Every woman’s perception of pain is different, and just because abortion was not very painful for one person doesn’t necessarily mean you will have the same experience.
There are two types of abortion – medical abortion and surgical abortion. They can both cause side effects that may cause pain, both during and following the abortion.
Continue reading to learn more about the two types of abortion and how your body can be affected.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion–also referred to as the “abortion pill”–uses the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate the pregnancy.
Mifepristone thins the lining of the uterus, which causes the pregnancy to detach and stop growing.
Misoprostol creates uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
These drugs always cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Some women do find the contractions/ uterine cramping to be uncomfortable or painful.
Additionally, you may experience pain or discomfort from the following side effects of medical abortion:
- Heavy bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
Surgical Abortion
During a surgical abortion, the doctor opens the cervix and then scrapes or suctions the pregnancy and other pregnancy tissues from the inside of the uterus.
Typically, the patient is unconscious or sedated during the procedure, so the procedure should not be painful.
However, you may experience cramping for a few days following the procedure, which can be painful.
Possible complications of surgical abortions include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage/tearing of the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterus
- Infection
These complications can be very painful, and they may add additional discomfort during the recovery period.
Pre-Abortion Consultation
If you’re pregnant and considering abortion, learning more about your pregnancy is critical for your health.
The viability, gestational age, and location help determine if you are eligible for an abortion and whether you need additional medical care.
If your pregnancy is unplanned, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused, but know that you don’t have to walk this journey alone.
Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center is here to support you.
We provide free lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans, and our trained staff can answer your questions and discuss your options.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment. You can also call or text us at 402-463-7785.
