If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may have questions about how abortion could impact your physical health. Every woman’s body responds differently, but there are known side effects and potential risks connected with both medical and surgical abortion procedures.
At Black Hills Pregnancy Center, you deserve clear answers as you consider your next step. Our no-cost, confidential services are designed to give you space to ask questions, learn the facts, and talk with someone about all of your options.
Request an appointment today to learn more, and keep reading to get information on the potential physical impacts of abortion.
Why Learning the Facts Matters
Abortion procedures are not all the same. The two most common methods, medical abortion (also called the abortion pill) and surgical abortion, work in different ways to end a pregnancy. Each comes with side effects and possible risks you’ll want to understand before making a decision.
Medical abortion is FDA-approved only through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Surgical procedures, on the other hand, are often performed later. Whether you’re just learning about your pregnancy or already further along, having the right information can help protect your health and future.
What to Know About Medical Abortion
A medical abortion usually involves taking two drugs. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is essential for sustaining a pregnancy. The second, misoprostol, makes the uterus contract to expel the pregnancy tissue.
Cramping and bleeding are expected with this process, but other side effects can include:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Headaches
Medical abortion also carries risks. These may include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion, which happens when tissue remains in the uterus. An incomplete abortion may require a follow-up surgical procedure to prevent complications.
What to Expect With Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is typically done in a clinic using medical instruments and suction. The most common method in early pregnancy is vacuum aspiration, often performed up to approximately 12–14 weeks.
After the procedure, many women experience cramping for a day or two and bleeding that may last up to 10 days. Possible risks of surgical abortion include:
- Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue forming inside the uterus, which can affect fertility
- Heavy bleeding or infection
- Incomplete removal of pregnancy tissue, requiring another procedure
While serious complications are not common, they are possible, and that’s why it’s so important to understand the whole picture.
Exploring Every Option
Abortion is not your only option. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, and each comes with its own challenges and rewards. You deserve time and support to explore all your choices and decide what feels right for your future.
We will meet with you at Black Hills Pregnancy Center in a friendly, confidential setting. We’ll answer your questions honestly and provide no-cost pregnancy confirmation and options information.
You’re Not Alone
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to make decisions on your own. We’re here to walk with you, offering compassionate support and practical resources along the way.
Request your no-cost, confidential appointment at Black Hills Pregnancy Center today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Black Hills Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
