A medical procedure can have unpleasant effects on a person. Abortion is a medical procedure, and therefore, can impact a woman’s health, including future pregnancies.
Abortion Complications
Complications can arise from an induced abortion, such as infection and damage to the uterus; these are primary causes of fertility risk to women who might desire to have children in the future. There are other factors and concerns as well.
In the case of medical abortion (when a woman takes the abortion pill), the risks for complications are increased in women with these pre-existing conditions: having a high risk of uterine rupture; having an intrauterine device (IUD) in place; experiencing uncontrolled high blood pressure; having diabetes or severe liver, kidney or lung disease; taking a blood thinner; or being a heavy smoker.
According to a report issued by The Global Library of Women’s Medicine, first-trimester surgical abortion by dilation and curettage (D&C) “can result in uterine synechiae (or Asherman’s Syndrome), which increases the risk of subsequent mid-trimester spontaneous abortions and low birthweight deliveries.” Asherman’s Syndrome can also be caused by an infection in the uterus, such as the STD Chlamydia, and “usually causes infertility,” according to the International Asherman’s Association website.
Another pre-term birth risk associated with surgical abortions is a condition called incompetent cervix, which results in a pregnancy loss between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy. A study cited in the Medical Journal of Australia reported, “Symptoms related to cervical incompetence were found among 75% of women who undergo forced dilation for abortion.”
STDs Can Also Affect Your Future Fertility
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and not getting treated for it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may lead to infertility and/or ectopic pregnancy, a dangerous and sometimes deadly situation. Therefore, testing and treatment for an STD should be done before a woman has an abortion. Most women infected with either chlamydia or gonorrhea have no symptoms. That’s why testing is so important.
If you have an untreated STD while undergoing an abortion, infected cells can move through your reproductive tract and cause these potential complications. At True Care, we test for the two most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases in Natrona County: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. When you come to True Care, our nurses offer STD testing as well as pregnancy testing free of charge.
Make an Appointment
At True Care, we can help you if you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and are considering abortion – or if you’re not sure what you want to do. During your free appointment, our nurses will not only run a pregnancy test to determine if you really are pregnant, but they will also provide a free ultrasound if your test is positive and you’re far enough along for a heartbeat to be detected. Knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy is also important, for that will determine what type of abortion procedure you will likely have: medical or surgical.
Take care of your future fertility – contact True Care today for your free appointment. Call our Scheduling Line at 307-215-9684. Know for sure if you’re pregnant and how far along you are, and know for sure if you have an STD. Your future sexual health and ability to continue another pregnancy may depend on the decision you make today.