Abortion Risks
As with all medical procedures, there are potential risks and side effects involved with abortion procedures. Some of the most common risks and side effects include heavy bleeding with blood clots, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Some of the less common, but still relevant, side effects include damage to the uterus or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can both lead to infertility. If you are still uncertain, let’s look at how this can happen. First, we need to understand the abortion procedure in order to realize how these side effects can occur.
Surgical Abortions
There are two different types of surgical abortions: Dilation and Curettage (D&C) abortion and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) abortion. The basic process of the D&C abortion is as follows: the woman’s cervix is dilated and then a vacuum aspirator is inserted into the woman’s uterus, which then vacuums out the fetus. During a D&E abortion, a woman’s cervix is dilated and then instruments are inserted into her uterus to pull the fetus out piece by piece. With both procedures, after the above steps are complete, a curette (a metal, spoon-shaped instrument) is used to scrape the lining of the woman’s uterus to remove any remaining tissue.
Infertility Possibilities
The above procedures can lead to infertility in a number of ways. First, dilating the cervix and inserting instruments into a woman’s uterus can allow bacteria and infections to enter the woman’s body. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Sadly, PID can lead to the inability to become pregnant or to carry a pregnancy to full term.
Also, the vacuum aspirator or the curette can cause damage to a woman’s uterus. If a woman’s uterine lining is damaged or there are worse side effects from these instruments such as, punctures in the uterus, this too can affect her ability to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to full term. Finally, an incomplete abortion can also lead to problems with fertility. Unfortunately, there have been cases when women become ill following an abortion because a piece of the fetus was left behind, leading to infection. An infection in the female reproductive system can also cause infertility.
What Should You Do?
If you just found out you are pregnant and this was not expected, you have the right to full disclosure regarding all of your options.
At Your Options Medical, we can provide you with the pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling you need! Each patient is treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Because we do not financially benefit from your decision, there is no pressure to decide while you’re in our clinic. We allow you time to ask questions and process the information received.
Schedule an appointment today!
I had an abortion last 2years it was done through d and c now this year have been trying so had to conceive but am not what could be the problem can i till get pregnant again please save my marriage
Hi Gladys,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
First, I am so sorry to hear about your experience. If you ever need someone to talk to, please know help is available. You can call or text 508-251-9022.
As with any medical procedure or medication, there are risks involved. I cannot say one way or the other whether having multiple abortions will affect your fertility or ability to carry a pregnancy to term.
According to the Mayo Clinic, surgical abortions can lead to uterine or cervical damage which may make it difficult to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term. Surgical abortions using a curette during Dilation and Curettage (D&C) can cause scarring of the uterine lining, perforation of the uterus, and cervical damage. Medical abortions also carry risks, one of which is an incomplete abortion, which can result in infection and hemorrhaging that can require a surgical abortion and D&C. Please be sure the abortion provider will give you a follow-up visit after the procedure, as this is a prudent practice for any medical procedure, that ensures your health and safety. in addition to physical risks, there can also be emotional and psychological consequences.
At this point, you may want to request a referral for a fertility specialist who would be able to evaluate your health and provide you with treatment options.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN
please I have did two abortion and it go successful with pills
Now I did the third one and I feel different from the other one I have did, one side of my Tommy is so painful so I was scared about it please what can I do now
Hi Princess Orahachi,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
At this point, seek immediate medical attention. You will want to follow up with your doctor to ensure there were no complications with the abortion. As with any medical procedure or medication, there are risks involved with abortion.
Before any abortion, you should get the information necessary for you to proceed with safety and your health in mind. The first step would be to have an ultrasound. You would want to ensure the person performing the ultrasound confirms the following four things: 1). If the pregnancy is in the uterus. 2). Measure to determine the dating of your pregnancy (how far along you are). 3). If there is a detectable heartbeat. 4). If there are multiple babies or just one.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN