Whether you’ve already had an abortion and are experiencing symptoms that don’t feel right, or you’re considering abortion and want to understand the potential risks, it’s important to know the warning signs of infection after an abortion.
After an abortion, you will experience cramping and bleeding, which can make it difficult to know what’s normal and what may require medical attention. Understanding the signs of a possible infection can help you seek care quickly if needed and protect your health.
If you’re considering abortion, learning about the potential physical and emotional risks is an important part of making an informed decision.
Read on to learn more about the warning signs of infection after abortion. Or contact Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County to find a safe space to talk and find support.
The Two Types of Abortion and Their Potential Risks
There are two main types of abortion: chemical abortion and surgical abortion.
A chemical abortion, often called the abortion pill, involves taking drugs that end the pregnancy and cause the uterus to contract to expel the pregnancy. The process usually occurs over several hours or days and includes bleeding, cramping, and the passage of your pregnancy. Seeing the pregnancy can be disturbing for some women.
A surgical abortion is performed in a clinic and involves tools, such as strong suction and a curette (a scraping tool), to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
While these abortion methods work differently, both carry the risk of infection.
What Are the Warning Signs of Infection After an Abortion?
After an abortion, it’s important to pay close attention to your body. Symptoms such as bleeding and cramping are expected afterward, but others may indicate an infection that requires prompt medical attention.
Warning signs of infection may include:
- Heavy bleeding, such as 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.
If you’ve had an abortion and are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Infections can become serious if left untreated, so it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have an Infection?
If you think you may be experiencing an infection after an abortion, seek medical attention right away.
If your symptoms feel severe or you’re concerned about your health, go to the emergency room or contact a healthcare provider immediately. When seeking care, it’s important to let medical professionals know that you’ve had an abortion and approximately when it occurred.
While it may feel uncomfortable to share this information, it can be critical to helping healthcare providers determine the cause of your symptoms and provide the most appropriate treatment. The more information your medical team has, the better equipped they are to care for you.
If You’re Considering Abortion, Learn All You Can Before Making a Decision
If you’re still considering abortion, taking time to understand both the physical and emotional considerations can help you make an informed decision.
This includes learning more about how chemical and surgical abortion work, as well as the physical and emotional risks. Every woman’s experience is different, but having accurate information can help you move forward with an understanding of how abortion might affect you.
For example, along with infection, chemical abortion puts you at risk for prolonged and heavy bleeding and an incomplete abortion. At the same time, the risks of surgical abortion include uterine perforation, cervical damage, and uterine scarring.
Furthermore, if you are feeling pressured into an abortion or if the choice conflicts with your beliefs, you’re more likely to experience mental health complications, like depression and anxiety.
A Safe Place to Ask Questions
At Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County, we believe that informed decisions begin with accurate information and compassionate support.
Our center provides a safe, confidential space where you can ask questions, discuss your concerns, and learn more about your pregnancy options, including abortion. Whether you’re looking for medical information, emotional support, or simply a place to talk through your situation, our team is here to help.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County today to schedule a confidential appointment and get the information you need to make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County does not provide or refer for abortions.
