Abortion

Disorders / Abortion

Want to Get An Abortion?

13% of women in the U.S. are more likely to have an abortion by the age of 25. 24.7% women in the United States get an abortion by 45. The statistics establish the fact that abortion is a normal process of women’s reproductive lives. The bans and restrictions have been brought on abortion to stigmatize the system. Abortion is a safe medical process. The majority of abortions are performed outside the hospital. The risk is relatively low. The risk of maternal death is 14 times higher at the time of childbirth than due to abortion. The medical process terminates pregnancy in the womb only. The medical intervention is also known as an induced abortion. According to a report by the WHO, 73 million medical abortions occur every year across the world. Expert healthcare professionals can safely and skillfully conduct the process through medical or surgical intervention.

Verified doctors understand the basics of abortion, available abortion options, safety measures, restrictions, and potential consequences of abortion. The process looks into the available options for women after a positive pregnancy test and assesses different methods of safe abortion.

What Are the Types of Abortion?

Generally, abortions are of two types: medical and surgical.

Medical abortion allows women to take medicines to end a pregnancy. A surgical abortion requires a doctor to perform an operation in a hospital, clinic, or medical hub. Most abortion cases are outpatient, where the woman does not have to stay overnight in a hospital. What type of abortion is right for a woman depends on a number of factors. It includes her health condition and how far along she is in her pregnancy journey.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion terminates a pregnancy at the earliest stage with a combination of medicines. Medication blocks the growth of feus and breaks the uterine lining. Medicines like Misoprostol 200 mcg tablet and Mifepristone, or an unwanted kit, help perform a safe abortion at home. After a medical abortion, the doctor monitors the woman’s health to make sure the abortion has been successful. A blood or urine test or an ultrasound can confirm the abortion one week after the medicine has been taken. If the abortion has not been successful, the woman might need further medication or surgery.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is always the second choice when medical abortion is possible. It’s the only option to end a pregnancy when a woman is more than 3 months pregnant. Other critical reasons include when the woman is taking certain medications or suffers from specific health conditions. Some women also prefer surgical abortion as it takes less time and fewer appointments. Surgical abortions are not massive interventions, but minimally invasive. In a surgical abortion, a gentle suction technique cleans the uterus with vacuum aspiration. Verified doctors apply the safe suction process to remove the uterine contents. The procedure is effective in the majority of cases.

Why Do Women Choose Abortions?

Women get an abortion when they choose to end their pregnancy for reasons, or when the pregnancy is unintended and unwanted. Reasons can be many. Women who experience any of the conditions below may opt for an abortion as a relatively better option.

Women who are dependent on others, whether due to physical or psychological shortcomings.
Women who fail to take the responsibility of a dependent.
Women who lack financial stability.
Women with relationship conflicts.
Women without proper support and guidance on their part.
Women with certain health conditions and pregnancy might make it more complicated and unsafe.

Why take An Abortion Medicine?

The abortion medicines are highly effective in terminating a pregnancy. However, the duration of pregnancy may disturb the effectiveness. The medicine won’t work if a woman has an ectopic pregnancy. The medicine won’t be effective if not taken as directed. A woman should not choose medical abortion if she has an IUD (Intrauterine Device) or specific medical conditions. A bleeding disorder is one health condition that may hamper the medicinal effects. If you are in a similar situation, connect with a healthcare provider. Your doctor checks all the critical aspects and suggests abortion medication with clear instructions.

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Medical Abortion?

Abortions are usually safe. Despite its safety measures, the medicine carries minimal risks, like any other medication. Abortions rarely lead to complications. The probable benefits of medical abortion are,

A woman can end the pregnancy at the earliest once she knows she is pregnant.
It feels like a comparatively better option to pass a pregnancy.
The woman can take rest at home to cope with the cramps and heavy bleeding after the abortion.
She can have the support she wants by her side.

