What to Expect

What are the immediate physical and psychological consequences of abortion? The best answer would come from women who have gone through the experience themselves. This may prove challenging as many women do not like to discuss the issue. It is a deeply personal event that is often life-changing.

In order to have a sense of what abortion does to the women who undergo this procedure, we recommend that you read the stories of those who have reached a place in their lives where they can talk about it. This link abortionchangesyou.com/explore will take you to an excellent resource that openly gives women (and their families) a forum in which to discuss and share their experience.

We recommend that you also go to the Women’s Health section of this web-site which provides accurate information covering dozens of peer reviewed and published studies on the effects of abortion on women, men and teens.

Immediate Physical Effects

In most cases, whether the abortion is chemical or surgical, women will experience abdominal cramping and pain from their abortion. The majority of women will recover quickly but cramps may continue for up to a week following the procedure. Menstrual-like bleeding can last up to two weeks.

Serious complications, like infection, hemorrhage or damage to the uterus, are possible and their frequency will depend on many circumstances. If any pain or heavy bleeding persists beyond three days, women are counseled to seek immediate medical attention.

Risk of complications increases with abortions performed on more advanced pregnancies.

A woman’s menstrual cycle should resume four to six weeks following an abortion.

A post abortion check-up two to three weeks later is highly recommended to ensure the procedure was performed without retained fetal body parts or perforations and to ensure the woman’s body has somewhat returned to normal.

Short Term Psychological Effects

Many women find it hard to cope with having had an abortion. Pregnancy is a life changing event. Once a woman has knowledge of her pregnancy, she becomes acutely aware of the presence of her developing baby. As a result, the choice to abort is almost always fraught with intense emotions. Hormonal changes caused by the abortion often add to the troubling feelings that a woman might experience.

Some women feel unaffected by their decision and others report an immediate sense of relief. However, many women will have at least some short term upheaval following abortion. Symptoms usually include a sense of loss, guilt and remorse, irritability, tearfulness, inability to sleep or concentrate and feelings of hopelessness.

More serious, long-term effects have been recorded in numerous studies. These would include anxiety disorders, clinical depression, substance abuse, suicide ideation, sexual dysfunction and eating disorders.

It is recommended that women talk with their family members and other people they trust regardless of the severity of their reaction. Some women may want professional counseling at this time.

To find out more about the effects of abortion on women, click here.