Surgical abortion, medical abortion, at-home abortion, the abortion pill…and the list goes on. With all the different names for abortion, it can be confusing to know what’s what.
If you are considering abortion, you should know there are two main types of abortion procedures: medical abortion and surgical abortion. The type you may qualify for depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
In this blog, we want to clarify the different types of abortion and the risks.
What Is The Abortion Pill (Medical Abortion)?
The abortion pill consists of two drugs that terminate a pregnancy, which is medically referred to as a medical abortion.
Risks and complications associated with this serious medical procedure should first be discussed with a medical professional, so you can make a decision with better insight.
The risks of a medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
You should be aware of what signs and symptoms to look out for, as most medical abortions are done at home. You will therefore be responsible for being aware of any complications.
What is Surgical Abortion?
This type of abortion procedure usually involves local anesthesia, dilation (opening) of the cervix, and different surgical instruments. The methods used in surgical abortion differ depending on the length of time a woman has been pregnant.
When pregnant between 11 and 13 weeks, a D&C (dilation and curettage) is completed with a vacuum and scraping tool to remove the pregnancy.
When pregnant past 13 weeks, a D&E (dilation and evacuation) abortion is completed. In addition to the vacuum and scraping tool, instruments like forceps are used to make sure each part of the pregnancy tissue is removed.
The Mayo Clinic shares the risks of surgical abortion, including:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
- Heavy bleeding
- Cramping
Steps Before an Abortion
If you are considering abortion, we are here to discuss it as an option for your unplanned pregnancy. We believe you deserve to have everything you need to make an informed decision.
We offer accurate and updated information about abortion. We believe you are entitled to have all the information. Before having an abortion, there are a few crucial steps you need to take.
- Test positive for pregnancy
- Confirm and estimate how far along the pregnancy is
- Get tested for STIs
At the Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford, we offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STI testing at no cost to you. Learn more about abortion and your other options and get support by contacting us today!