Medical abortion ends pregnancy with safety and effectiveness at an early stage without further complications. It’s important to take the medicines as prescribed. Taking medicine may pose risks when a woman doesn’t follow the instructions. Look at the risks that follow –

Skipping doses may result in an incomplete abortion or retained pregnancy tissue in the uterus.
The woman may suffer heavy bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention in case of heavy vaginal bleeding after abortion.
Stomach pain and diarrhea
Allergic reactions
Bowel, uterine, or cervical injury
Infections and fever followed by that

Antibiotics are the best medicinal options to clear up the infection. Besides, medical abortion usually doesn’t lead to any long-term health risks. It’s important to consult an expert healthcare professional the moment one experiences odd symptoms during the recovery.

How Long Does A Medical Abortion Take?

Recovery time can vary from woman to woman after an abortion. Most of the women start feeling better only after they complete the course of medication. They can start their daily activities within a day or two of their last dosage. Women need to take care of their health. Heavy activities are strictly prohibited.

Most importantly, the relief is not only about physical recovery. After an abortion, a woman experiences a rush of mixed emotions, from relief to guilt, sadness to stress, and much more. The mixed feelings are normal to experience after an abortion. In case a woman needs therapeutic assistance, it’s advisable to talk to the doctor immediately. Expert doctors recommend therapists for support.

What Happens at follow-up Sessions?

After a medical abortion, a woman must go for follow-up sessions on a call or in person. The doctor monitors whether the body heals at the right pace, keeping the important factors in mind. A doctor usually asks a few questions in the follow-up session –

How much bleeding does the woman experience?
Is the woman still bleeding?
Has the woman seen the fetus leaving her body?

In a one-to-one appointment, the doctor physically examines the cervix or uterus, checks the hormonal functions through lab tests, and orders an ultrasound to confirm the medicine’s effectiveness. At-home tests should not be performed instantly after an abortion. As the pregnancy hormones are still active, the chances of a false-positive report are high. It’s best to do the test after 2-4 weeks for the best results.

Who Cannot Get A Medical Abortion?

When a woman chooses an abortion, she must discuss her medical history with the doctor to confirm whether it’s safe for her. A medical abortion is not safe when a woman –

Has come far along in the pregnancy journey
Is allergic to the abortion medications
Has an ectopic pregnancy (out of the uterus)
Has an intrauterine device. Medical abortion is not possible until the device is removed.
Has a blood clot disorder, chronic adrenal failure, or anemia
Are on corticosteroids on long-term
Can’t access emergency medical care when needed

What Are the Health Considerations?

Take quality drugs for medical abortion, such as Misoprostol 200 mcg tablet or unwanted kit, only under the prescription of an expert doctor. Always remember, one may experience a range of emotions after an abortion. A woman must communicate about how they feel and consult a post-abortion counsellor. The medicines are available in different dosages. Doctors prescribe medicines based on individual needs. Women taking this medication must consume vitamin- and protein-rich foods, drink 2-3 liters of water a day, and get proper sleep at night. Rest is a crucial part of recovering fast after a medical abortion. Get the best-quality medicines to get back to the normal flow of life again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are abortion medications safe?

Yes. Medicinal abortion is safe and effective, with fewer complications on record. Complications may occur due to underlying issues.

How does medical abortion feel?

Medical abortion results in heavy bleeding and severe cramps due to the breaking of the uterine lining. The bleeding is similar to that of a miscarriage.

Does abortion affect fertility?

No. Abortion does not affect future fertility. A woman in good health can easily get pregnant in the future without any blockage. And, pregnancy can happen immediately after the abortion, even before the first period starts.

How to take care of your mental health after an abortion?

After an abortion, a woman feels a mix of relief and guilt, stress, and sadness. These are normal reactions. At this point, mental healthcare is needed to soothe the mind and boost it with positivity.

Does the fetus feel any pain during abortion?

No. The fetus doesn’t feel pain before 24-28 weeks, as neural connections are not yet fully developed.