Abortion Risks
Meet with A Licensed Medical Professional
At MyNurse, we take abortion seriously. Abortion is a significant medical procedure, and before you undergo any procedure it is important to first meet with a licensed medical professional to know the impacts and any risks to your health. Abortion impacts women in different ways, mentally, emotionally, and physically. At MyNurse, our licensed nurses offer support and information specific to you and your stage of pregnancy.
Medical Abortion Health Risks
A medical abortion uses the chemicals mifepristone and misoprostol (known together as the abortion pill), to end a pregnancy.
Common Side Effects of Medical Abortion Include:1
- Heavy Bleeding
- Risk of Infection
- Fever
- Digestive Discomfort
- Incomplete Abortion, resulting in a continued pregnancy or the need for a surgical abortion
If you experience any of the following symptoms after a medical abortion, contact your doctor or healthcare provider as you may have an infection or complications:
- Heavy Bleeding — soaking through two or more pads an hour, for two hours
- Severe Abdominal or Back Pain
- Fever — lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling Vaginal Discharge
There are roughly 1 million abortions performed in the United States each year and about a 2 percent rate of complications.2 Although this statistic may appear low, this means 20,000 women annually endure post medical abortion complications ranging from minor complications like pain, bleeding, infection, to major complications including uterine atony and hemorrhage, uterine perforation, injuries to the bladder or bowels, cervical laceration, failed abortion, septic abortion, or disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Long Term Abortion Health Risks
Abortion impacts each woman differently, so mental, physical, and emotional symptoms vary. MyNurse believes in educating and supporting women considering abortion. Every woman’s experience is important and valid.
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Mental Health
Research shows there is an increased risk for women who undergo a medical abortion to develop depression, anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts, alcoholism, and drug dependence. There is no scholarly evidence to suggest that abortion reduces long-term mental health concerns for women.3
Future Pregnancy
Some women may also be at an increased risk of complications in future pregnancies if during a previous abortion there was damage to the uterus or other organs. Additionally, if a previous abortion was complicated by pre-existing and untreated STDs, or infection, risks of secondary infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and fetal loss increase.4 The choice of abortion procedure can also impact future conception and pregnancy health differently.
Sexual Dysfunction and Women’s Sexuality
- Increased Fatigue
- Increased Negative Emotions
- Decreased Sexual Desire
- Orgasmic Disorders
- Vaginal Dryness
- Dyspareunia
Some women, regardless of marital status, have reported difficulty in establishing and maintaining sexual relationships due to the negative side effects of abortion.
If you are considering abortion, you deserve to know the potential risks to your health and have all your questions answered. Schedule an appointment with one of our licensed nurses today!
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
2 Sajadi-Ernazarova KR, Martinez CL. Abortion Complications. [Updated 2022 May 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430793/
3 Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Boden, J. M. (2008). Abortion and mental health disorders: evidence from a 30-year longitudinal study. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 193(6), 444-451. https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/59A90CBF3A58C58B342CBCFFBBFEBD2E/S0007125000006334a.pdf/abortion_and_mental_health_disorders_evidence_from_a_30year_longitudinal_study.pdf
4 The Global Library of Women’s Medicine. (2011). Long-Term Risks of Surgical Abortion. Carol J. Hogue, PhD, MPH. Terry Professor of Matrenal/Child Health, Professor of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georga (Vol 6, Cap 124). Retrieved from: http://www.glowm.com/index.html?p=glowm.cml/section_view&articleid=440
5 Bianchi-Demicheli, F., Perrin, E., Lüdicke, F., Bianchi, P. G., Chatton, D., & Campana, A. (2002). Termination of pregnancy and women’s sexuality. Gynecologic and obstetric investigation, 53(1), 48-53. https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/49411