What Are the Different Types of Abortion?

There are two main types of abortion: medical (the abortion pill) and surgical. Finding out you’re pregnant can be frightening, and learning about your options is the best way to empower yourself to make the decision that’s right for you.

If you are considering abortion, it’s important to understand both the different types available to you and the risks associated with each procedure. Your health matters!

What is a medical abortion?

Women whose pregnancy is less than 10 weeks (opens in a new tab) along may be eligible for a medical abortion (opens in a new tab), otherwise known as the abortion pill. This procedure uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a viable pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, which is used to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol induces uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue from the body.

The second of the two medications must be used 24-48 hours after taking the first.

What can I expect when taking these medications?

There are some side effects (opens in a new tab) associated with medical abortion, some of which can be severe. If any of these side effects are bothersome, you should contact your doctor immediately as they might be indicative of something more serious. Side effects of medical abortion include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Cramping
• Vaginal bleeding

There are also risks to this procedure that you should know in order to protect your health. If you’re experiencing any of these, get medical help right away:

• Fever
• Infection
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the abortion pill didn’t work)
• Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion)
• Digestive system discomfort

What does a surgical abortion involve?

Surgical abortions (opens in a new tab) are more complicated procedures. They involve using surgical instruments or medication to dilate the cervix, and then a curette or gentle suctioning technique is used to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.

Possible side effects (opens in a new tab) of surgical abortion include:

• Cramping
• Bleeding

Just like medical abortion, there are risks that women should know about before agreeing to this procedure. Some of these can be life-threatening:

• Damage to the cervix
• Perforation of the uterus
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

Warning signs after a surgical abortion

Warning signs that a woman may need medical intervention following a surgical abortion can include:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad every hour)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness that does not go away
• Fever
• Cramps lasting longer than 2 days
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain that worsens instead of improving

Talk to us about your options

If you are pregnant and would like to speak with one of our caring staff members about your options, The Well Clinic is here for you. Contact us to set up a free, confidential appointment.

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