Any medical procedure comes with potential risks, and abortion is no exception. While some cramping and bleeding are expected, it is important to know the signs of complications, especially infection. Being informed about what is normal and what may require medical attention can help protect your health.

If you think you may be pregnant and are considering your options, You Medical provides pregnancy testing, limited diagnostic OB ultrasound, and STD testing to help you make an informed decision at no cost.

Infection Signs After Abortion

Both medical and surgical abortions carry the risk of infection. If bacteria enter the uterus or if any pregnancy tissue remains, serious complications can arise. Infection can lead to conditions such as endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In severe cases, untreated infections can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

After a medical abortion (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.
• Fever that lasts more than four hours or that starts in the days after you take misoprostol.
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

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.

Prioritizing Your Health

If you are facing an unintended pregnancy, getting all the facts is essential. Before making a decision, confirming your pregnancy with pregnancy testing and a limited diagnostic OB ultrasound can provide clarity on how far along you are, your pregnancy location, and whether the pregnancy is progressing. Additionally, STD testing is important to reduce the risk of complications, as untreated infections can increase health risks during pregnancy or an abortion procedure.

At You Medical, we offer confidential services to provide the information and support you need at no cost. Make an appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and the next steps.

*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.