Most medical procedures are not particularly fun, and some can result in a reasonable amount of discomfort or pain in recovery. Abortion is the same – a few factors that can play a role in the level of pain someone feels can include:
- Type of abortion procedure
- Personal pain tolerance
- How your body reacts to the procedure
- If any complications occur
The best way to prepare yourself for your next steps is to have a comprehensive discussion with a medical professional about how this procedure could impact you, your health, and your well-being. Be sure you know everything you need to make a confident, informed choice.
How Does Pain Tolerance Play Into It?
Medical News Today quotes in their medically-reviewed article on pain tolerance, ”How and why a person experiences pain can vary greatly, and how humans feel pain is complex. Some factors influence an individual’s pain tolerance levels.”
Some factors that could cause variation in pain tolerance are:
- Genetics
- Age
- Gender
- Stress
- Expectation
- Experience of Pain
- Mental Health Issues
- Chronic Illnesses
Each woman’s experience is unique, so it’s hard to predict how much pain you may experience during an abortion. However, you may be able to discern more about your potential experience based on what type of abortion procedure you may need and the possible risks and side effects associated with that method.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion is often called the abortion pill and refers to ending a pregnancy through medications. These drugs first block the production of progesterone, a hormone the body produces that supports pregnancy. The second medication then causes the uterus to contract (or cramp), expelling the fetus and remaining tissue through the vagina.
According to the Mayo Clinic, typical responses to the drugs could include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
To manage pain associated with cramping and bleeding following the abortion, a provider may suggest over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen.
Surgical Abortion
While there are several different types of surgical abortion procedures, each typically involves a provider using medical instruments or medication to open the cervix and lightly scraping or suctioning the fetus and pregnancy tissue from the uterus using surgical tools.
Often, these procedures are performed using local anesthesia. Some clinics may also offer increased sedation for an added fee. To manage pain during recovery following a surgical abortion, providers typically suggest NSAIDs or other medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Potential Complications
As with other medical procedures, abortion carries the risk of potential complications. Depending on the individualized circumstance, these risks could result in further pain or discomfort. The Cleveland Clinic describes that the dangers of abortion may include the following:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop
- Infection
- Fever
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Allergic reaction to the medications
- Uterine perforation during a surgical abortion (a hole poked through the uterus)
Can I Get My Questions Answered?
If you want to understand your options better and discuss how abortion may affect you, we’re here to help. Get quality care to confirm your pregnancy needs and ask any questions you have of our professional medical team – all at no cost to you. Schedule your free appointment today.