What Are the Risks of Abortion?
Getting to the point of considering abortion often happens fast. What does not always happen fast enough is taking time to understand what the procedure involves medically and what risks come with it. Every woman deserves that information before she makes her own decision, not after.
At Nova Women’s Health, our medical team provides caring, personal support through every step of the process. Call us at 330-427-4947 or book an appointment today.
Medical Abortion: What It Involves and What Can Go Wrong
A medical abortion, commonly referred to as the abortion pill, uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken separately, and is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestation. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, the hormone the pregnancy depends on to continue developing. Misoprostol follows within one to two days, causing the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and related tissue through cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Risks associated with the abortion pill include an incomplete abortion requiring additional treatment and medical care, infection, heavy or prolonged bleeding, fever, gastrointestinal side effects (such as nausea and diarrhea), and, in some cases, a continuing pregnancy if the drugs do not work as intended.
Surgical Abortion and Its Risks
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinical setting and involves the manual removal of the pregnancy using specialized instruments.
Risks include uterine perforation, uterine scarring that can affect future fertility, infection, heavy bleeding, and, in rare cases, damage to surrounding organs. Sedation or anesthesia is required, which introduces the additional risk of an anesthetic reaction.
An undetected health condition at the time of either procedure can significantly increase the likelihood of complications.
Why a Pre-Abortion Screening Matters
Several complications from both abortion types can be prevented with a pre-abortion screening before a procedure.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus. Neither the abortion pill nor a surgical procedure will resolve it, and without prompt medical treatment, it can become life-threatening.
An undetected STI at the time of an abortion raises the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, a serious infection with potential long-term consequences for reproductive health.
Gestational age also determines which procedure is available and what the associated risks are, and a limited obstetrical ultrasound is the only way to confirm this with clinical accuracy.
Your Next Step at Nova Women’s Health
Our medical team offers lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetrical ultrasounds following a positive test, STI testing and treatment, and pre-abortion screening in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Client advocates and RNs are here to walk alongside you and answer every question you bring through the door.
Book your no-cost, confidential appointment at Nova Women’s Health today.
Nova Women’s Health does not perform or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
Pregnancy Testing
Think you're pregnant? Did you miss your period? Maybe your mind is racing a million miles a minute. We understand how surreal this time can feel, but you are stronger than you know. Visit Nova for no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy testing.
Limited Ultrasound
Wondering if you need an ultrasound or what an ultrasound appointment is like? An ultrasound is the second step to clarity after getting positive pregnancy testing results. This step is essential for learning more about your pregnancy options.
STI Testing & Treatment
If you’re sexually active, get tested for STDs today to get the clarity you need. Many STDs do not have immediate symptoms. Our medical team is here to walk with you and help you understand your test results. We offer no-cost limited STD treatments as well.
Pregnancy Testing
Think you're pregnant? Did you miss your period? Maybe your mind is racing a million miles a minute. We understand how surreal this time can feel, but you are stronger than you know. Visit Nova for no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy testing.
Limited Ultrasound
Wondering if you need an ultrasound or what an ultrasound appointment is like? An ultrasound is the second step to clarity after getting positive pregnancy testing results. This step is essential for learning more about your pregnancy options.
STI Testing & Treatment
If you’re sexually active, get tested for STDs today to get the clarity you need. Many STDs do not have immediate symptoms. Our medical team is here to walk with you and help you understand your test results. We offer no-cost limited STD treatments as well.
