When it comes to making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy, you may well have heard of the abortion pill, commonly referred to as a medical abortion. Nevertheless, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the potential risks this method entails before scheduling any appointments.
Whether you’re contemplating parenthood, abortion, or adoption, dealing with an unexpected pregnancy likely implies facing one of the most challenging decisions you’ve ever had to grapple with. As you strive to determine what’s best for your future, it’s crucial to thoroughly explore all available options and gather as much information as you possibly can.
The Potential Hazards of The Abortion Pill are explained below.
Infections
In a few instances, the abortion pill fails to completely carry out the abortion procedure, leaving behind some fetal tissue in the uterus. This retained tissue could cause severe and even life-threatening infections if not detected promptly.
To be eligible for the abortion pill procedure, it’s essential that your pregnancy is not beyond 10 weeks. Therefore, make sure to arrange an ultrasound scan at your local pregnancy centre today!
Limited Access to Medical Attention
Given that medical abortions are usually carried out at home, most women discharge the pregnancy tissue without any medical supervision. Despite the abortion pill seeming quite straightforward, it’s still a significant medical procedure and may lead to serious health issues. Consequently, it’s advisable that women refrain from taking the abortion pill if they do not have easy access to emergency healthcare, should complications arise.
Hemorrhaging
The abortion pill often results in some degree of bleeding and cramping as it terminates the pregnancy and expels the tissue from the uterus. Beyond this, expected bleeding, hemorrhaging, and excessive bleeding can sometimes occur. While such instances related to the abortion pill are relatively uncommon, they do occur in about 1% of patients, and the mortality rate from this complication is noteworthy.
If you have taken the abortion pill and are encountering significant bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Opting for an abortion could increase the risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), particularly when paired with an STI like Chlamydia. Symptoms and side effects of PID can range from future infertility and abscesses to chronic pain.
If you’re contemplating an abortion, it’s of paramount importance to ascertain whether or not you have an STD before finalizing your decision regarding your pregnancy.
Mental Health Concerns
Several women report new or exacerbated mental health issues post-abortion. Such conditions could include anxiety, depression, or symptoms related to trauma. Your mental well-being is another reason to carefully weigh all your pregnancy options to avoid unnecessary distress.
Potential for Increased Infertility
Infections arising from the abortion pill can lead to scarring in the uterus, potentially causing future infertility and ectopic pregnancies. When deciding if the abortion pill is right for you, it’s important to contemplate this risk and assess your future family plans.
Complications Tied to Pre-existing Conditions
The Mayo Clinic advises against using the abortion pill altogether for those with the following pre-existing health conditions:
- An intrauterine device (IUD)
- Allergies to the medications used in the medical abortion
- Diseases affecting the heart, blood vessels, liver, kidney, or lungs
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Use of blood thinners or steroid medications
What Steps Should I Take Prior To Getting an Abortion?
Before making a decision regarding the abortion pill, it is important to follow certain steps. These steps include professional pregnancy testing, an ultrasound scan, and STD testing. Some Women’s Health Clinics offer all these services free of charge. Moreover, they also provide additional services such as abortion pill reversal, options counseling, abortion recovery, and referrals to essential community resources.
