Understanding abortion-related risks is key when learning about your pregnancy options. One such risk, infection, can be difficult to identify.
Learning everything you can about this risk will help you to make a confident pregnancy decision and protect your health. EPIC Center is here to equip you with the facts.
Abortion Procedures: What’s the Difference?
The two main abortion procedures are medical abortion and surgical abortion. Each has its own set of risks and side effects.
During a medical abortion, which is FDA-approved through ten weeks gestation, mifepristone blocks progesterone, and misoprostol causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue from the body.
This process always causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. You could also experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, and diarrhea.
A surgical abortion takes place later on in a woman’s pregnancy. The provider uses a combination of medications, surgical instruments, or suctioning. As with medical abortion, you’ll have cramping and bleeding.
Signs of Infection
A risk of both abortion methods is infection. If you have one, you may notice:
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours)
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Determining whether you’re experiencing a side effect or risk like infection can be tricky. For example, you could develop a fever after a surgical abortion. But if that fever worsens or lasts longer than a day, seeking immediate medical care is crucial.
Though your chances of developing an infection are low, they can increase in certain situations, such as when a surgical abortion procedure is performed unsafely or all of the pregnancy tissue hasn’t been expelled.
Caring, Compassionate Help
EPIC Center provides the no-cost, confidential services you deserve. We respect your privacy and unique situation and pledge to be that safe, non-judgmental atmosphere you need.
If you’re considering your pregnancy options, confirm your pregnancy test result with lab-quality, urine-based pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds with a positive result. We’ll help clarify your options and provide the information you must know.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Kinston or New Bern locations. Remember: we are here for you.