If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and exploring the choices available to you — parenting, abortion, or adoption — it’s important to take time to educate yourselves on the costs, risks, and side effects that might come with each option. The abortion pill is a serious medical procedure and may be accompanied by severe health consequences.
Here are the top five risks of the abortion pill to be aware of and discuss with a medical professional:
1. Infection and Sepsis
The abortion pill can lead to serious bacterial infections and cases of fatal sepsis and septic shock. In most cases of infection and sepsis, symptoms will include a sustained fever, intense pain in the abdominal area, and tenderness in the pelvic region.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms following the abortion pill, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
2. Hemorrhaging and Uterine Bleeding
While the abortion pill is almost always accompanied by some uterine bleeding, heavy bleeding may be a sign of abortion complications. According to FDA warnings, heaving bleeding is defined as “soaking through two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours.” Heavy bleeding could be a symptom of retained tissue due to an incomplete abortion.
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
If you suspect or have been diagnosed with a chlamydia infection, avoid taking the abortion pill, as it may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Those with chlamydia at the time of their abortions are 23 percent more likely to develop PID and the related health conditions, including ectopic pregnancies, abscesses, long-term pelvic pain, and infertility.1
4. Long-Term Mental Health Conditions
Including physical risks related to the abortion pill, there are mental health consequences to be aware of and discuss with your healthcare provider. The abortion pill has been associated with severe mental health conditions “that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by [the] abortion experience.” 2
5. Increased Risks Under the Following Circumstances
According to The Mayo Clinic, certain preexisting conditions may cause increased abortion pill risks.
Avoid the abortion pill under the following circumstances:
- If your pregnancy is further along than nine weeks (after the start of your last period).
- Currently have an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Suspect that you may have an ectopic pregnancy
- Have one of the following medical conditions: bleeding disorder, heart or blood vessel disease, seizure disorders, or liver, kidney, or lung disease
- Use a blood thinner or take certain steroid medications
- Do not have access to emergency care in case of complications or will not be able to make follow-up appointments with your doctor.
- Have an allergy to the medication used in a medical abortion
Wondering if the abortion pill is right for you? An ultrasound will provide you with the insight you need to make a healthy choice for yourself and your body. To learn if you are eligible for a medical abortion, schedule a free limited ultrasound scan at The Pregnancy Center Clinton! Call us today at 563-242-6628.
