Before choosing to have an abortion, make sure you understand the various procedures, side effects, and risks. Abortion is a serious and life-changing decision. Take time to learn as much as you can before you schedule your appointment with an abortion provider.

We offer a free and confidential medical assessment intended to provide you with valuable information regarding your pregnancy. Contact us for your free assessment today. A free medical assessment and ultrasound at WISH Medical can determine if you have a viable, uterine pregnancy. If you don’t have a viable, uterine pregnancy, you won’t need to have an abortion.

Types of Abortion

There are two types of abortion, medical and surgical. Each of them has different side effects and risks. The method used is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy (gestational age).

Medical Abortion

The abortion pill is a medical or medication abortion method. It uses two powerful drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the uterus from absorbing the much-needed hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the pregnancy can’t survive.

The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract to expel the pregnancy through the vagina. The abortion pill method can be used if you have been pregnant for 70 days (10 weeks) or less.

Side Effects and Risks of Medical Abortion

  • An incomplete abortion that may need to be followed by surgical abortion
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Heavy/prolonged bleeding
  • Severe cramping
  • Digestive system discomfort

Surgical Abortion

There are several surgical abortion methods based on the gestational age of your pregnancy. All of the methods require dilating (opening) your cervix for the pregnancy to pass through. A Vacuum Aspiration uses a suctioning tool to remove the pregnancy.

With the dilation and curettage (D & C) method, a vacuum device and a scraping tool are used for suctioning and scraping out the contents of the uterus. Dilation and evacuation (D & E) also uses suctioning and scraping devices, but can require forceps to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.

Side Effects And Risks Of Surgical Abortion

  • Damage to the cervix
  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Heavy/excessive bleeding
  • Infection
  • Scarring on the inside of the uterus

The Emotional Side of Abortion

Some women report a range of emotions after an abortion. They can appear immediately after an abortion or come gradually over a longer period of time. These emotions can include:

  • Depression/anxiety
  • Regret
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Lowered self-esteem
  • Substance abuse
  • Flashbacks
  • Sexual Dysfunction

Some women have changed their mind during the process of a medication abortion, and have sought help to save their pregnancy. Abortion Pill Reversal treatment is available here. For additional information, see our Abortion Pill Reversal page under the Services tab, or call (208) 892-9474.

At WISH Medical, our client advocates and medical staff are available to listen and talk with you. Get the help and support you need before you make a decision.

A Free Medical Assessment

Your health and safety are important to us. If you’re considering abortion, your first step is a free, confidential medical assessment with a licensed healthcare professional.

Your Medical Assessment Includes:

  • Lab quality pregnancy testing
  • Limited OB ultrasound
  • Gestational age determination
  • Complete pregnancy and abortion options consultation

WISH Medical does not offer abortion services or abortion referrals. We never financially benefit from your decision. The information on this website is intended for general educational purposes only, and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional medical advice.