Understanding the different types of abortion procedures can help you make an informed decision for your unexpected pregnancy. By learning about each one and their risks and side effects, you can decide based on what’s best for your future and health.
RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics provides pre-abortion screenings and medically accurate pregnancy options consultations. We’re here for you; keep reading to get the facts and learn how we can help you confidently decide.
Understanding Abortion Procedures
Abortion methods vary based on factors like a woman’s gestational age (how far along she is). Understanding the risks and side effects is crucial to making an educated choice.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy. The FDA has approved this method through 10 weeks gestation.
During a medical abortion, mifepristone is taken to block progesterone, a hormone that sustains the pregnancy and helps it grow. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy from the body.
These drugs cause vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, but other side effects can occur, including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Additionally, medical abortion is associated with the following risks:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (the body does not release all the pregnancy tissue, which may need surgical treatment)
If a woman is farther along than 10 weeks, she is not eligible for this procedure and may have a surgical abortion instead.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion methods use drugs, surgical tools, and suctioning to end a pregnancy at different gestational ages.
During the first trimester, a woman may receive a sedative to make her feel relaxed during the one day procedure. Her cervix may be numbed before it is manually dilated, and the provider inserts a small hollow tube. A suctioning technique is used to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
If she is farther along, surgical tools may also be used in addition to suction to remove parts of the pregnancy over multi-day procedures.
Surgical abortion causes cramping and vaginal bleeding. Certain risks are associated with the procedure, including the following:
- Damage to the uterus or cervix
- Uterine perforation (a surgical tool accidentally pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reactions to the drugs or anesthesia (i.e., difficulty breathing)
- Incomplete abortion (which might require an additional surgical procedure)
If you are considering abortion, reviewing your medical history and specific circumstances with a trusted healthcare provider is essential. You deserve to make a decision that prioritizes your health and well-being.
Considering Abortion?
We can help you safeguard your reproductive health with low to no-cost services. Our comprehensive medical services include pre-abortion screenings that confirm your pregnancy and help you weigh all options.
As a Medi-Cal and presumptive eligibility provider, RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics offers services with or without insurance. Additionally, if you are concerned about your financial ability to pay for a service, you may be eligible for a state-funded financial aid program that would provide services for you at no cost.
You deserve the gold standard of care. Book an appointment today.
400 30th St #401
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 891-9998
1671 The Alameda #101
San Jose, CA
(408) 978-9310
12 N White Rd
San Jose, CA
(408) 272-5577
33523 Western Ave.
Union City, CA 94857
(510) 487-4357
Disclaimer: We do not refer for or provide abortion services at our clinics. All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing. This website and blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content from this website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general understanding only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
