When considering abortion as an unexpected pregnancy option, there may be some hesitation. Perhaps a friend once confided in you about a bad abortion experience. Although you may be leaning towards having an abortion, you’re concerned due to her experience. You may be worried about how it will affect you physically and emotionally. Fortunately, you do not need to make a decision right away. If you’re hesitant about abortion due to your friend’s bad experience, what are your next steps?
Are you thinking about abortion as a potential unexpected pregnancy option? Perhaps you’re not sure what your reaction to it will be. With six clinics in Chicagoland, Avenue Women’s Center is committed to ensuring you have access to reliable information about all of your choices, including abortion. We offer free, medical-grade pregnancy tests to confirm your results and begin taking the next steps in your decision. Our expert pregnancy consultants will provide information about abortion, the different types of procedures, and potential alternatives addressing any questions you may have.
Contact us today to schedule your free appointment with us!
When considering abortion, it’s important to note that every woman’s experience is different. Although you have heard of your friend’s particular situation, it’s important to do some research on your own. One of your first steps involves finding out more information regarding abortion itself. Learn more about the different types of procedures, and any potential risks involved.
Information on Abortion Procedures
Knowing the Possible Risks
It’s important to gather information regarding any potential risks involved with an abortion. Your friend may have experienced either physical or emotional effects that you saw firsthand. What is the possibility that you will experience them as well? Although we don’t have specific statistics on the likelihood of negative effects following an abortion, women can experience both physical and emotional side effects.
Potential Physical Risks of Abortion:
Potential side effects and risks may vary. Some women have reported experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and spotting or bleeding after an abortion. It’s possible for these symptoms to last as long as 2 to 4 weeks following a procedure. While serious complications following an abortion are reported to be fewer, some women have dealt with heavy bleeding or infections afterward. Less common is uterine perforation or damage to the cervix. Though these conditions are rare, it’s helpful to understand potential physical risks so you can have a better idea of when you may need to seek medical attention. If your abdominal pain becomes severe, you have a fever over 100.4 F, or your heavy bleeding persists, contact a medical professional right away.
Potential Emotional Risks of Abortion:
The emotional effects of abortion vary from woman to woman. While some women have reported initially experiencing relief after an abortion, there are women who felt differently. Perhaps like your friend, they voice feelings of guilt, confusion, and sadness about their decision. There is a wide range of emotions you may feel after an abortion, and every woman responds differently.
To gain a better idea about how you may react to an abortion, you may want to arrange a time to speak with a professional counselor or pregnancy expert. This way you may be able to assess if there are any pressures leading you to consider this choice. Or, if your personal views on abortion will affect the way you look back on your decision in the future.
Considering abortion, but your friend had a bad experience? Get additional facts first. Avenue is here to help. Our free, limited ultrasound exams, provide you with information about your pregnancy’s gestational age and viability (likelihood of continuing). Our expert staff will walk you through each of your choices. We take time to learn more about your unique situation and honestly answer any questions.
Reach out and begin talking with us today about your pregnancy options!
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Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.