Every woman’s experience with abortion is unique, but both medical and surgical abortion procedures come with potential side effects and physical risks. Whether you’re early in your pregnancy or further along, understanding how these procedures might affect your health is an essential part of making a decision that’s right for you.
Ridgeway Women’s Clinic offers comprehensive services and medically accurate information on all of your options. Our goal is to ensure you’re educated, supported, and heard.
Types of Abortion
Abortion methods vary depending on how far along the pregnancy is. The two most common types are medical abortion and surgical abortion. Medical abortion is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy, while surgical abortion may be performed later.
Each procedure carries different side effects and risks, so understanding them can help you move forward with clarity.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain the pregnancy, and the second triggers contractions to expel the pregnancy.
Cramping and bleeding are expected with a medical abortion. Many women will experience these symptoms. Other possible side effects include:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
In addition, certain risks are associated with this method. While not everyone experiences them, it’s essential to be aware of the possibilities:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions involve physically removing the pregnancy from the uterus. The most common method, vacuum aspiration, is typically used up to 12–14 weeks gestation. Other methods may be used later in pregnancy.
After a surgical abortion, women may experience cramping for several days and vaginal bleeding for up to 10 days. Like medical abortion, surgical procedures come with serious health risks, including:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue formation in the uterus (which can affect fertility)
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Incomplete abortion requiring a follow-up procedure
Your Health, Your Decision
Exploring every available option, including parenting and adoption, is crucial before making a pregnancy decision. You deserve to know how each path could affect your health and future. Our patient care team at Ridgeway Women’s Clinic is here to help you think through these choices in a supportive and compassionate setting.
Free & Confidential Services
Ridgeway Women’s Clinic offers free and confidential pregnancy services to ensure you have everything you need to make an educated decision. Appointment types include:
- Pre-Abortion Evaluation
- Options Consultation
- Pregnancy Confirmation
Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment in the Freeport and Rockford area (Loves Park). Our patient care team is here to support you during this critical time.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
