There are two types of abortion available – medical and surgical. Both carry different sets of risks, including infection.
Medical Abortion
In a medical abortion, two drugs are taken. Mifepristone is given to block progesterone.
One or two days later, misoprostol is given to cause cramping. This is intended to expel the fetus from the uterus.
Infection can result if the abortion is not complete, meaning all of the pregnancy and related tissue have not been removed. Common signs of infection with a medical abortion are:
- Fever- especially one that increases as time goes by
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- A foul-smelling discharge from the vaginal area
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion usually happens later in pregnancy. First, the cervix is dilated, and then suction and instruments are used to remove the fetal contents from the uterus.
As a result of using medical instruments, damage can occur to the uterine lining or cervix.
Both of these results can lead to infection. Signs of this are:
- Fever which increases in severity
- Abdominal pain that keeps getting worse
- A foul-smelling discharge
Risk Of Infection Leading To Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
It is important to test for STDs before having an abortion. This is particularly crucial if there is a possibility of having chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Both of these diseases tend to occur in the vaginal area. When an abortion occurs, the infection can be carried up into the uterus.
If left untreated, these can develop into PID. And if PID is not taken care of, it can lead to cancer or sterility.
How Can We Help?
At La Luz Women’s Center (formerly Women’s Pregnancy Options), we can provide you with a no-cost pregnancy test and ultrasound. If you are pregnant, we can also test and treat for STDs.
You deserve information from our qualified medical professionals for your health and safety. Contact us today to get the answers you need!
