If you’re navigating an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, it’s crucial to understand the warning signs of infection to protect your health.
Infection is one of the risks associated with abortion. Here’s what you should know about how infection can occur and what signs to watch for. If you’d like to speak to someone, reach out to Life Options Clinic. All our appointments and resources are free and confidential.
Infection After an Abortion
Infection can arise after abortion due to several factors.
During a surgical abortion, infection may result from the procedure itself. Surgical abortion involves inserting medical instruments into the uterus to remove the pregnancy, and anytime foreign objects enter the body, there’s a risk of infection, though it’s generally uncommon.
With a medical abortion, infection can occur if any pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus rather than being completely expelled. This is known as an incomplete abortion.
Warning Signs of Infection
Symptoms of infection after an abortion can sometimes resemble common side effects of the procedure, making them harder to recognize. For instance, a low-grade fever and vaginal bleeding are typical, but they may also signal infection if they persist or worsen.
To protect your health, ensure you have access to emergency care after an abortion to help you determine whether symptoms are normal.
Signs of possible infection include:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Get Support
If you’re considering abortion, a non-diagnostic ultrasound is essential to gather important information about your pregnancy for your health and safety.
Life Options Clinic offers free ultrasounds and supportive resources to help you make informed decisions.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment with a caring team member.