Abortion / Unwanted Pregnancy Termination

It is appropriately said that every child should be a wanted child, however, sometimes a pregnancy may not be wanted. In this case, one may seek an abortion. Abortion is legal, provided it is carried out within the legal permits. An abortion can be done only up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Under the terms of the abortion act, doctors can agree to an abortion if they believe one or more of the following:

Continuing with the pregnancy would involve more risk to your physical or mental health than terminating it.
Continuing with the pregnancy would involve a greater risk to your life than terminating it.
Any existing children of yours were likely to suffer if the pregnancy continued.
There is a substantial risk that the child would be deformed or seriously handicapped.

If one desires termination of pregnancy then one should seek an abortion as early as possible as earlier it is done in the pregnancy safer it is.

The method of termination will depend on the weeks of gestation.

When the pregnancy is:

Abortion for less than 7 weeks pregnant – abortion can be done with just tablets. The tablets are safe effective and have a success rate of more than 90 %. The advantages are that the patient does not need any admission, anesthetic, any instrumentation of the uterus.
Abortion for 7 – 12 weeks pregnant– then abortion is a simple procedure. It is done under an anesthetic in a daycare center that is certified for abortion services. The patient is able to go home in a few hours.
Abortion for 12 – 20 weeks pregnant – the procedure is a little lengthy and one may need to stay overnight in the hospital.

If you wish to seek an abortion or want further information then please feel free to contact Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal.

Abortion Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use sugar to terminate a pregnancy?

Sugar cannot terminate a pregnancy. It is not wise to try such methods. Mifepristone and Misoprostol are available to terminate a pregnancy and they are effective and safe. By trying to abort with sugar one will waste precious time and delay taking tablets and thereby compromise on the success of the tablets.

Can abortion fail?

Yes, there is a small chance of the abortion tablets not working and the pregnancy may continue. This is more likely to happen at 4 weeks plus. In India, abortion tablets can be taken only up to 7 weeks, though in some countries they are provided till 9 weeks. Failure is also likely closer to 7 weeks.

Can abortion make you infertile?

Abortion with tablets does not influence fertility. Abortion tablets do not affect the ovaries and hormones. Multiple surgical terminations can affect fertility. Pregnancies that are more than 7 weeks need dilatation and suction evacuation. During this procedure, the endometrial lining is denuded. If Dilatation and curettage are done multiple times, then the lining may get damaged and can affect future fertility.

Can abortion cause PCOS?

No, not at all. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a metabolic syndrome and is affected by weight and lifestyle. Patients with PCOS have difficulty in getting pregnant and usually seek help to conceive.

Can abortion cause PTSD (Post Treatment Stress Disorder)?

Abortions can be very traumatic emotionally to the woman/couple undergoing it. It depends on the reason for which abortion is done. E.g financial constraints, social reasons, abnormal fetus, etc.

In these cases, the pregnancy may be very much wanted but circumstances have led to an abortion. The woman may then have depression and other psychological symptoms.

Can abortion cause ectopic pregnancy?

Surgical abortions, especially in unsterile conditions, can lead to infections. Infections can damage the tubes and therefore increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Abortions with tablets are not likely to influence the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Can abortion cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)?

Surgical abortions when done in unhygienic and unsterile conditions can cause infections and these can eventually lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Women who have pre-existing vaginal infections have a risk of infections spreading to the pelvis after a surgical termination.

Can abortion cause hormonal imbalance?

Abortions do not influence the functioning of the HPO axis and the ovaries. Therefore are not likely to cause hormonal imbalance.

Can abortion pill cause infertility?

Abortion tablets do not affect fertility. The first tablet only stops the pregnancy from growing and the second one only starts a period. They do not have a long term effect on the body.

Can abortion cause Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a pathology in the wall of the uterus. Abortions cannot cause Adenomyosis.

Can abortion cause thrush?

Abortions will not cause thrush but if it is pre-existing then the process of abortion may trigger an attack or make the symptoms worse.

Can abortion cause menopause?

Menopause is the complete cessation of the periods due to the complete depletion of the eggs (follicles) in the ovary.

Can abortion lead to depression?

Yes, sometimes the process of abortion can lead to depression especially when the patient may have wanted the pregnancy but is not able to continue due to personal social financial or health reasons.

Can abortion cause Endometriosis?

The process of abortion in a rare circumstance can lead to endometriosis as there can be iatrogenic implantation of the endometrium in the vagina and other ectopic sites.

Can abortion cause HPV?

Abortions will not cause HPV infections. HPV is sexually transmitted.

Can abortion cause ovarian cyst?

The process of abortion per se will not cause ovarian cyst. During pregnancy, there is a corpus luteum cyst in one of the ovaries from where the follicle came.

Can abortion cause Fibroids?

Fibroids are benign tumors and are not induced by abortions. In pregnancy, they actually may become bigger due to the increase in the blood supply to the pelvic organs.

Can abortion cause constipation?

Abortion tablets may cause a few loose motions. Pregnancy per se can cause constipation but not likely to cause diarrhea.

Can abortion cause prolapse?

Prolapse usually occurs after menopause. It is the descent of the uterus and the cervix into the vagina.
Abortions will have no influence on the prolapse.

Can abortion be detected by ultrasound?

Abortion cannot be detected on the ultrasound. In case the process has failed, then on sonography one can see retained products in the cavity, but that does not imply a patient has done abortion. It could also be interpreted as miscarriage.

Will abortion be painful?

Abortions with tablets are like a painful period but mild analgesics can be very safe and effective in alleviating the pain. The surgical abortion is under anesthesia and therefore there is no pain. In the immediate post-procedure period mild analgesics can be given to manage the cramps if any.

Will abortion affect health?

Abortions can affect mental and physical wellbeing. It can be emotionally traumatic for the woman to undergo an abortion. The tablets for abortions have mild side effects that last only for a few hours e.g. nausea, vomiting, and cramps. The surgical procedure is safe but accidents such as profuse bleeding and perforation can happen and thus affect the health of the patient.

Will abortion be covered by insurance?

Usually, Abortions will not be covered by insurance companies. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check in your policy and with your agent.

Which abortion pills are safe?

Abortion pills are safe. They must be used only for the purpose they are intended for at the correct gestation and in correct doses. They have to be used with caution in people with any liver or kidney disorders.

They should not be used in the case of ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy.

Which abortion method is safer?

All methods of abortion are safe. The process depends on the size of the pregnancy. Irrespective of the procedure is done keeping all the pre-requisites in mind and by a trained qualified doctor, in a government-approved center which has all the facilities to not only do the abortion but also deal with the complications if any, then the procedure is safe.

Which abortion hurts less?

Surgical abortions are painless as they are done under anesthesia.

Which abortion method is cheaper?

The cost of an abortion varies from place to place. Tablets will be cheaper.

How abortion is done at 6 weeks?

Abortion at 6 weeks can be done with tablets. Know more about the procedure of Abortion below 7 weeks.

How abortion is done at 9 weeks?

It is done by dilatation and curettage. Know more about abortion between 7 to 12 weeks.

When abortion can be done in India?

In India, abortions can be done up to 20 weeks. Know more about abortion procedure in India.

Why abortion before 12 weeks?

Abortion ideally should be done as soon as it has been decided to terminate. The procedure before 12 weeks is a simple dilatation and curettage under anesthesia. After 12 weeks the procedure is different and requires a longer hospital stay.

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