Abortion is a big decision, so you’ll want to pay careful attention to the side effects and risks of these procedures. As the patient, you deserve to be informed about all your pregnancy options and how they can impact you.
Ava Health provides compassionate, no-cost care that prioritizes your health. When you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, we’ll provide accurate information and trustworthy pregnancy services.
Request an appointment today to learn more.
Abortion Procedures
Abortion is the only self-elected option that ends a pregnancy. Medication abortions and surgical abortions are offered in the U.S., but they each have potential health risks.
Medication Abortion
A medication abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks gestation.
Mifepristone, the first drug, blocks progesterone, a hormone that helps the pregnancy develop. Without progesterone, the pregnancy will detach from the uterine lining and end.
Misoprostol, the second drug, causes the uterus to contract and the pregnancy to be expelled from the body.
If you have a medication abortion, you’ll experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. You could also have:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Risks of medication abortion can occur and include:
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion uses drugs, surgical instruments, and/or suctioning to end the pregnancy. Surgical abortion procedures can vary because they depend on multiple factors, including how far along you are.
Along with medical abortions, surgical abortions cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. There are also risks, which could include:
- Infection
- Cervical damage
- Perforation of the uterus (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Abortion-related risks are rare, but it’s important to discuss these and potential side effects with a medical provider (regardless of the procedure you’re considering). Protecting your health is most important.
Compassionate, No-Cost Services
Ava Health cares about its patients. We provide limited ultrasounds to verify your pregnancy after positive pregnancy testing, options consultations, and more.
We offer care when you need it most. Request a no-cost, confidential appointment today.
Ava Health does not perform or refer for abortions.