Since some countries have still not legalized abortion, people still undergo the procedure through unprofessional doctors and it leads to some form of complication that could take human life in the process. Through a rough estimate, a million abortions are believed to be carried out in the United States alone, the real amount is not known since the act of reporting abortions in the United States is not mandatory.
Most cases of complications that happen with a proper procedure of abortion are often minor, we have situations like; infection, bleeding, complications of post-anesthesia, and pain. When the procedure is not done by an expert, there are usually major complications which include; injuries to adjacent organs, uterine atony, subsequent hemorrhage, septic abortion, disseminated intravascular coagulation, cervical laceration, and failed abortion.
Abortion complications can be classified in three major ways;
Infection, resulting from the refusal to exercise total precautions before carrying out the procedure, these procedures includes; washing the hands, the appropriate use of surgical gloves, proper sterilization of materials, the use of non-sterile instruments, and the presence of infection in a patient.
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How frequent and severe the complications of abortion get is dependent on gestational age as well as the time of abortion. Here are some detailed descriptions of the possible risks of abortions;
Incomplete abortion: This means certain fetal parts or other pregnancy products may not be emptied from the uterus and there will be a requirement for further medical procedures. Incomplete abortion may also result in bleeding and infection.
Severe bleeding: After an abortion procedure, some amount of bleeding is normal but when the bleeding is heavy, it will be treated with repeated suction and medication, and in some cases, surgery will be required.
Perforation of the uterus wall: During the procedure, a medical instrument may go through the uterine wall, depending on how severe the perforation is, it could result in infection, serious bleeding, or even both. Surgery may be required to fix the uterine tissue, and in most severe cases, a hysterectomy may be required.
Infection of the pelvis: Germs from the cervix or the vagina may enter into the uterus creating an infection. Antibiotics could be used to clear off infections, suction, hospitalization or surgery may be required for treatment.
Complications related to anesthesia: Just like other surgical procedures, the use of anesthesia increases the possibility of complications during an abortion procedure.
Blood clots found in the uterus: Blood clots could cause serious cramping after an abortion procedure, the clots could be taken out through the repetition of a suction curettage.
Torn cervix: During the procedure of the abortion, the uterus may be torn while it is being stretched open to give room for the passage of medical instrument into the uterus, although this is not a common case as it happens in only about one percent of first trimester abortions.
Rh immune globulin therapy: Rh factor is a genetic material found on the surface of red blood cells, if a woman has a different Rh factor from her fetus, she needs to be given medications to prevent antibody development that would endanger future pregnancies.
On some occasions, following a successful abortion process is when complications arise, this is the reason why patients have to be educated after an abortion procedure to seek help once they notice a sign of increased bleeding, pain, or sign of infection.
Women should also be advised against the use of tampons or sexual intercourse for two weeks after the abortion procedure, symptoms of guilt and sadness may happen after a successful abortion, and counseling may be needed for some patients.
After a normal surgical abortion, you should expect, normal bleeding that is like your period that could last for about 1-2 weeks, and cramps that are similar to period pain, you should feel better after taking painkillers, but aspirin should be avoided as they could interfere with the process of healing.
You will usually feel sore and tired for some days, you need some days to rest and recover properly before you can get back to your usual routine. Nausea or diarrhea are possible side effects of medications, but it is usually mild.
Excessive bleeding and serious pain could be indications of uterus perforation, with the symptoms listed below, it may be something to worry about;
Cramps or pain that fails to respond to medication.
Bleeding that soaks through more than two pads within an hour or two.
Diarrhea
Excessive abdominal pain.
Vomiting or nausea
If any of these symptoms are experienced alongside, weakness, fainting, or dizziness, a report should be made to the clinic where the surgical operation was carried out instantly.
Summary.
A surgical abortion is normally a safe medical procedure with the rate of complication being low when done appropriately. However, anything could go wrong during or after a surgical procedure, especially when it is an unsafe procedure.
Some forms of cramping and bleeding could last for several weeks after an abortion, but when the bleeding and pain last for several weeks after an abortion, medical help needs to be sorted instantly.
References.
https://ldh.la.gov/page/abortion-risks
https://www.132healthwise.com/what-are-the-side-effects-of-a-surgical-abortion.php
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/signs-of-womb-damage-after-abortion#summary