How Will Abortion Affect Me Physically?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, it’s important to know that abortion comes with risks to your physical health. That is why it’s critical to learn all you can to protect your safety.

Want to talk to someone about your pregnancy and options? Contact The Well Clinic to schedule a free, confidential appointment.

How abortion works and what you might experience physically

There are two main types of abortion: medical (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical.

Medical abortion

Medical abortion involves taking two powerful drugs at home. These drugs work together to terminate and then expel the pregnancy from your uterus.

After taking these drugs, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.

However, you might also experience a risk. Risks are rare but potentially dangerous and can include (opens in a new tab):

• Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Surgical abortion

Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic. It involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments—like scraping tools and suction—can terminate the pregnancy and vacuum or remove it from your uterus.

You may experience the following physical risks (opens in a new tab) after a surgical abortion:

• Uterine perforation (which is when one of the surgical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus)
• Infection
• Uterine scarring (which can lead to painful periods or infertility)
• Cervical damage

How can I protect my physical health?

Before any decision, an ultrasound gives you important information, and we offer it free. It is the most reliable way to learn the details that matter for your health, including:

• Pregnancy gestational age: This is essential because it will determine what abortion options are available to you. For example, medical abortion drugs are only FDA-approved (opens in a new tab) up to ten weeks gestation. If you take the drugs and your pregnancy is further along, you’re more likely to experience a health risk.
• Pregnancy location: Most pregnancies grow in the uterus. But sometimes, a pregnancy is implanted outside the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy (opens in a new tab), and it’s a life-threatening situation that needs immediate medical intervention.
• Pregnancy viability: Roughly 26% (opens in a new tab) of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and it’s possible to experience one without having any immediate signs. An ultrasound can help determine if you’ve had a miscarriage, and if so, you will need medical care to ensure you don’t have complications.

You’re not alone

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially as you consider your options. But you’re not alone in this process. We offer free information and resources because you deserve to make an informed decision. Make an appointment whenever you’re ready.

The Well Clinic does not perform or refer for abortions. We provide accurate information about every option so you can make an informed decision.