What are the Possible Complications of Abortion?

Though they are relatively uncommon when the procedure is performed by a trained doctor, there are several possible complications of abortion that may arise, particularly when it is done later in pregnancy. Surgical abortion may result in laceration of the uterus, cervix, or other nearby organs. Medical abortions, which are performed through the administration of certain drugs, as well as surgical abortions, may fail to terminate the pregnancy or can leave some amount of tissue in the uterus. Some women may experience excessive bleeding with either type of procedure. There is also a possibility of infection in the uterus, which can lead to pain, fever, and additional bleeding.

One of the complications of abortion associated with the surgical form of the procedure is internal injury from the instruments used. The uterus may become lacerated or punctured during the procedure, or the cervix can be torn. It is also possible for the nearby intestines, bladder, or bowel to be damaged as well when the uterus is perforated.

Another of the possible complications of abortion is that some or all of the products of conception can be left behind in the uterus. The procedure may fail completely and not end the pregnancy, typically requiring that it be repeated. In other cases, some portion of the tissues such as the placenta may remain in the uterus, also generally requiring a second procedure be performed. There is also the possibility that blood clots, which typically need to be suctioned out, may develop in the uterus as well.

Excessive bleeding is another of the complications of abortion that some women experience. This can occur with both surgical and medical abortions, and may or may not be the result of other complications like perforation of the uterus. Sometimes, the bleeding may be heavy enough that a blood transfusion to the mother is needed, or an additional procedure to clean out the uterus may be required.

Some women develop uterine infections after having an abortion, especially in cases where tissue is left behind in the uterus. Patients who have this complication often have a low grade fever with chills, abdominal pain, and excessive bleeding or discharge from the vagina. In order to avoid the infection spreading and becoming more severe, treatment with antibiotics may be needed. Rarely, if the infection goes untreated or leads to toxic shock, the condition can be fatal.