physical impact of abortion

How Will Abortion Affect Me Physically?


Abortion is a serious medical intervention with physical effects depending on the method used and individual factors. There are two primary types of abortion: medical and surgical. Each has its process, side effects, and potential risks.

You don’t have to navigate these questions alone. Today’s Choice Women’s Center offers free pregnancy services and resources to help you fully understand your options. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Continue reading to learn more about the physical effects of abortion.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion involves taking drugs to end a pregnancy and is FDA-approved for use through the first ten weeks of gestation. This method typically uses two drugs:

  • Mifepristone: Blocks the hormone progesterone, essential for pregnancy.
  • Misoprostol: Induces uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy.

Physical side effects of medical abortion may include cramping, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. There are also potential risks, such as:

  • The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
  • An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
  • Infection.
  • Fever.
  • Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is a procedure that removes a pregnancy from the uterus using medication, medical instruments, suction, or a combination of all.

After a surgical abortion, women will typically spend a few hours in a recovery room being monitored for excessive bleeding or complications. Afterward, women often experience mild cramping and light bleeding or spotting for a few days. 

Potential risks of surgical abortion include:

  • Uterine perforation.
  • Cervical damage.
  • Uterine scarring.
  • Infection.

These risks can lead to Asherman’s syndrome, which can bring about complications such as painful or absent periods, future miscarriages, or infertility.

Get The Facts

Understanding the physical effects and risks of abortion is essential to making an informed decision. If you have questions or concerns, Today’s Choice Women’s Center is here to support you.

Our compassionate team provides free, confidential appointments to discuss your options, including abortion. Schedule your free appointment today to get the information you need.

*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.


What Our Patients Say

What Our
Patients Say

Call

Text

Make an
Appointment