Considering an abortion brings a swirl of questions, and one of the most important is what it could mean for your physical health.

Abortion is a medical procedure with real risks, and learning them ahead of time is one of the strongest ways to protect yourself.

At MyLife Medical & Resource Center, we believe every woman deserves accurate information before making a decision about their unplanned pregnancy. We are here to answer your questions and provide resources as you weigh your options.

Below is a clear look at the risks of each type of abortion and how to safeguard your health.

Types of Abortion

Two primary procedures are performed in the United States: medical abortion and surgical abortion.

Medical abortion, often called the “abortion pill,” uses two drugs to end an early pregnancy.

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone that sustains the pregnancy. Misoprostol then triggers uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy through the vagina.

The FDA approves this method only through the 10th week of pregnancy.

Surgical abortion is typically performed later in pregnancy.

The provider dilates the cervix and uses suction and instruments to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. The most common method is dilation and curettage (D&C).

If you’re looking for a place to start, MyLife offers your first steps—including pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound services (when medically appropriate), and information about your options—at no cost to you.

Risks of Medical Abortion

According to the Mayo Clinic, complications from the abortion pill can include:

• An incomplete abortion, where pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus
• An ongoing pregnancy if the medications do not work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Risks of Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is a serious and invasive medical procedure that carries its own set of potential complications, including:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall, affecting future fertility
• Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
• Excessive bleeding
• Retained tissue that requires another procedure

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have already had an abortion and notice any of the following, treat it as urgent and visit the nearest emergency room:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours)
• Severe abdominal or back pain
• Fever lasting more than 24 hours
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain that worsens instead of fading
• Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
• Cramps lasting more than 48 hours after a surgical procedure

Protect Your Health Before Any Decision

Before moving forward, it is very important to get details about your pregnancy.

A limited ultrasound confirms how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is viable, and whether it is located, important details that will help determine what options are available to you.

MyLife Medical & Resource Center offers free lab-quality pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and answers to your questions, all in a welcoming, non-judgmental space.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment. You are stronger than you know.