Abortion comes with physical and emotional risks, especially infection. It can be challenging to determine whether you’re experiencing side effects of a medical emergency, especially when symptoms overlap.
Women’s Resource Center of Hancock County believes accurate information about all your options, including abortion, is essential to make an informed decision. We’re here for you.
Is It An Infection?
Doing your research before an abortion procedure is crucial. You don’t want to make this decision lightly, so speaking with a medical provider about the risks and side effects will help.
You should also have an obstetric ultrasound. This scan reveals key pregnancy details like viability, gestational age, and location, all of which you need to make a decision.
Abortion procedures vary based on your eligibility and gestational age, but infection is a risk for every type.
A medical abortion uses medications to end a pregnancy and is FDA-approved through ten weeks gestation. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, and misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy.
You’ll have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding during a medical abortion. But you may also experience nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, and diarrhea.
A surgical abortion is typically performed later in pregnancy. The provider will use medications, surgical instruments, suctioning, or a combination of these techniques. You’ll also experience bleeding and cramping with this procedure.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help
Warning signs of an infection include:
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours)
- Severe abdominal or back pain
The bottom line is that if you feel something is amiss or your symptoms are worsening, seek immediate medical attention. Seeking appropriate follow-up and emergency care is responsible and proactive. Your health must be a priority.
Free, Confidential Services
Women’s Resource Center of Hancock County provides free, confidential services like pregnancy tests, limited obstetrical ultrasounds, and educational classes.
Before making a pregnancy decision, consider visiting us to protect your health and receive important information.
Contact us to make an appointment today.