Abortion is one of your pregnancy options as you face an unexpected pregnancy. You will want to know the difference between each abortion type and the risks that come with each. No matter what you decide to do next, be informed to make a confident decision for your future. The decision is ultimately yours to make.
At Avenue Women’s Center, we are here to help answer any of your pregnancy option questions and come alongside you in your pregnancy. You are stronger than you know.
The Two Different Types of Abortion
Medication vs. Surgical Abortions
There are two main types of abortions. Here’s a look into each type and what to expect in the process.
Medication Abortion
Commonly referred to as the abortion pill, medication abortion involves taking a series of two drugs to terminate and then expel the pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone is often taken at the doctor’s office, and the second drug, misoprostol, is typically taken at home at least 24 hours later. Medication abortions are only FDA-approved for women up to ten weeks pregnant. After that, a surgical abortion would be necessary.
Surgical Abortion
The surgical abortion process is a bit more invasive, as it typically involves anesthesia and surgery.
Based on how far along your pregnancy is, there are different methods, all including a surgical procedure to remove the pregnancy through the vagina.
Risks of Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many serious potential risks to medication abortion, including:
- Incomplete abortion – may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- Heavy/prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Fever
There are also serious potential risks to surgical abortion. These risks 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 of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Do I Qualify for Abortion?
You may not qualify for an abortion because you may not actually be pregnant. A pre-abortion screening can help you understand more about the types of options you qualify for. One of our expert pregnancy consultants and a licensed nurse will be glad to discuss this with you, along with providing a highly accurate lab-quality pregnancy test and a free limited medical ultrasound.
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will determine what kind of abortion you are eligible for, as medication abortion is only FDA-approved for women 10 weeks pregnant or less. It will also reveal if you have any complications, like a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Schedule your free and confidential appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy options.
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.