If considering abortion, you may want to know more about the different types and the risks. Abortion is a major decision – you owe it to yourself to be well informed before making up your mind.
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical abortion. In this blog, you will learn the difference between the two.
What is Abortion?
Abortion in simple terms is a procedure that ends a pregnancy. Abortion is done either by having a surgical procedure or by taking medications.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion is also referred to as the abortion pill, a procedure including two different abortion pills that end a pregnancy.
First, mifepristone blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone and prevents the embryo from implanting or growing. Next, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this medical procedure is safer and most effective during the first trimester of pregnancy. Some of the major risks 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
Surgical Abortion
If you are further than 10 weeks, a surgical abortion may be your only other abortion option. This procedure is more invasive and involves anesthesia.
In this procedure, the fetus and placenta are removed from the uterus by surgical instruments. It also involves dilating the uterus and using a suction device to remove all remaining parts of the pregnancy through the vagina.
Potential physical risks of this major abortion procedure 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
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Are you Eligible?
It’s essential that you know how far along you are, whether you have a healthy, viable pregnancy, and confirm the location before deciding on abortion. The age of your pregnancy will also determine what type of abortion you are eligible for.
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