There is a lot to consider when you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. You may wonder if and when to tell your partner, or perhaps you are weighing your options.
Abortion may be on your mind, especially if it seems logical or you know someone who’s had the procedure. Some women worry about the pain they may experience, which is understandable.
The reality is that pain can be subjective, and your reaction to an abortion procedure, whether medical or surgical, depends on your level of pain tolerance. But some side effects, such as abdominal cramping, can be expected and likely cause pain. We’ll review what you may expect below.
What Does a Medical Abortion Feel Like?
A medical abortion occurs in early pregnancy and uses mifepristone and misoprostol to block progesterone and expel the pregnancy tissue from the body. Medical abortion is the most common abortion procedure in the United States, and much research has been done about its side effects. These may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Abdominal cramping
- Vaginal bleeding
As stated earlier, you may experience pain from a medical abortion, ranging from mild to severe. Providers typically suggest taking over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate discomfort.
Are Surgical Abortions More Painful?
Surgical abortions are performed later in pregnancy and use a combination of medications, surgical tools, and a suctioning technique to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. One common surgical abortion procedure is called dilation and curettage.
As with medical abortions, surgical abortions can cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. But women who undergo this procedure are at risk of developing other issues, including:
- Damage to the cervix
- Perforation of the uterus
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
As you can imagine, these conditions cause quite a lot of pain and discomfort. In many cases, they may require further medical treatment.
Learn About Your Options Today
Making a pregnancy decision can be overwhelming, but we’re here for you. You have options like abortion, making an adoption plan, and parenting. You’ll want to research these options carefully and in a safe, confidential environment.
Sumter Pregnancy Center offers no-cost, confidential options consultations to help you think through what’s best for you. Contact us today to learn more.