If you are considering having an abortion, or have had an abortion, it is understandable to want clear and reliable information about how the body typically responds. Abortion, like many medical procedures, can affect individuals differently, and recovery may vary depending on the type of abortion, gestational age, and your overall health.
Crossroads offers confidential, no-cost support for women who have questions about abortion procedures and what the body may experience afterward. Clients can meet with a registered nurse and an advocate to discuss physical symptoms, emotional concerns, and warning signs that may require medical attention. STI testing is also available.
Schedule a no-cost appointment to discuss your pregnancy situation and receive confidential support.
Common Physical Effects
Recovery after an abortion can vary from woman to woman. However, there are common physical effects that many report, and understanding them may help clarify what to expect.
In general, abortion procedures are described in two categories: medical abortion and surgical abortion.
A medical abortion, often referred to as the abortion pill, involves two drugs taken in succession. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy to continue. Then misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and bleed, expelling the pregnancy. The FDA has approved this method through 10 weeks of gestation.1
Common effects may include cramping and vaginal bleeding, and some individuals also report symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, or chills.2
Potential complications may include:
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (which requires medical care)
A surgical abortion is a procedure performed in a medical setting using suction and medical instruments. Bleeding and cramping are also common afterward. Risks include: 3
- Infection
- Damage to the cervix
- Uterine perforation (poking a hole in the uterus)
- Scarring of the uterine lining
Because symptoms can vary, immediate medical attention is recommended if there is very heavy bleeding (soaking through more than two pads per hour), severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve with time, fever or chills, or foul-smelling discharge.
These symptoms can be associated with infection, and in some cases may lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).4
After either abortion procedure, it will take time for your body to heal and your hormones to return to their normal levels. Women who have had surgical abortions may experience light vaginal bleeding (spotting) and cramping for a few days after the procedure. 3
Mental and Emotional Impact
Every woman’s emotional response after an abortion is different, and feelings may change over time. Some research has reported an association between abortion and increased mental health concerns for certain women, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and suicidal behavior compared to women who carry a pregnancy to term.5
Emotional outcomes may be worse when an abortion is unwanted or when a woman feels pressured or lacks support. Several studies report that some women seek mental health support more often after an abortion.
Moving Forward With Support
Your health and well-being matter. Whether you are gathering information before a decision or processing your experience afterward, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Crossroads offers supportive, confidential services at no cost, including post-abortive care. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and get support that respects your needs and questions.
Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
References
1. Research, C. F. D. E. A. (2023, March 23). Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks of Gestation. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
2. Medical abortion – Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
3. Dilation and curettage (D&C) – Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 7). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
5. Fact Sheet: Abortion and Mental Health – Charlotte Lozier Institute. (September 2023)
https://www.congress.gov/118/meeting/house/116708/documents/HMKP-118-ED00-20240110 SD004.pdf#:~:text=Depression/anxiety.%20%E2%80%A2%20According%20to%20the%202011%20meta 2Danalysis%2C,23%20percent%20more%20likely%20to%20have%20anxiety.