Women considering an abortion deserve to understand all their options, the different types of procedures, and the associated risks. The different types of abortion procedures are:
- Medical
- Surgical
Speaking with a trusted provider or pregnancy center can prove helpful in understanding all your options, risks, and complications that can arise.
What’s a Medical Abortion?
Medical abortion takes place through a drug regimen that acts to terminate a pregnancy.
The first drug used is called mifepristone. This drug works by blocking progesterone, an essential pregnancy hormone. Once this hormone has been effectively blocked, the uterine walls begin thinning, causing the embryo to detach.
Next, misoprostol is taken to induce labor-like contractions. These contractions push out the embryo and pregnancy tissue through the vagina.
Risks associated with this process include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
What’s a Surgical Abortion?
There are two types of surgical abortions; both use surgical techniques to end a pregnancy. One is called dilation and curettage (D&C), and the other is called dilation and evacuation (D&E). Your physician may choose which procedure to use depending on gestational age or other pregnancy or health factors.
- D&C: uses small instruments or medication to dilate the cervix. Then, a surgical instrument called a curette, which can be a sharp instrument or suction device, is used to remove uterine tissue.
- D&E: usually includes a combination of vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage, and the use of surgical instruments (such as forceps).
Risks associated with this surgical procedure are:
- Perforation of the uterus.
- Injury to the cervix
- Infection
- Hemorrhaging
Where Can I Go To Understand All My Options?
Knowing your options and not compromising your health is important to us; contact us today to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Additionally, we provide no-cost pregnancy tests, ultrasound, options counseling, and flexible scheduling for your convenience.
Know your options, be informed, and make a decision you can feel confident in.