Abortion is one option for your unexpected pregnancy, but it’s essential to get the facts first. Every abortion procedure carries certain risks and side effects you should know before making a decision.

Women’s Creekside Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions. However, we’re committed to helping you understand your options and make a confident choice.

Learning About this option

Abortion ends a pregnancy using various methods, including drugs and surgical instruments. The procedure type depends on several things, including a woman’s gestational age (how far along she is in her pregnancy).

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion uses drugs to end the pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone helps the pregnancy grow and develop, and without it, it will detach from the uterine lining and end.

The second drug is called misoprostol. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy from the body. When a woman takes these drugs, she will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.

This abortion method is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks gestation.

Potential side effects of medical abortion include:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Risks associated with this procedure include:

• Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
• Fever
• Infection
• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
• Incomplete abortion (the body does not release all the pregnancy tissue, requiring additional treatment)

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion uses various methods, including surgical tools, drugs, and suctioning, to end the pregnancy. The procedure can cause spotting or light bleeding and mild cramping for several days.

However, certain risks are associated with surgical abortion, including:

• Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
• Cervical damage (i.e., a tear)
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can cause painful periods or infertility)
• Infection

Get the Facts

Women’s Creekside Clinic is here for you. We offer free options consultations so you get the facts about abortion and can learn about your other pregnancy options.

We also provide confidential pregnancy confirmation services, including pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more.