Like any major medical procedure, having an abortion can cause health complications. It’s essential to be prepared and to understand the warning signs, especially if you’re considering the abortion pill method.
At Pathways Clinic, we provide comprehensive, medically based information about abortion procedures, the side effects to expect, and the potential physical and emotional risks.
If you’ve recently had an abortion and are experiencing concerning symptoms, go to your nearest emergency care facility. Be sure to let them know that you’ve had an abortion to get the proper treatment.
Knowing the Warning Signs
“I’m not sure if it’s an infection, and if I should go to the ER. I called up my nurse today to ask about it but she said she would check in on me tomorrow again but the symptoms are getting worse. I don’t know what to do.” An Anonymous Reddit User About Her Medical Abortion
Whether you have a medical abortion (the abortion pill method) using drugs or a surgical procedure, the risk of infection is possible with both. Here are the symptoms of infection with each:
Warning Signs of Infection After the Abortion Pill
- Heavy bleeding—soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row
- Bad pain in the stomach area or pelvis
- Chills or body aches
- Fast heart rate
- A fever that lasts more than four hours or that starts in the days after you take the second drug (misoprostol)
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Warning Signs of Infection After a Surgical Abortion
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
If you’re experiencing any of these post-abortion complications, it’s essential to seek medical guidance and, if necessary, treatment as soon as possible to protect your health.
In addition to physical consequences, you may also experience mental health issues following an abortion. If you’ve been struggling with difficult emotions after your abortion, you’re not alone. We’re here for you.
How Can Pathways Clinic Assist Me?
Regardless of whether you are seeking help after an abortion or you are pregnant and wondering if abortion is the right choice for you, we’re here to help. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services.
Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can give you details about abortion procedures and the side effects to expect. Your health and safety are our first concern.
Fill out our convenient and confidential online contact form to make an appointment. There is a confident path forward. Let us help you find it.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.