Abortion can have various physical effects depending on the method used and individual health factors. The two main types of abortion—medical and surgical—each come with their own process and potential risks.
You don’t have to navigate this information alone. Pregnancy Choices offers no-cost pregnancy services and resources to help you understand all of your options. If you have questions, reach out to schedule an appointment with a certified life coach who can walk you through your next steps.
Keep reading to learn more about the physical impact of abortion.
Effects of Medical Abortion
Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy and is FDA-approved through the first 10 weeks of gestation. The process typically involves two drugs taken at home:
- Mifepristone, which blocks the hormone progesterone.
- Misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Common physical side effects of a medical abortion include cramping, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. While these are expected, there are also potential risks to be aware of.
The risks of a medical abortion include:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
Effects of Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is a procedure that removes the pregnancy from the uterus using drugs, medical instruments, suction, or a combination of all.
After the procedure, a woman may spend a short time in a recovery area to monitor for complications. Some common after effects include mild cramping, spotting, or light bleeding for a few days.
There are also potential risks associated with surgical abortion, which include:
- Uterine perforation
- Cervical damage
- Uterine scarring
- Infection
Some of these risks can contribute to long-term reproductive health concerns, including future miscarriages and infertility.
Know Your Options
Understanding how abortion may affect you physically is an essential part of making an informed decision. If you have questions or concerns, Pregnancy Choices is here to provide support.
Our certified life coaches can help you explore all of your options in a safe and judgment-free space. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today—we’re here to walk with you through this process.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.