Considering Abortion?

If you are facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be considering abortion. An abortion is a serious medical procedure, so it is important to understand the types of procedures, the potential risks, and what to expect before moving forward.

At Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic, we are here to help and support you by providing the information you need to make a fully informed decision.

Types of Abortion

There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. The FDA only recommends medical abortion for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy as risks rise after that time period.

Medical Abortion

Also known as the abortion pill, medical abortion involves taking two drugs that work to terminate an existing pregnancy. 

First, mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone to terminate the pregnancy. Second, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty the uterus of all pregnancy-related tissues through abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.

The potential physical risks of a medical abortion include the following:

• Incomplete abortion, which is when the body does not release all the pregnancy tissue in the uterus. This may require a surgical abortion to treat.
• Ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
• Infection.
• Fever.
• Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.

Surgical Abortion

A surgical abortion is much more invasive than a medical abortion. A surgical abortion involves dilation of the cervix and a mix of tools and suction. Multiple surgical instruments are used to remove the pregnancy.

There are multiple types of surgical abortion, but they all share similar physical risks, including:

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

Before Your Abortion

Pregnancy testing and ultrasound are both needed before any type of abortion procedure as a safeguard to your health. A positive pregnancy test is not enough to confirm your pregnancy. An ultrasound will confirm how far along you are and alert you to potential complications.

Schedule a free initial pregnancy testing appointment today to get the clarity you need before moving forward with any pregnancy decision. We offer free options consultations so you can receive more abortion information as well.