How much do you really know about abortion? Different abortion methods have side effects and potential risks like any medical procedure. You owe it to yourself to be fully informed.
We provide factual information about abortion procedures and what you can expect. Set up a no-cost consultation to discuss abortion and your other options.
Two Types of Abortion
There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. The abortion method is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Medical Abortion
The abortion pill method is a medical abortion because you take two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The FDA approves medical abortion only through 70 days of gestation (70 days or less since the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period).
Knowing how far along you are is vital because the risks from the abortion pill are more significant as you get closer to the 70-day gestation period.
Risks and Side Effects
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Severe cramping
- Passing large blood clots
- Infection
Surgical Abortion
There are several surgical abortion methods based on the gestational age of your pregnancy. Vacuum Aspiration or Suction Aspiration uses a suctioning tool to remove early pregnancies.
The abortion provider uses a vacuum device and scraping tool with dilation and curettage (D & C) for suctioning and scraping out the contents of the uterus. A dilation and evacuation (D & E) also uses suctioning and scraping devices but can require forceps to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.
Risks and Side Effects
- Damage to the cervix
- Puncturing the uterus
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
Emotional Side Effects of Abortion
Some women report a range of emotions after an abortion. Most women feel relief immediately afterward, but some begin experiencing sadness and guilt over a longer period. These emotions can include:
- Depression/anxiety
- Regret
- Thoughts of suicide
- Lowered self-esteem
- Substance abuse
- Flashbacks
- Sexual Dysfunction
Before You Decide
At My Life Clinic, our advocates can listen and talk with you. We offer peer counseling to review your situation and discuss your options.
Make an appointment to get the help and support you need before you make a decision. We’re here for you.
While we provide information on abortion procedures, My Life Clinic does not perform or refer for abortions.
