What physical and emotional problems do abortions cause?

Answer 1

Physical:

The complications are the same as childbirth but the risk to get them is smaller.

The most common complications are described below.

BleedingAfter the abortion it is normal to bleed for a couple of days. After that, the bleeding will decrease for a couple of weeks. A period will, in most cases, occur after five to six weeks. If the woman bleeds more heavily than she would normally, it could be because her uterus has not been emptied completely. If this is the case she should ask a doctor to examine her. This complication applies to both medical and surgical terminations. Pelvic inflammatory diseaseIf a woman develops an unpleasant vaginal discharge, a temperature and abdominal pains, she should contact a doctor. Inflammation can occur if the womb has not been emptied properly, or if bacteria have got into it during the operation. The inflammation is treated with antibiotics. If some tissue still remains in the uterus, it may be necessary to remove it with a new evacuation of the womb. PainIt is normal to have mild pain across the lower abdomen for the first couple of days after a termination. If the pain is not reduced by normal painkillers the woman should contact a doctor. Puncture of the uterusDuring a surgical termination, inserting the suction device may occasionally make a hole in the uterus. If the doctor suspects this, the operation will be stopped and the patient will be kept in hospital for observation. This complication is rare and does not happen in medical terminations. Infertility?Infertility as a result of a legal termination carried out by a skilled doctor is rare.

Emotional:

It is normal for a woman to experience a range of emotions after an abortion, such as relief, sadness, happiness and feelings of loss. Each woman is unique. Many women feel that they have made the right decision after having an abortion. For some women, however, abortion can raise negative emotional responses including grief, guilt, anger, shame and regret. Understanding your emotions can help you begin to let go of any pain and start to heal. It is important to recognize your feelings and to take good care of yourself if you are experiencing difficulty. The following information may be helpful if you are experiencing emotional distress after an abortion.

What kinds of things might contribute to a woman feeling distress after an abortion?

-- Hormones are changing back to their pre-pregnancy state after an abortion. This chemical change can make a woman feel sad and emotional.

-- A woman is more likely to feel negative emotions if she felt pressured into having an abortion by someone else, instead of making her own decision.

-- Some women don't receive much support from their friends or family.

-- Social stigmas about abortion can make it difficult for women to share their experience and make them feel isolated.

-- Some women might feel judged.

-- Some women fear that they might never again be able to get pregnant. However, abortion does not interfere with your future fertility.

-- Sometimes the couple relationship is stressed or undermined by the crisis of an unplanned pregnancy. In these circumstances, women may feel abused and/or abandoned.

Any time you make a difficult life decision, it is natural to have second thoughts. Allowing yourself to express any negative feelings that you may be having will help to diminish their impact. Sometimes reading about other women's experiences can be reassuring and may make your own feelings more clear. You can find the stories of several women who have had abortions at the link below.

Is it normal to feel depressed after an abortion?

Approximately 5% to 30% of women report feelings of regret, anxiety, guilt, mild depression and other negative emotions. If your feelings are overwhelming or persistent, you should consult a professional therapist.

It is rare for a woman to become clinically depressed after having an abortion. There are some risk factors that can contribute to the risk of clinical depression after abortion, such as if the woman has a previous history of depression. Depression is a very serious illness. It is extremely important that you seek help from a professional such as a doctor, counsellor or therapist.