While it may seem like abortion is a common procedure, it’s essential to know that abortion has the potential for serious health complications.
Before having an abortion, it is critical to know the warning signs of infection after abortion to protect your health and ensure you’re making a safe, informed decision.
Signs of Infection
Medical and surgical abortion both have the potential to cause an infection. The signs are similar but vary slightly. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention.
Heavy Bleeding
Bleeding following an abortion is expected, but when is the bleeding too much?
After a medical abortion, seek help if you are soaking through two or more pads in an hour or soaking through one or more pads an hour after a surgical abortion.
Severe Abdominal or Back Pain
After a medical abortion, cramping is expected as your body passes the pregnancy, but when the pain becomes severe, this can be a sign of an infection.
After a surgical abortion, cramps lasting more than 48 hours should be reported.
Fever
Following a medical abortion, notify your doctor of a fever if it lasts more than four hours or begins after taking misoprostol, and immediately report a fever if it occurs after a surgical abortion.
Foul-smelling Vaginal Discharge
After both a medical and surgical abortion, notify your doctor of any sign of foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Failing to Seek Treatment
You may develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if you fail to seek treatment for an infection following an abortion.
PID can damage the reproductive organs and lead to the following health complications:
- Ectopic pregnancy: Scar tissue builds up in the fallopian tubes and increases the risk of a tubal pregnancy, which can be life-threatening.
- Infertility: Scar tissue makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to pass through the fallopian tubes and properly implant in the uterus.
- Tubo-ovarian abscess: Abscesses most often develop in the ovary or fallopian tubes, and without treatment, they can be life-threatening.
- Chronic pelvic pain: Pain during sexual intercourse or ovulation occurs due to scarring.
Get Help Today
If you’re pregnant and considering abortion, it is vital to learn more about your pregnancy and your unique risks first.
Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center offers free pregnancy services to give you the information you need to stay safe and have clarity.
We provide lab-quality pregnancy tests, ultrasound scans, and consultations with our medical team. We also provide a safe space where you can ask questions, understand your abortion risks, and discuss your pregnancy options.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
