Pre-Abortion screening
Abortion, like all of your choices for your unexpected pregnancy, is not an easy choice to make. If you are still considering abortion, your first step is to have a discussion with a team member on staff.
The screening includes the following no-cost services:
- Medical-grade pregnancy testing
- If indicated, a limited obstetrical ultrasound
- Discuss your pregnancy options in a private, confidential conversation
Types of Abortion
Before moving forward, you should understand abortion procedures, side effects, and potential risks. We can talk to you about what to expect and your other options.
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. Which procedure you receive is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Medical
The abortion pill method is a medication abortion because it uses two drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period to terminate a pregnancy.
The Mayo Clinic writes, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives.”
The FDA has approved medical abortion up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.
Surgical
Several surgical terminations include Vacuum Aspiration, which uses suction to remove the pregnancy. Doctors perform the suction method up to 13 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another abortion procedure typically done in later weeks (over 13 weeks). Doctors perform most second-trimester abortions using this method.
In later pregnancies, the abortion doctor may require additional surgical tools like a scraping tool or forceps to remove the pregnancy tissue.
Risks & Side Effects of Abortion
The top risk of the abortion pill method is incomplete abortion. In addition, you risk heavy and prolonged bleeding, severe cramping, undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, and infection.
When getting a surgical abortion, your risks include a perforated uterus, scarring on the uterine wall, and damage to your cervix.
Psychological risks include depression, anxiety, self-medication with drugs or alcohol, symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Make sure you know the physical and mental health risks you’re taking. Make an appointment at Options Care Center to discuss abortion and your other options.
Disclaimer: This website and blog do 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 a substitute for professional medical advice.
