As you evaluate your options for your unplanned pregnancy, understanding the different types of abortion procedures is the first step to making an informed decision.
This article will outline the procedure types, potential risks, and recommended steps before an abortion.
Surgical Abortion vs. Medical Abortion
Surgical Abortion
There are two types of surgical abortion, depending on which trimester: dilation and curettage (D&C) or dilation and evacuation (D&E). Both may include using suction and surgical tools to remove the fetus and pregnancy tissue.
Medical Abortion
Medical or medication abortion is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks (70 days) of gestational age. It is a regimen of two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is the first drug taken to end pregnancy. Because it is an antiprogestin, it prevents the pregnancy from receiving progesterone, a necessary hormone for fetal growth and development.
Once the pregnancy ends, you take misoprostol 24-48 hours later to induce uterine cramping. These contractions force the uterus to expel the fetus and other pregnancy remnants.
What Are the Risks of Abortion?
Risks of Surgical Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, the risks include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Risks of Medication Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of medical abortion 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
Schedule an Appointment
Crossroads Women’s Center offers no-cost pregnancy services, including free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
If you have already taken a positive pregnancy test, an ultrasound can reveal crucial information such as the pregnancy’s age, location, and viability.
Up to “26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage,” so knowing whether or not your pregnancy is still viable may qualify you for a condition other than abortion.
The location of the pregnancy is also essential to identify. If it is located outside the womb, it is an ectopic pregnancy and in danger of tubal rupture, which should be addressed immediately.
Knowing the age can also equip you to know which procedure you may be eligible for, such as a medication abortion.
We do not provide abortion referrals at our center, but we provide options consultations allowing you to process your feelings, ask questions, and learn about local resources.
We are eager to support you on this journey to contact us today to schedule an appointment!