What To Know About Abortion
If abortion is something you are thinking about, having accurate information is a crucial part of the decision-making process. The type of procedure available depends on how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and your health history.
Getting those details confirmed will help you chart your next steps and decide which additional questions to ask.
Alpha House offers free, confidential appointments where you can learn about abortion procedures, side effects, and potential risks. We’ll serve as an informational resource as you weigh your options and learn the risks and side effects of the two types of abortion.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion, often called the abortion pill, usually involves two drugs taken at separate times.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone necessary for the pregnancy’s growth and development. Without it, the uterine lining will shed, and the pregnancy ends. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
This process involves cramping and vaginal bleeding, which some women report as more severe than expected.
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Headache
Possible risks include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion requiring follow-up treatment
- Ongoing pregnancy
- Digestive discomfort
Medical abortion is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation. Gestational age must be confirmed before use, because knowing how far along you are helps identify which options may be possible.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. The procedure involves dilating the cervix and using suction and medical instruments to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. The method used depends on how far along the pregnancy is.
Common side effects may include cramping and light vaginal bleeding or spotting.
Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Damage to the cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Scar tissue formation that may affect future fertility (Asherman’s syndrome)
- Incomplete abortion
An Ultrasound Comes First
Before scheduling an abortion, an ultrasound is essential. It confirms how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is in the uterus, and whether it is progressing, all of which affect your safety and available options.
Following a positive pregnancy test at our clinic, you are eligible for a free limited ultrasound performed by our registered nurse.
Schedule your confidential appointment today.
