There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. Usually, how far along you are in your pregnancy determines the type you receive.
Knowing what each procedure entails and what to expect is vital. Both have potential risks, and you should be aware of what to watch for.
Although we do not provide or refer for abortion, we do provide factual, medically based information about medical and surgical procedures, possible side effects, and the potential physical and emotional risks.
Let’s review the types:
Medical Abortion (aka the abortion pill)
Many different terms refer to a medical abortion. It is also called the abortion pill, a medication abortion, or a chemical abortion.
This method uses drugs to terminate a pregnancy. A woman takes two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, over a 24 to 48-hour period.
The first drug, mifepristone, is highly regulated by the FDA. Only certified healthcare providers can prescribe it. Mifepristone blocks an essential hormone called progesterone. A pregnancy cannot survive without progesterone.
Misoprostol, the second drug, causes bleeding and contraction-like cramping to expel the pregnancy from the woman’s body.
Side effects also include nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. Some women have reported severe pain after taking misoprostol.
The FDA approves taking mifepristone through ten weeks of pregnancy only.
Surgical Abortion
The number of weeks you have been pregnant determines the type of surgical procedure. Abortion providers use vacuum or suction for first-trimester abortions (13 weeks or less).
For later-term abortions, providers use either dilation and curettage (D&C), which combines suction and a spoon-shaped instrument (curette) for scraping the lining of your uterus.
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) occurs when forceps are necessary to remove larger parts. Often with surgical procedures, the provider must dilate (open) your cervix first, and you may opt for local or general anesthesia for pain.
There are a variety of potential physical risks for both medical and surgical abortions. Risks can range from heavy and prolonged bleeding to infection. Surgical instruments can cause damage to the uterus or cervix (which leads to the uterus).
Some women also report mental health issues after an abortion. Talking with your healthcare provider about your physical and emotional health beforehand is crucial.
To Learn More, Come to Integra
There is so much more to know before scheduling an abortion. In addition to reviewing your medical history, we recommend you get a limited obstetrical ultrasound.
An ultrasound determines how far along you are in your pregnancy, whether the pregnancy’s location is safe, and whether you are actually pregnant. Integra Pregnancy Services offers a referral for a free, limited ultrasound.
Trust us to provide the information and services you need. Schedule an appointment with Integra Pregnancy Services today. We’re here for you.
Integra Pregnancy Services does not perform or refer for abortion.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.