If you’re considering abortion, but you’re still uncertain about how everything works, know that there’s nothing wrong with having questions. Even if you feel you’ve already settled on an unexpected pregnancy decision, it’s normal to want to clarify a few things you may still be confused about. You may be wondering about the different types of abortion procedures, as well as any potential risks, or there may be other things you want to ask about. Obtaining information is typically a good first step when it comes to making an unexpected pregnancy decision, and there are resources available to help you by supplying you with the materials you need to feel confident in your choice.
Are you contemplating abortion as an unexpected pregnancy decision, but you still have questions? Avenue Women’s Center is committed to providing women with answers to their unexpected pregnancy concerns through compassionate services at no cost. Our caring pregnancy consultants can meet with you for a discussion about your options, offering information about abortion procedures, and clarifying any questions about parenting and adoption. We are here to listen and support you in your unexpected pregnancy decision any way we can! Schedule an appointment today for at one of our six centers in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois!
Are There Different Types of Abortions?
The two abortion methods you may have heard of typically include the option of a medical or surgical abortion. The former often requires the use of a drug known as the abortion pill (RU-486), where women take doses of mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate an unexpected pregnancy. Generally, a medical abortion is not available after the first nine weeks of pregnancy.
A surgical abortion often has a variety of different procedures you may undergo, depending on the unexpected pregnancy’s gestational age. These may include suction curettage, a dilation and evacuation procedure, or the rarely performed induction abortion. To learn more about these procedures and potential risks, it’s recommended you contact a healthcare provider or a pregnancy consultant so you will have a general idea of what your abortion appointment may look like.
What Do I Need to Do Before an Abortion?
Before you can move forward with an abortion decision, it’s important to determine the gestational age of your pregnancy. This usually dictates what options are available to you based on how far along you are. It’s possible that certain types of methods, such as a medical abortion, may no longer be one of your options if the pregnancy is too advanced.
Around 1 in 80 women experience an ectopic pregnancy, and about 1 in every 5 to 6 pregnancies end in miscarriage. If there is a high risk of miscarriage, or if the pregnancy has developed outside of the uterus, then alternate next steps are needed. There will be no need to go through with scheduling an abortion appointment in this case.
Both the gestational age and viability of the pregnancy can be determined through an ultrasound. It can be beneficial to schedule one through a healthcare provider or a pregnancy center so you can begin to plan out how you will proceed with an unexpected pregnancy decision.
What If Suspect I Have an STD and I’m Considering Abortion?
Before you commit to an abortion decision, on top of confirming the pregnancy’s ability to continue and its gestational age, you may want to get tested for a sexually transmitted disease. An STD can be detrimental to your health if it remains undiagnosed, as your reproductive tract may be in danger of having bacteria enter it during an abortion procedure. This could lead to conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which in turn can lead to other conditions such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
It’s recommended you schedule an appointment to get tested for an STD prior to an abortion with a healthcare provider. Free or reduced cost STD testing is often available in your community through non-profit organizations, health departments, or community clinics, or pregnancy centers.
Prior to scheduling an abortion, there are still a few questions you may want to have answered before you commit to this choice. Avenue Women’s Center offers women a free, limited ultrasound to learn their pregnancy’s age and early risks such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. We also provide private consultations to gather more information regarding your options, including abortion, and to address any personal concerns you may have. Reach out today to begin receiving accurate answers to your abortion-related questions!
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References:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Medline Plus. (2019, June). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Retrieved from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pelvicinflammatorydisease.html.
- Mayo Clinic. (2019, July). Miscarriage. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- Miscarriage Association. Ectopic pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/information/ectopic-pregnancy/
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2015, May). Induced Abortion. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Induced-Abortion?IsMobileSet=false.
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
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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.