Before even considering a surgical abortion or the abortion pill, learn how each procedure works, what risks may be involved, and what your pregnancy details could mean for you.
What Are the Different Types of Abortion?
The two primary types are medical abortion, commonly called the abortion pill, and surgical abortion. Gestational age, health history, and other medical factors can affect which procedures may be used.
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill, also known as medical abortion, uses two drugs. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through vaginal bleeding and cramping.
This regimen is FDA-approved for intrauterine pregnancies up to 10 weeks.
Side effects may include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Vaginal bleeding
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Headache or dizziness
- Fever or chills
Possible complications may include:
- An incomplete abortion, in which pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus and may require a surgical procedure
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure does not work
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
The abortion pill does not treat an ectopic pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is performed in a clinic, surgical center, or hospital. The cervix is dilated, and suction, surgical instruments, or a combination of both are used to remove the pregnancy and related tissue. The method used generally depends on gestational age.
Possible complications include:
- Perforation of the uterus by a surgical instrument
- Tearing of the cervix
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus, which may require additional treatment
- Complications related to anesthesia or sedation
- The development of scar tissue inside the uterus, which may affect fertility
Start With Your Health
Your health history, current symptoms, and drugs you take may affect your risk of complications and the care you could need.
A positive pregnancy test cannot determine how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, or whether the pregnancy appears to be progressing. A limited obstetric ultrasound can provide this information and identify concerns that may affect your health before making any pregnancy decision.
STI testing may also be recommended before a procedure. Untreated infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease. This can lead to scarring, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, or fertility problems.
Your Emotional Well-Being Matters
Research indicates that emotional experiences after abortion vary. Feeling pressured, having little support, and preexisting mental health or self-esteem concerns have been associated with greater emotional distress.
A qualified healthcare or mental health professional can discuss any emotional health questions you have and provide more information based on your individual history and circumstances.
Schedule a Pre-Abortion Consultation at Bloom
Bloom offers no-cost pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds for qualifying patients, and referrals for STI testing in Richmond and Midlothian.
Contact Bloom to schedule a confidential pre-abortion consultation. Learn more about what the consultation includes before your appointment.
Bloom by PRC Richmond does not provide or refer for abortions.
