Abortion Risks and Side Effects

Every medication and medical procedure comes with contraindications, possible side effects, and possible complications. If you’re considering either medical or surgical abortion, it’s important to make an informed decision.

What are the contraindications for an abortion?

Contraindications exist for both medical abortions and surgical abortions. See the pages here: surgical abortion and medical abortion

What are the side effects of abortion?

Expected side effects of a medical abortion including cramping, bleeding, nausea, and diarrhea. After a surgical abortion, a woman may experience cramping, bleeding, and weakness.

Healthcare professionals should provide follow-up care after an abortion. Women who experience severe abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, a fever, or fainting after an abortion should seek medical care at once.

What are the risks of abortion?

Induced surgical abortions increase a woman’s risk of experiencing medical complications including scarring of the uterine lining, perforation of the uterus, and infection.,. Recent studies show that after an abortion, women may have an increased risk for mental health problems including regret, relationship conflicts, sadness, sense of isolation, or nightmares.

Alternatives Medical Clinic provides free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to help you decide whether abortion is an option for you. We do not perform abortions or provide abortion referrals, but we provide education regarding the procedure, contraindications, and possible complications. Our medical team wants to empower you to make an informed decision about your pregnancy.

Request an appointment today or call us at 760-273-3878.