Did you know according to Marham that there are six methods of abortion? Of those, three are surgical procedures and three are medical procedures. Each method has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to understand all your options before making a decision.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the three main methods of abortion and provide some information about each one. We’ll also help you to decide which method is right for you. So, if you’re thinking about having an abortion, keep reading!

Abortion pills 

The abortion pill is a medication that ends a pregnancy. There are two different kinds of abortion pills: mifepristone and misoprostol. 

• Mifepristone is the first pill you take and it works by blocking the hormone progesterone. This hormone is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. Without it, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy cannot continue.
• Misoprostol is the second pill you take and it causes contractions of the uterus, which leads to the expulsion of the pregnancy.

There are several advantages to taking the abortion pill. First, it can be taken early in a pregnancy- as early as 49 days from the last menstrual period. Second, it can be done in the privacy of your own home. And third, it is less expensive than surgical abortion.

There are also some disadvantages to taking the abortion pill. 

• It can be a more emotionally difficult experience because you will see and expel the pregnancy tissue yourself. 
• There is a small chance that the pills will not work and you will need to have a surgical abortion anyways. 
• If you take the abortion pill after 49 days from your last period, you will need to have the misoprostol inserted vaginally, which can be painful.

Overall, the abortion pill is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy. If you’re considering this option, be sure to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

Side effects of the abortion pill

Most women who take the abortion pill don’t experience any side effects. But some women may have cramping and bleeding after taking the first pill, mifepristone. This is normal and usually lasts for a few hours. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache.

If you take misoprostol, you will likely experience cramping and bleeding that is heavier than a menstrual period. This can last for several hours to a few days. You may also have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a day or two.

It’s important to note that the abortion pill is not effective in every case. In about 2-10% of cases, the pregnancy continues despite taking the abortion pill. If this happens, you will need to have a surgical abortion. 

Risks of the abortion pill

The abortion pill is very safe. In fact, it has a success rate of about 98%. However, there are a few rare but possible side effects that you should be aware of.

In very rare cases, the abortion pill can cause an ectopic pregnancy- a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. This is usually caused by misoprostol and can be life-threatening. If you experience any abdominal pain after taking the abortion pill, be sure to call your doctor or healthcare provider right away.

In extremely rare cases- less than 1 in 100,000- mifepristone can cause a serious infection called sepsis. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by bacteria in the blood. If you experience any fever or chills after taking the abortion pill, be sure to call your doctor or healthcare provider right away.

The abortion pill is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy. However, as with any medication, there are rare but possible side effects that you should be aware of. If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

Surgical abortion

A surgical abortion is a procedure that ends a pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the uterus. There are two types of surgical abortions: suction aspiration and dilation and evacuation (D&E). Suction aspiration is usually done up to 14 weeks from the last menstrual period, while D&E is usually done after 14 weeks.

Suction aspiration is the most common type of surgical abortion. It involves using a suction device to remove the contents of the uterus. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and is usually done under local anesthesia.

Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a slightly more complicated procedure that is usually done after 14 weeks. It involves dilating the cervix and then using a suction device and forceps to remove the contents of the uterus. The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes and is usually done under general anesthesia.

Both types of surgical abortions are safe and effective. The risks of complications are low- less than 1%. The most common complication is an infection, which can usually be treated with antibiotics.

If you’re considering a surgical abortion, be sure to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about which option is right for you.

Other methods of abortion 

There are a few other less common methods of abortion. These include:

Herbal remedies

Herbal remedies are not effective and can be very dangerous. Herbal remedies such as pennyroyal, blue cohosh, and black cohosh can cause seizures, liver damage, and even death. If you’re considering an herbal remedy, be sure to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider first. 

Induced labor

Induced labor is a method of abortion that involves inducing labor before the pregnancy reaches full term. This can be done either by using medication or by surgically breaking the amniotic sac (the sac that surrounds the fetus). Induced labor is usually only done in cases where the woman’s health is at risk. 

Intrauterine instillation

Intrauterine instillation is a method of abortion that involves inserting a solution into the uterus. The most common solutions used are saline and urea. This method is usually only done in cases where the woman’s health is at risk. 

Physical activities

There is no evidence to support the claim that physical activities such as jumping, running, or climbing stairs can cause an abortion. These activities are safe and will not cause an abortion.

Abortion is a very personal decision. If you’re considering an abortion, be sure to talk to Gynecologist or healthcare provider about all of your options.

FAQs

1. What are the methods of termination of pregnancy?

There are two authentic methods of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion.

2. Can misoprostol cause damage to the womb?

Misoprostol can result in birth abnormalities, early birth, uterine rupture, miscarriage or incomplete miscarriage, and potentially fatal uterine hemorrhage.

3. How long does medical abortion take?

The pregnant tissue is usually passed after 4-5 hours, although it may take longer. After the pregnant tissue is removed, the cramps and bleeding subside. You may experience cramps on and off for another day or two.