If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and are considering an abortion, you will want to protect your health by knowing the associated risks of abortion. Your health and future are important, and you deserve to get all the facts to make the best decision.
Know the Risks
There are known and well-documented risks and complications associated with an abortion, which can affect your mental and physical health.
Physical Risks
There are two types of abortion. Medical abortion is commonly referred to as the “abortion pill” and uses a series of medications to terminate your pregnancy.
Known risks from a medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
It is also essential to know that medical abortion has only been approved by the FDA in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Attempting a medical abortion after 10 weeks increases the risks of an incomplete abortion.
The second type of abortion is known as surgical abortion. It is an invasive medical procedure that involves dilating your cervix and using surgical tools to remove the pregnancy from your uterus.
Risks associated with surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection (within the uterus or fallopian tubes)
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Incomplete abortion (not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure)
If you have an undiagnosed sexually transmitted infection(STI) at the time of an abortion, you are at an increased risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This disease can cause chronic pelvic pain, complications for future pregnancies, and infertility.
Mental Health Risks
Both medical and surgical abortion can include a risk of mental health issues. Various studies and research has documented the emotional impact on post-abortive women.
These mental health risks include:
- Major depression
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Anxiety
- Suicidal behaviors
- Nervous disorders
- Sleep disturbances (causing emotional distress)
- Substance abuse
Know Your Options
Deciding how to handle an unplanned pregnancy should not be treated lightly. Your decision will impact your health and future, so you owe it to yourself to get all the facts before making your decision.
The staff at Choices is here for you. We provide free STI tests, conclusive pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds—all of which will help you get the important information you need regarding your pregnancy and what options are available to you. We will also answer all your questions and help you address any fears or concerns you may have.
Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment to get the answers you deserve.
Pregnancy Testing
To confirm your pregnancy, start with a no-cost pregnancy test from Choices. We will confidentially provide conclusive results at no cost to you.
STD/STI Services
During your pregnancy test, we also offer limited STD/STI screening. You and your partner receive no-cost treatment if you test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or syphilis.
Ultrasounds
If your pregnancy test is positive, complete the confirmation process with a no-cost limited ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms viability, the gestational age, and the location of your pregnancy.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you’ve taken the first dose of the abortion pill method and regret your decision, it may not be too late to save your pregnancy. There’s a process called Abortion Pill Reversal, but you must act quickly.
Pregnancy Testing
To confirm your pregnancy, start with a no-cost pregnancy test from Choices. We will confidentially provide conclusive results at no cost to you.
STD/STI Services
During your pregnancy test, we also offer limited STD/STI screening. You and your partner receive no-cost treatment if you test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or syphilis.
Ultrasounds
If your pregnancy test is positive, complete the confirmation process with a no-cost limited ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms viability, the gestational age, and the location of your pregnancy.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you’ve taken the first dose of the abortion pill method and regret your decision, it may not be too late to save your pregnancy. There’s a process called Abortion Pill Reversal, but you must act quickly.
