, side effects, potential risks, and alternatives beforehand.

Any medical procedure has side effects and risks. Be prepared and confident.

The Two Different Types of Abortion

The two main types of abortion methods are medical and surgical. The number of days you’ve been pregnant determines which method you would have.

The FDA has approved the abortion pill method (medical abortion) through 70 days gestation. The time begins on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Do you know when you got pregnant?

Once you’ve passed 10 weeks of pregnancy, the abortion provider performs a surgical abortion. Often, surgical procedures use general anesthesia and drugs or instruments to dilate (open) your cervix.

Side Effects Of The Abortion Pill

The abortion pill method uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy within 24 to 48 hours. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a necessary pregnancy hormone, from being absorbed in the uterus.

The second drug, misoprostol, causes bleeding and cramping to expel the pregnancy through your vagina.

The Mayo Clinic lists the following as side effects of the abortion pill method:

Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache
Emotional Distress

Potential Risks Of Medical Abortion (the abortion pill)

The Mayo Clinic suggests the possibility of several complications:

Serious reaction with other drugs you may be taking
Severe vaginal bleeding which may require a surgical procedure
Serious infection
Changes in heart rhythms
Adrenal gland problems such as darkening of the skin, dizziness, or weakness
Psychological trauma from the procedure, especially if you’re past 70 days

You also run the risk of an incomplete medical abortion further in your pregnancy.

Side Effects of Surgical Abortion

There are several different methods of surgical abortion, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. After 10 weeks, Vacuum Aspiration uses a suction tube to suck the pregnancy from the uterus.

Between 11 and 14 weeks, you may have a dilation and curettage (D & C) procedure. This method uses vacuum aspiration and a sharp spoon-shaped instrument to scrape out the pregnancy tissue.

After 15 weeks, the abortion provider uses the dilation and evacuation (D & E) method. In addition to suction and the scraping instrument, the provider may use forceps to remove more significant parts of the pregnancy.

Side effects include bleeding and cramping.

Risks Of Surgical Abortion

The potential risks of surgical abortion include:

Perforation of the uterus
Scarring of the uterine wall
Damage to the cervix
Infection

Free Pregnancy Testing And Ultrasound

As you can see, it’s essential to know how long you’ve been pregnant. An ultrasound can give you the gestational age. Plus, you’ll find out if your pregnancy is viable or you’ve had a miscarriage.

Schedule an Appointment

Contact TryLife Center and schedule an appointment for free pregnancy testing and ultrasound. We are here to provide you with the information and support you need to make the best decision for yourself and your future.

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