What are the risks and side effects of medical abortion?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, I've become pregnant unintentionally and am not ready to have a child at the moment. I learned that medical abortion is an option. However, I've also heard from others that there are many risks associated with medical abortion, which makes me very afraid and conflicted about whether I should choose this method. Therefore, I would like to ask you, what are the specific risks and complications of medical abortion?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Medical abortion is a postcoital contraceptive measure that uses medications rather than surgery to terminate an early pregnancy. Although the procedure is relatively simple, it carries certain risks, such as vaginal bleeding, inflammatory infections, abdominal pain, and others.
After medical abortion, although the embryonic sac tissue from the uterine cavity is expelled, incomplete expulsion is common, which can hinder endometrial recovery and prolong vaginal bleeding, usually lasting 2–3 weeks but sometimes extending to 1–2 months. This prolonged irregular bleeding may lead to chronic anemia and decreased physical resistance, potentially causing inflammatory infections such as cervicitis and vaginitis.
Medical abortion may result in complications including persistent abdominal pain, infection, and irregular bleeding. If retained intrauterine material is not completely cleared, infections may develop, which in severe cases require hospitalization. Additionally, the recovery period after medical abortion may be lengthy, affecting daily life and work. During the medication process, some patients may experience gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, as well as other discomforts like fatigue and dizziness.
Prior to undergoing medical abortion, it is essential to undergo comprehensive examinations to rule out contraindications. Medications must be taken strictly according to medical instructions. Close monitoring of physical condition is necessary after the procedure, and prompt medical attention should be sought if any abnormalities occur.
