Understanding how abortions work and the potential risks involved can help you make an informed decision about your pregnancy. At Health Resources Center, we provide accurate, confidential information in a non-judgmental environment so you can explore your options and choose what is best for you.
What Is a Surgical Abortion and How Does It Work?
In a surgical abortion, a suction device and/or medical instruments are used to remove the embryo or fetus from the uterus through the vagina. This procedure is typically performed at an abortion clinic and you are usually sent home the same day.
As with any medical procedure, complications can occur. If problems arise, you may need follow-up care or emergency treatment at a hospital.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also known as a medical abortion) actually involves two different medications:
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Mifepristone – Blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue.
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Misoprostol – Taken 24–48 hours later, this medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
This process usually occurs at home and can involve cramping and bleeding that may last several hours or longer.
What are the Risks of Abortion?
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Incomplete Abortion
An abortion may not successfully remove all of the fetal tissue. This can occur in a surgical abortion but is more common with the abortion pill. A surgical procedure may be required to remove retained tissue to prevent infection or stop the bleeding[1].
Failed Abortion
The abortion pill regimen doesn’t always cause an abortion. A failed abortion means that the pregnancy is intact, with a live baby. Some women opt to continue their pregnancies when this happens. A surgical abortion is often done for an incomplete or failed abortion[2].
Infection
The insertion of instruments or retained fetal tissue may lead to infection. Infrequently, total body infection, known as sepsis, occurs and can be life-threatening. Pelvic infection can cause scarring of the pelvic organs, which can lead to future complications such as infertility and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy[3][4][5].
Negative Impact on Future Pregnancies
Studies have shown a link between surgical abortion and an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight in future pregnancies[6][7][8][9][10].
Hemorrhage
1 out of 100 women who use the abortion pill up to 10 weeks LMP need a surgical procedure to stop the bleeding[11].
Organ Damage
The cervix and/or uterus may be cut, torn, or punctured by instruments. This may cause excessive bleeding and require surgical repair. If the uterus is punctured, the bowel and bladder may be injured. The risk of these types of complications increases with the length of the pregnancy[12].
Get Tested for STIs
Many sexually transmitted infections do not show obvious symptoms. Untreated STIs can increase the risk of developing complications after an abortion.
Health Resources Center offers free, confidential STI testing and treatment to help protect your health.
We’re Here for You
Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions and provide the information and care you deserve. You do not have to face this alone.
Call us today or schedule your appointment to learn more.
Please note: Health Resources Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, December 2). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2020). Medication abortion up to 70 days of gestation. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(4), 855-858. doi:10.1097/ aog.0000000000004083. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation#
Stevenson MM, Radcliffe KW. Preventing pelvic infection after abortion. Int J STD AIDS. 1995 Sep-Oct;6(5):305-12. doi: 10.1177/095646249500600501. PMID: 8547409.
Bridwell RE, Long B, Montrief T, Gottlieb M. Post-abortion Complications: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. West J Emerg Med. 2022 Oct 23;23(6):919-925. doi: 10.5811/ westjem.2022.8.57929. PMID: 36409940; PMCID: PMC9683756.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2019). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Retrieved June 14, 2023. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-inflammatory-disease
Swingle, H. M., Colaizy, T. T., Zimmerman, M. B., Morriss, F. H. (2009). Abortion and the risk of subsequent preterm birth: A systematic review with meta-analyses. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 54(2), 95–108.
Shah, P. S., Zao, J. (2009). Induced termination of pregnancy and low birthweight and preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analyses. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 116(11), 1425–42. doi: 10.1111/j.1471- 0528.2009.02278.x.
Moreau, C., Kaminski, M., Ancel, P.Y., Bouyer, J., et al (2005). Previous induced abortions and the risk of very preterm delivery: Results of the EPIPAGE study. Br J Obstet Gynaecol,5,112(4):430–37.
Ancel, P.Y., Lelong, N., Papiernik, E., Saurel-Cubizolles, M.J., Kaminski, M (2004). History of induced abortion as a risk factor for preterm birth in European countries: Results
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (2016). Mifeprex TM medication guide. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/media/72923/download
Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgatta, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M. D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp.122-29). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
Carlsson, I., Breding, K., & Larsson, P.-G. (2018, September 25). Complications related to induced abortion: a combined retrospective and longitudinal follow-up study. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6156848/