Every Woman should know What is a Medical Abortion
Abortion is a safe and legal medical procedure in many countries, but access to it can be restricted by laws and policies. It’s important for women to have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including access to abortion services, in order to make informed choices about their own bodies and lives.
Definition abortion
Abortion is a medical procedure used to terminate a pregnancy. It can be done through medication or surgery, depending on the length of the pregnancy and the woman’s preference.
A medical abortion involves taking a prescription medicine called “Mifepristone”, also known as the “abortion pill”, to end an early pregnancy. This medication blocks progesterone, the hormone responsible for building up the lining of a woman’s uterus during pregnancy.
Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus is unable to sustain a pregnancy. This causes the lining to break down and leads to bleeding. The abortion pill is highly effective, working about 96-98% of the time if a woman is 8 weeks pregnant or less. If taken between 8-10 weeks of pregnancy, it is about 93% effective. If the abortion pill is unsuccessful, a surgical abortion may be recommended.
Surgical abortion, on the other hand, involves removing the pregnancy from the uterus through a procedure. There are different types of surgical abortion procedures, depending on the length of the pregnancy and the woman’s medical history.
What to Expect When Taking the Abortion Pill
- When taking the abortion pill, the first pill is usually administered in a doctor’s office or clinic to initiate the termination process. The second pill, Misoprostol, is taken at home and can cause vaginal bleeding and cramping that lasts for several hours.
- During this time, bleeding may vary from light to heavy, with or without clots. The experience may feel similar to a regular period or a miscarriage. It’s important to have someone stay with you during this process.
- In addition, it is common to experience dizziness, nausea, and/or diarrhea or loose stools. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider after taking the abortion pill to ensure that the pregnancy has been safely terminated and that you are recovering as expected.
Is Medical Abortion Safe?
Medical abortion is generally considered a safe and effective method of terminating an early pregnancy. However, as with any medication, there is always a risk of side effects and complications. It is important to understand these risks before choosing to undergo a medical abortion.
Risks and Complications of Medical Abortion
In rare cases, a medical abortion can result in complications such as heavy bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion, or ectopic pregnancy. An allergic reaction to the medication is also possible but rare. It is important to contact a healthcare provider if any of these complications occur.
Who Should Not Take the Abortion Pill
There are certain conditions that may make medical abortion unsuitable for some women. Women who are more than 9 weeks pregnant, have a blood-clotting disorder, use anti blood clotting medicine, or have an IUD in place should not take the abortion pill. Women who are unable to keep their follow-up appointment with their doctor or who do not have access to transportation to and from the clinic should also avoid medical abortion.
Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, the decision to undergo a medical abortion should be made after careful consideration of all options and risks. Women should talk to their healthcare provider to determine if medical abortion is the right choice for them. It is important to have a support system in place and to follow up with healthcare providers after the procedure to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.
Signs of womb damage after abortion?
After an abortion, signs of womb damage can include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever or chills
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term in the future
- Chronic pelvic pain
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms after an abortion. In rare cases, an untreated infection or other complications can lead to serious health issues.
Originally posted 2018-06-19 22:56:25.
