Abortion

Abortion is a medical intervention to terminate pregnancy in the womb only. At times, it is also termed as induced abortion. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 73 million induced abortions occur worldwide every year. 6 out of 10 (61%) are unintended pregnancies, and 3 out of 10 (29%) of all pregnancies end in induced abortion. Efficient and skilled healthcare professionals can manage the process safely and successfully with the assistance of medication or surgical intervention. Healthcare professionals worldwide must understand the basics of abortion, the options available, safety measures, restrictions, and the further concerns associated with abortion to provide optimal quality care to patients. The process reviews the options available to the women after a positive pregnancy test and explains different methods of safe abortion with an emphasis on the indications and contraindications of the various methods of abortion, abortion techniques, complications, and ways that help manage immediate health concerns as well as in the long run.

Abortion: What Are the Types?

Abortions are of two types: medical and surgical. In a medical abortion, you can take prescribed medicines to end pregnancy. A surgical abortion allows a doctor to perform a procedure in a medical center, clinic, hospital, or nursing home. Most abortions are outpatient, which means the women does not have to stay overnight in a medical center. 

What type of abortion a woman should opt for depends on a number of factors, which include her health state and how far she has been in her gestation journey. In the U.S., choices can vary based on where you live. In many states, abortion is limited or banned. State abortion laws may often change due to judiciary challenges and legislative initiatives in the U.S.A. 

Medical Abortion 

Medical abortion ends pregnancy at an early stage by applying a combination of medicines. The procedure stops the growth of the fetus and causes the uterine line to shed. Doctors may prescribe drugs like Mifepristone and Misoprostol 200 mcg tablet or an unwanted kit to perform an at-home abortion procedure. After your medical abortion, you need to follow up with your healthcare provider to make sure the abortion has been successful. A urine or blood test or an ultrasound can confirm the result about a week after you have taken the medication. In case your abortion is not complete, you may be in need of more medication or surgical abortion.

Surgical Abortion 

Surgical abortion is the option for a woman when she is more than 3 months pregnant, suffers a specific health condition, is under certain medication, or wants the procedure to take less time and needs fewer appointments. Though the term is “surgical abortion,” the abortions are minimally invasive. The abortions are ideal for women who want the process to take place in a clinic or a hospital. The surgical abortion takes the gentle suction technique known as vacuum aspiration. The healthcare professionals use gentle suction to remove the uterus content. The procedures are safe and effective most of the time. 

Why Do Women Get Abortions?

Women opt for abortions when they don’t want to continue with their pregnancies or when they have unintended pregnancies. The reasons can be many more. Women who experience or suffer the following conditions may consider abortion to be a comparatively better option. 

1. Women who fail to take care of dependent or additional dependent.
2. Women who don’t have any financial stability
3. Women who suffer relationship issues 
4. Women who lack the right kind of support by their side
5. Women who suffer health conditions that might make the pregnancy more complicated and unsafe.

How Effective is the Abortion Pill? 

The medication used to perform abortions is highly effective, but the duration of pregnancy might hamper the effectiveness. According to the University of California, 3% to 5% of women need surgical abortion after a medical abortion. A number of factors can affect the drug’s effectiveness. The medication won’t be effective if a woman has an ectopic pregnancy or the medicines have not been taken as directed. In addition, a woman should not opt for medical abortion when she has an IUD or certain medical conditions like a bleeding disorder. In case you have been in a similar situation, your healthcare provider will check all of these aspects carefully and provide clear instructions before suggesting abortion medication. 

Benefits and Risks of Medical Abortion

Benefits 

Abortions are safe in general. The procedure comes with minimal risks, like any medical treatment. Abortions very rarely lead to serious complications. The possible benefits of medical abortion include,

• You can end a pregnancy as soon as you know you’re pregnant or you learn about an early miscarriage. 

• When it feels natural to pass the pregnancy.

• You can be at rest mode at home to cope with bleeding and cramping.
• You can have the support you choose to be by your side.  

Risks

A medical abortion is safe and effective and ends pregnancy at an early stage without considerable complications. Yet, it is important to take all medicines as prescribed. When you skip a dose and do not follow the given instructions, it can pose a number of health risks. The risks include,

• When you have an incomplete abortion or you have a retained pregnancy tissue.

• Heavy bleeding without stops. Immediate medical attention is necessary if vaginal bleeding is high after an abortion. 

• Digestive pain and diarrhea 

• Allergic reactions 

• Uterian, bowel, or cervix injury. 
• Fever and infections. Antibiotics work the best to clear up the infection.  

No such long-term health risks are linked with medical abnormalities, yet it’s important to consult your healthcare provider as soon as you suffer odd symptoms during the recovery.

Who Should Not Get Medical Abortions?

When a woman considers an abortion, it’s essential to discuss her medical history with the doctor to confirm it’s safe for her. A medical abortion is not safe for you when:

1. You have come far along in your pregnancy. 
2. You are allergic to the medications applied.
3. You have an ectopic (outside of the uterus) pregnancy.
4. You have intrauterine device (IUD) (medical abortion comes under consideration when you have the device removed)
5. You have blood clot disorder, anemia, or chronic adrenal failure.
6. On long-term corticosteroids.
7. You don’t have any access to emergency medical care at your place. 

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Medical Abortion?

Recovery time may vary from person to person. Most women begin to feel better just after they complete their medication course. One can resume your normal activities within a day or two after the day of taking the last tablet. You need to take care of your body and take things easy. Avoid any heavy activities that may cause you pain. 

Recovery does not only happen on the physical level. A woman experiences a rush of mixed emotions – from relief to sadness, guilt to stress, and beyond. The feelings are normal. It is advisable to speak to a mental healthcare professional to communicate how one feels. In case one needs therapeutic assistance, it’s advisable to ask the doctor for recommendations on therapists who can provide support. 

What to Expect at A Follow-up Appointment?

After a medical abortion, you can have a follow-up appointment over the phone or in person, depending on your and your doctor’s preferences. Your healthcare provider will see whether your body is healing at the right pace. In the appointment, you may have to answer a few questions like – 

• How much bleeding have you experienced? 

• Are you still bleeding?

• Have you witnessed that the gestational sac or fetus has left your body?

At a one-on-one, in-person appointment, your doctor can physically examine your cervix and uterus, conduct lab tests to check for hormonal functions, and perform an ultrasound to confirm whether the medication has been 100% effective.

In case of a telemedicine appointment, you may have to take pregnancy tests at home. 

Don’t take at-home tests soon after an abortion. As the pregnancy hormone is still active, you may get a false-positive result. It’s best to wait 2-4 weeks to receive the accurate result.  

Health Considerations  

Get premium quality drugs for medicine abortion like Misoprostol 200 mcg tablet or our unwanted kit with Global Care Meds, and enjoy fast shipping of medicines at your doorstep in or across the U.S. Order medicines at GCM under your doctor’s prescription for the best results. Remember, women often experience a wide range of emotions after an abortion. If you need to communicate how you are feeling, you may consider a consultation with a post-abortion counselor. The medicines are available at different dosages and are prescribed based on your individual needs. Rely on genuine, best-quality medicines from GCM to get back to your normal flow of life.