How Will Abortion Affect Me Physically?

Abortion affects women in various ways. Though there are common side effects you may experience, your level of discomfort ultimately depends on your pain tolerance. We will outline what you may feel after a medical or surgical abortion procedure. Protect your health by informing yourself about all possible side effects or risks. 

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How Will I Feel After a Medical Abortion?

A medical abortion is the termination of an early viable pregnancy using two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that sustains the pregnancy. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy from the uterus.

All women who have undergone a medical abortion will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, ranging from mild to severe. You may need to take over-the-counter medications for pain relief. 

Some women also experience other side effects, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and chills. It is possible to experience

risks after a medical abortion, including:

• Infection

• Digestive system discomfort

• Fever

• Heavy and prolonged bleeding

• An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)

• Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical procedure to rid the body of any remaining fetal parts)

Is Surgical Abortion Painful?

A surgical abortion uses medication, surgical instruments, and/or vacuum aspiration to remove a pregnancy from the uterus. You can expect to have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding after this procedure, but there are serious risks you should be aware of:

• Infection

• Scar tissue on the uterine wall

• Perforation of the uterus

• Damage to the cervix

You must prioritize your health. At the first sign of something amiss, like heavy bleeding or a fever, you should seek immediate medical help. 

Free, Confidential Help

Human Life Services’ licensed medical staff and client advocates are here to help you. We offer various free services like pregnancy options consultations and post-abortion recovery support. No matter where you are, know that you are not alone.  Contact us today to make an appointment.