Whether you’ve recently had an abortion or are considering one, there are several indicators and signs of health complications to be aware of.
One of the primary complications to be aware of is an infection resulting from accidental damage to your womb, also known as your uterus, during a surgical abortion or from an incomplete abortion after a medical abortion.
Types of Abortion and Complications
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion uses a series of drugs to stop a pregnancy from growing in your uterus and then expel the pregnancy from your body.
There are several known side effects and risks to a medical abortion, including a serious complication known as incomplete abortion.
An incomplete abortion occurs when the pregnancy is not completely expelled from your uterus, leaving behind tissue that can become infected and become a serious health risk that requires medical attention.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is an invasive medical procedure primarily used after ten weeks of pregnancy.
During a surgical abortion, a doctor will dilate your cervix and insert a suction device and/or an instrument into your uterus to remove the pregnancy and any associated tissue.
While there are multiple risks to a surgical abortion, one of the more serious ones that can occur from a surgical abortion is a perforated uterus. This severe complication requires immediate medical intervention to protect your health.
Symptoms of Damage to Your Uterus
One of the primary signs that there is potential damage to your uterus after an abortion is the presence of an infection. An infection can indicate that you are suffering from an incomplete abortion or have physical damage to your uterus from a surgical abortion.
According to the Mayo Clinic, possible signs of infection following an abortion include:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours)
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
If you have any of these symptoms or suspect that something is not right after your abortion, seek medical attention right away at your local emergency room.
Get the Answers You Need
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options, you must get all the information you can before making a decision that could impact your health and future.
A pre-abortion consultation at Options Care Center can be an essential first step in getting your desired answers.
This no-cost consultation includes an ultrasound scan that can give you details about your pregnancy, like gestational age, location, and viability. All of this information will be crucial in helping you know what options are available to you and empower you to make the best decision for your future.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost and confidential pre-abortion consultation and start getting the answers and peace of mind you deserve.
