Before Your Abortion
Since STI’s (sexually transmitted infections) are very common in central Illinois, it would be wise to be tested for STI’s before your abortion. Abortion can increase the risk of you becoming sterile, should the infection continue undetected. We offer free testing and treatment.
Considering Abortion?
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering abortion, there are some important things you need to know.
First, no one can pressure you to make a decision against your will.
Second, abortion is a serious medical procedure that comes with risks and side effects. You deserve to make a fully-informed decision.
Third, we’re here to help. We don’t profit from your pregnancy decision and are here to offer information as you consider your options.
Medication Abortion
Medical abortion, also commonly just called “the abortion pill” is made up of two different drugs.
The first, Mifepristone, is typically taken at the abortion clinic and causes fetal demise.
The second, Misoprostol, is taken at least 24 hours later at home. It causes contractions as your body expels the pregnancy.
While it sounds like a straightforward process, it does come with certain risks and side effects you deserve to know about.
Medication Abortion Side Effects
Mayo Clinic cites the following as side effects to the abortion pill.
The medications used in medical abortion cause vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. They may also cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Medication Abortion Risks
Mayo Clinic also lists the following as risks of the abortion pill:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
If you are more than 10 weeks into your pregnancy, you will not be eligible for the abortion pill. There are different surgical procedures available depending on how far along you are.
In general, surgical abortions follow the same basic procedure. After dilating your cervix, the abortionist will insert a tube with a suction device. This will empty your uterus. Then, the doctor will use a tool to scrape the inside of your uterus to ensure all pregnancy tissue was removed.
This invasive surgical procedure also comes with side effects and risks.
Surgical Abortion Side Effects & Risks
According to Mayo Clinic, these are the common side effects of surgical abortions:
- Bleeding, including blood clots
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Feeling faint
Additional risks to watch out for:
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Before Your Abortion
Before your abortion, it’s important to take care of a few things.
First, you should confirm your pregnancy with a pregnancy testing and ultrasound appointment. This will provide valuable information about your pregnancy like where it is located (in case of an ectopic pregnancy) and how far along you are.
We provide free pregnancy testing and ultrasound services so you get the information you need to make an empowered choice.
Second, you should carefully weigh your options. We provide information on abortion, adoption, and parenting, so you can make the choice that’s right for you.
Schedule your free and confidential appointment today!