If you’re looking into abortion after finding out you are unexpectedly pregnant, you’ve probably come across the terms medical and surgical abortion. But what is abortion? How do the two procedures differ, and are they safe?

It’s completely normal to have questions. 

You deserve clear information about what each process involves, including the drugs used, the procedures, and the potential risks. It is also important to understand how your pregnancy is developing and how this can affect your next steps.

At Clara Women’s Center, we’re here to help you sort through the information and understand your pregnancy before you decide. We can provide no-cost pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound, as well as a safe place to ask questions and talk through your options without any pressure.

Get in touch to make your appointment today, and let’s take a closer look at how these two abortion methods differ.

What Is an Abortion?

Abortion is the termination of a viable, progressing pregnancy. The goal of every abortion procedure is the same: to end the pregnancy and empty the uterus. 

There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical, and each comes with risks and side effects to consider.

How a Medical Abortion Works

A medical abortion, commonly called the abortion pill, involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken afterward and causes the uterus to contract, leading to abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding as the embryo or fetus and pregnancy tissue are expelled. 

The abortion pill is FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation. The process also involves a follow-up to determine whether the abortion was complete. Common side effects of a medical abortion include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and diarrhea.

There are also potential risks that can occur; these include heavy bleeding, fever, infection, digestive symptoms, incomplete abortion, and the drugs not working.

How a Surgical Abortion Works

A surgical abortion is a procedure performed by an abortion provider in a clinical setting to remove the fetus or embryo and empty the uterus manually.

During the procedure,  an abortion provider uses either drugs or instruments to dilate or open your cervix, which is the opening of your uterus. The dilation allows the abortion provider to insert surgical tools, such as a curette (a device used for both suction and scraping) and sometimes additional tools like forceps.

The side effects of a surgical abortion may include mild abdominal cramping and light spotting or vaginal bleeding. Complications can include uterine perforation, which occurs when a surgical instrument pierces the uterine wall. Additionally, it can damage the cervix, cause infection, and lead to Asherman’s syndrome, a condition where scar tissue forms, which can cause infertility.

Your Pregnancy Details Affect Your Options 

Your pregnancy’s gestational age (how far along you are) and the location of your pregnancy can affect your next steps.

A limited ultrasound can provide additional information about your pregnancy, including your gestational age, whether your pregnancy is developing inside the uterus, and whether or not your pregnancy is continuing.

This information is important because an ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus and requires medical care. Abortion drugs are unable to impact an ectopic pregnancy, as the pregnancy is outside of the uterus.

Knowing these details can give you a clearer picture of your pregnancy before making a decision and help you seek appropriate medical care if needed. We can provide limited ultrasound imaging at our center following a positive pregnancy test to help you safeguard your health.

Get Answers at Clara Women’s Center 

If you are considering abortion and have questions about the different abortion methods, you deserve the opportunity to understand the facts before making a decision.

Clara Women’s Center provides no-cost pregnancy services and information about parenting, adoption, and abortion to help you consider your options and available support. We also offer STI testing.

Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you. You do not have to figure this out alone. 

Contact us to schedule your confidential appointment today.