Every woman’s response to abortion is unique and depends on many factors—such as the type of abortion she receives, risk factors, etc.
This article will highlight the different ways that abortion might affect you physically. (Looking for free pregnancy resources or more information about your options? Contact Woman to Woman Health Center today for a free, confidential appointment.)
How You Might Feel Physically After an Abortion
There are two types of abortion: chemical (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical, and each type of abortion will affect you differently.
Chemical Abortion
Chemical abortion involves taking two powerful drugs at home. After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. The pain can range from mild to excruciating. In fact, some women have reported that the pain was unexpectedly severe.
You might also experience a risk which is rare but potentially life-threatening and includes:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus (this can quickly lead to an infection)
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is done in a clinic. The procedure involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments (like strong suction and scraping instruments) can enter the uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy.
Physical risks associated with surgical abortion include:
- Uterine perforation (which is when one of the medical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus)
- Uterine scarring (which can lead to painful periods or future infertility)
- Cervical damage
- Infection
How to Protect Your Health
Before making a pregnancy decision, it’s essential to take the following steps to protect your health:
- Learn all you can about your pregnancy options, which include parenting, adoption, and abortion. This will ensure you’re making a fully informed decision.
- Get an ultrasound. This scan will give you the essential information you need before making any pregnancy decision.
At Woman to Woman Health Center, we offer free ultrasounds and the space to explore your options in a safe environment—because you’re worth it.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.