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What are the risks of medical abortion?

Jan 06, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Liqun
Introduction
1. Incomplete abortion requiring a second uterine evacuation; symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chills, or fever may also indicate incomplete abortion. 2. Menstrual disorders: The medication may suppress ovarian function in women, impairing normal follicular development. 3. Secondary infections: Poor endometrial involution may result in prolonged vaginal bleeding.

Medical abortion is a form of induced abortion. Regardless of the method used—whether surgical or medical—all forms of induced abortion carry certain health risks to the body, and medical abortion is no exception. Medical abortion involves taking medications to terminate pregnancy. If the abortion is incomplete after the first attempt, a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure is required to remove any remaining tissue. Therefore, women who wish to avoid pregnancy should adopt reliable contraceptive measures to prevent the physical harm associated with induced abortion. Below, we address the potential risks and complications of medical abortion.

What Are the Risks of Medical Abortion?

1. Incomplete Abortion Requiring Repeat Curettage

Women undergoing medical abortion may experience various side effects, including dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chills, and fever. In addition, incomplete abortion may occur. When embryonic tissue fails to be fully expelled, a second D&C procedure becomes necessary. Failure to do so may impair uterine contraction and delay endometrial wound healing, potentially leading to severe hemorrhage—or even life-threatening complications.

2. Menstrual Irregularities

The medications used in medical abortion can suppress ovarian function, interfere with normal follicular development, and inhibit ovulation, thereby causing menstrual disturbances. Clinically, these manifest as shortened or prolonged menstrual cycles and significantly increased menstrual flow compared with baseline.

3. Secondary Infections

If the gestational sac is completely expelled on the day of medication administration, complications are generally minimal. However, if residual pregnancy tissue remains in the vagina, endometrial involution is impaired, resulting in prolonged vaginal bleeding—lasting anywhere from two to three weeks up to one or two months. Chronic blood loss over this extended period may lead to anemia and further compromise immune function, increasing susceptibility to endometritis.

4. Adverse Effects on Future Pregnancies

Medical abortion is not suitable for all women. Inappropriate drug selection or improper administration increases the risk of incomplete abortion, necessitating repeat D&C procedures. Repeated abortions cause recurrent endometrial injury. Consequently, women attempting subsequent pregnancies face elevated risks of placenta previa, antepartum hemorrhage, or recurrent miscarriage.

The above outlines the primary risks associated with medical abortion. We hope this information is helpful to you.

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