If you’re researching abortion, you’ll generally come across two methods: medical abortion and surgical abortion. They don’t work the same way, and the stage of pregnancy can affect which procedures are used.
There are also side effects and risks associated with each method. Knowing those details is an important part of researching your pregnancy options. First Choice offers free, confidential appointments where you can get information about your pregnancy, options, and more.
Schedule an appointment today, or keep reading for an overview of the different abortion procedures.
The Abortion Pill
Medical abortion, commonly known as the abortion pill, is used during early pregnancy. It usually involves two drugs taken in sequence.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, which is needed for a pregnancy to continue. The second, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
The FDA has approved this regimen through 10 weeks of gestation, and taking the drugs after this timeframe is not recommended.
Vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping occur as part of the process. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and chills.
Medical abortion also carries risks. These include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, an ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work, and an incomplete abortion that may require further treatment.
Although the chances of experiencing complications are rare, it’s still important to be aware of them as you consider your personal health history.
Surgical Abortion Procedures
Surgical abortion is performed in a medical setting. Instead of using drugs to expel the pregnancy, the provider removes it from the uterus using suction, medical instruments, or a combination of the two.
Exactly what the procedure involves depends in part on gestational age. Earlier surgical abortions may primarily use suction, while procedures performed later in pregnancy can involve additional dilation and instruments.
Cramping and bleeding or spotting may occur afterward. Possible risks include infection, damage to the cervix, perforation of the uterus, and scar tissue formation, which can cause painful periods or infertility.
Which Information Applies to Your Pregnancy?
Reading about abortion methods can give you a general overview, but you still need to gather more information about your pregnancy to make a truly educated decision.
That’s why pregnancy confirmation is so crucial. First Choice begins this process with a free medical-grade pregnancy test. This service is offered in our in-house lab. Following a positive result, qualifying clients can receive a limited obstetrical ultrasound performed by an RN.
An ultrasound can determine where the pregnancy is located, whether the pregnancy is developing, and how far along you are. Pregnancy location is especially critical because an ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus and requires immediate medical treatment to prevent serious complications.
Once you have more information about your pregnancy, you’ll be in a better position to research all of your options and ask questions specific to your circumstances.
Contact First Choice to schedule a free, confidential appointment and learn more about your pregnancy and the options available to you.
First Choice does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
