What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Abortion is a major medical decision. When you face an unintended pregnancy, making an informed choice that protects your health should always be the priority. 

Pregnancy can be a challenging time, which is why Treasure Valley Path is here to help you explore your options. Schedule a free appointment at one of our locations today.

Understanding Abortion

Abortion ends a pregnancy, and like any medical procedure, it has side effects and risks. Knowing them will help you make a confident pregnancy decision. 

There are two types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. 

MEDICAL ABORTION

Medical abortion is performed during early pregnancy; the FDA has approved this method through ten weeks of gestation. 

A medical abortion uses the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol to end and expel the pregnancy.

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to grow and develop. Then, misoprostol causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy and related tissue from the body.

If you have a medical abortion, you’ll experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. You could also have nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, fever, and chills.

Medical risks of this abortion method are rare but can occur. They include:

  • Fever

  • Digestive system discomfort

  • Infection

  • Heavy, prolonged bleeding

  • Incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)

  • An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)

SURGICAL ABORTION

Surgical abortion is often performed later in pregnancy. It uses drugs, surgical tools, and/or suctioning, though the type of procedure you have depends on factors like your gestational age (how far along you are).

Side effects typically include mild abdominal cramping and light vaginal bleeding after a surgical abortion. These can last a few days. 

However, the risks, though rare, can be severe:

  • Infection

  • Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in your uterus)

  • Damage to the cervix

  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can cause infertility, unusual periods, and more)

How Can I Protect Myself?

If you’re considering abortion, you should always speak with a healthcare provider. They’ll review your medical history, determine your eligibility, and answer any questions you have.

Protecting your health is crucial, and an essential way to do that is by receiving a no-cost ultrasound exam performed by one of our licensed sonographers or registered nurses. You’ll confirm your pregnancy and gather critical information that clarifies your options. 

Treasure Valley Path is here for you. We’ll discuss your situation and treat you with the respect you deserve.

Schedule an appointment today at one of our locations to learn more.

Treasure Valley Path does not refer for or provide abortions.

Abortion in Idaho is illegal, with exceptions for when it’s deemed necessary to save the mother’s life and for rape/incest within the first trimester.

Deb Cain