What Are the Different Types of Abortion?

If you are contemplating having an abortion, you may be thinking about the different types of abortion procedures, as well as the side effects and risks associated with each one. 

You deserve to have all of your questions answered. Your health matters!

Medical Abortion

During a medical abortion, otherwise known as the abortion pill, two medications are used: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone and prevents the embryo from continuing to implant in the uterus. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels both the embryo and pregnancy tissue through the vagina. 

While mifepristone can be used at home, it must be taken approximately 24-48 hours before misoprostol. 

Side Effects of Medical Abortion

There are some side effects of medical abortion that can be quite serious. These side effects include:

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Cramping
  • Vaginal bleeding

Risks of Abortion

Having a medical abortion does carry certain risks. If you are experiencing any of these, you must seek medical attention immediately. These risks include:

  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • An ongoing pregnancy (if the abortion pill didn’t work)
  • Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion)
  • Digestive system discomfort

Surgical Abortion

A surgical abortion occurs when a woman is further along in her pregnancy. During this procedure, the provider uses medication or small surgical instruments to dilate the cervix. Next, they use either a surgical tool called a curette or a gentle suctioning technique to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. 

You will want to look out for certain side effects of surgical abortion. These side effects can be mild or severe. 

The Mayo Clinic states that these side effects include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Cramping
  • Bleedings
  • Feeling faint or lightheaded 
  • Sweating

Some of the risks of having a surgical abortion include:

  • Damage to the cervix
  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall
  • Fever
  • Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Infection
  • Pain that worsens instead of improving
  • Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour

Have More Questions?

If you have more questions about types of abortions or would like to discuss your pregnancy options, we can help! At Care Net Pregnancy Center of Albuquerque, we can discuss your options. 

Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today. You are not alone!