If you’re considering abortion, you’ve probably come across terms like medical abortion and surgical abortion. Understanding the difference between these procedures is an important part of making an informed decision. Each one works differently, is performed at different stages of pregnancy, and has its own risks and considerations.
Before choosing any option, it’s also important to confirm key details about your pregnancy with an ultrasound. At Radiance Women’s Center, we provide free pregnancy confirmation services to help you get your questions answered.
Schedule your confidential appointment today, and keep reading to learn more about the different types of abortion.
The Abortion Pill
A medical abortion uses two drugs to end an early pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to support the pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is usually taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
The abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of pregnancy, so taking the drugs past this point is not recommended.
As these drugs work to end and expel the pregnancy, cramping and bleeding will occur, which can be unexpectedly severe. Other side effects can occur, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, or a headache.
Potential risks include heavy bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion that potentially requires a surgical procedure, or an ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions are performed in a medical facility and involve removing the pregnancy using suction, medical instruments, or a combination of both. The specific procedure depends on how far along the pregnancy is.
Following the procedure, cramping and vaginal bleeding or spotting are common during recovery.
Although complications are uncommon, possible risks include infection, heavy bleeding, injury to the cervix, damage to the uterus, or retained pregnancy tissue that requires another procedure.
If you’re considering a surgical abortion, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions about the procedure, recovery, and possible risks.
Why an Ultrasound Comes First
Even if you’ve already taken a home pregnancy test, an ultrasound provides information the test can’t.
An ultrasound can confirm that the pregnancy is located in the uterus, estimate how far along you are, and determine whether the pregnancy is developing. It can also identify certain conditions, including ectopic pregnancy, a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent serious complications.
Having this information helps protect your health and gives you a clearer understanding of your pregnancy before making a decision.
Learn More Before You Decide
You don’t have to rely on internet searches or make an important decision without complete information.
At Radiance Women’s Center, we provide free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and education about your options. If you’re looking for answers, we’re here to help. Schedule your free, confidential appointment today.
Radiance Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
