Hemorrhage
Sometimes women bleed heavily during an abortion or a few days afterwards. With a medical abortion (RU - 486) bleeding lasts 13 - 15 days or more. Occasionally it is necessary to receive a transfusion to replace the lost blood. Sometimes a second currettage procedure or a hysterectomy is needed to stop the bleeding.
Infection
The uterus is susceptible to infection right after an abortion especially if part of the baby or placenta is accidentally left inside of you. Infections are even more of a risk if you have Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Symptoms are pain and fever. This is generally treated with antibiotics but sometimes another curettage procedure must be used. If untreated, a very serious infection can develop and could result in infertility.
Perforation
Sometimes the tools of abortion are accidentally pushed through the wall of the uterus during an abortion. If the instrument damages one of your internal organs, it may be necessary to do major surgery to repair the damage. This complication can cause extensive bleeding.
Effects on Later Pregnancy
Injury to the cervix may cause the early loss of a later wanted pregnancy. Scarring, which blocks your fallopian tubes, may also occur. This can keep you from becoming pregnant in the future. The risk of miscarriage in later pregnancies is higher if a woman has had two or more abortions.
Continued Pregnancy
The fetus may be growing in your fallopian tube rather than in your uterus. An abortion procedure would miss this. The continued growth of the fetus in your tube is dangerous and potentially fatal.
Breast Cancer
A number of scientific studies show a link between abortion and breast cancer. As of January 1999, 11 out of 12 studies in the United States, and 25 out of 31 studies worldwide, showed that women who experienced an induced abortion had an increased risk of breast cancer. (Dr. Chris Kahlenborn, M.D. for One More Soul 1-800-307-7685. Brind J, Chinchilli M, et al. Induced abortion as an independent risk factor for breast cancer: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis. J Epidemiol Community Health. 10 / 1996: 50: 481-496.) However, the National Cancer Institute has stated that evidence so far does not prove that abortion causes breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute recommends that further studies be conducted in order to get more definitive info.
Death
Death has occurred after abortion, although this is rare. When an abortion is done after the first three months of pregnancy, the risk of death increases. The cause of death by abortion is usually from heavy bleeding or from complications with the drugs used for pain.
If you are considering an abortion, it is important to take into consideration the physical risks as well as the emotional risks. For more information on abortion, call 605-361-3500 or 1-800-99-ALPHA.
Some women experience relief following an abortion, but many find themselves facing negative feelings that they did not expect. They may have a difficult time talking about these feelings and can benefit from support groups and or counseling. Research suggests that women who experience psychological problems before an abortion often cope poorly afterwards, however, negative emotional reactions are also experienced by women who did not have psychololgical problems beforehand. A wide range of psychological symptoms following abortion have been identified in the research literature. These symptoms can be severe and or prolonged and may necessitate mental health treatment. In addition to women who have lost a child to abortion, men and others involved in the abortion decision can also experience these symptoms.
Anxiety
Depression
Sadness
Unresolved grief
Emptiness
Shame
Guilt
Lowered self esteem
Suicidal ideas
Suicide
Anger
Sleep problems
Sexual dysfunction
Flashbacks
Avoidance or intrusion
Emotional numbness
Anniversary reactions
Increased alcohol and drug use
Relationship difficulty
Self destructive behavior
If you are thinking of having an abortion you will want to weigh the emotional as well as the possible physical risks.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and would like to speak with someone, call 605-361-3500 or 1-800-99-ALPHA.
Alpha Health Services / Alpha Center
801 East 41st Street
Sioux Falls 57105
