An at-home abortion (also called an online abortion or a medical abortion) can seem very convenient. However, there are certain risks and complications you should be aware of.
For starters, at-home abortions do not allow you to have complete and comprehensive medical care to protect your overall well-being. As with any procedure or treatment, it is essential to learn all the potential risks to make the best decision possible.
What is an At-Home Abortion?
An at-home abortion is also called a medical abortion. Medical abortions consist of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Together they are called the abortion pill and work to induce an abortion.
How an At-Home Abortion Works
Mifepristone works to block the pregnancy hormone progesterone, causing the uterus to thin to where the embryo cannot survive and detaches.
Next, misoprostol is taken to cause contractions to expel the embryo from the uterus through the vagina.
What Are The Risks?
Physical Risks
Medications do not always work as intended for a variety of reasons. Before taking any medication, speaking to a trusted medical professional is always essential.
As reported by the Mayo Clinic, some risks of a medical or at-home abortion include
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Potential mental health impacts
Mental Health Risks
Protecting your mental health as a part of your overall health and well-being is important. Women who have an abortion can experience various emotions, from guilt, sadness and even relief.
The National Institute of Health indicates “at least some women have significant mental health issues that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience.”
The Mayo Clinic lists many signs of potential negative impacts on your mental health like
- Feeling sad or down
- Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
- Excessive fears or worries or extreme feelings of guilt
- Drastic mood changes of highs and lows
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Significant tiredness, low energy, or problems sleeping
- Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia, or hallucinations
- Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
- Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
- Problems with alcohol or drug use
- Major changes in eating habits
- Sex drive changes
- Excessive anger, hostility, or violence
- Suicidal thinking
What’s Next?
Protecting your health and safety are of utmost importance. Contact the Pregnancy Resource Center today. If you are pregnant, verify your pregnancy with a medical-grade pregnancy test and ultrasound to determine how far along you are and identify any potential health risks like an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Our medical staff offers free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, STI testing, and counseling services if you want to talk. The PRC of Glenwood Springs does not perform or refer for abortion.
We’re Mobile
You can schedule your appointment at our primary location or mobile clinic! An unplanned pregnancy can be scary, but you’re not alone. We’re here to walk with you on this journey.