An unplanned pregnancy often occurs at a time when having a child seems impossible. Sometimes, women who want children in the future contemplate an abortion.
The question then arises: can an abortion prevent future pregnancies? Or can it make them more difficult?
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. They both come with different kinds of risk.
1. Medical Abortion
A medical abortion (i.e., the abortion pill) consists of two drugs taken days or hours apart. The first ends the pregnancy, and the second causes uterine contractions, which expel the embryo or fetus and the pregnancy tissue from the body.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it doesn’t appear that medical abortion increases the risk of future pregnancy complications when the procedure is done under the guidance of a medical professional.
Without medical oversight, complications can occur and go untreated, which can jeopardize your health and future fertility.
2. Surgical Abortion
One type of surgical abortion is a dilation and curettage (D&C). The cervix is dilated (opened) using surgical instruments or drugs. Then, a medical professional uses surgical tools and suction to remove the embryo or fetus and related tissue.
In rare cases, scar tissue can develop in the uterus after a surgical abortion. This condition is known as Asherman’s Syndrome. It can lead to miscarriages and infertility. However, additional surgery can treat the condition.
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
It’s critical to get tested for STIs before an abortion.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea, two bacterial STIs, can spread deeper into the reproductive system during an abortion procedure.
If not treated, they can develop into a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can also cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain.
Protect Your Health and Safety
The medical team at Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic can provide all the information you need to make safe and wise decisions about your pregnancy. If you are thinking about an abortion, we also offer a pre-abortion screening.
In this screening, you will receive a free, lab-quality pregnancy test and an ultrasound if the test is positive. We will give you comprehensive information on your pregnancy options and answer all your questions.
We also offer low-cost STI testing for both women and men. At Mosaic, we care about you and your health.
Contact us today!
At our clinic, we do not perform or refer for abortions, but we are committed to being an affordable first step so that you can receive the information and clarity you need prior to such a big decision.