The physical side effects of abortion often vary depending on the method used. For example, taking a pill to end the pregnancy often results in vaginal bleeding, headaches, and vomiting, to name some of the most common issues. Surgical abortion may result in nausea and vomiting, as well, but also carries the risk of a negative reaction to anesthesia, along with damage to the cervix or uterus. On the other hand, both types of abortion may also come with emotional side effects, including depression and flashbacks.
Most early pregnancies can be ended with the use of a pill, but this seemingly simple method often comes with a few side effects. Vaginal bleeding may range from light spotting to heavy bleeding that lasts for about a month, often resulting in dizziness due to the sudden loss of blood. It is also not abnormal to experience gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Even though surgery is not typically involved in abortions performed using a pill, infection may result anyway, with the possible results being illness, infertility, and even death of the patient in rare cases.
Side effects of abortion are typically even more common when surgery is involved. This type of procedure often comes with the same side effects as the kind induced by a pill, though abdominal pain and cramping are typically more common with this kind of abortion. Since most patients receive anesthesia during this procedure, there is the added risk of a negative reaction to this drug. Additionally, since various instruments need to be inserted during the procedure, there is a possibility that the cervix may be torn, the uterine lining may be scarred, and certain internal organs may be damaged. Such negative side effects of abortion may cause excessive bleeding and often require surgery to fix.
While there are several physical side effects that are common with abortion, there are also emotional issues that may occur. One of the most common emotional side effects of abortion is depression, which is often accompanied by flashbacks of the procedure, especially in women who feel guilty about their decision. Drug and alcohol abuse may also begin after an abortion, along with eating disorders and thoughts of suicide, which means that many of the emotional side effects of abortion can lead to physical problems. Finally, women may find that some relationships are not the same after the procedure as they were before, as continuing to interact with anyone involved in the pregnancy or the abortion itself may bring up feelings of guilt or regret.