Whether you recently took the abortion pill or are considering the abortion pill, you might wonder: “How do you know if the abortion pill worked? What are the common signs of a failed abortion?”
These are all good questions to help you protect your health and safety. It is important to familiarize yourself with symptoms of an incomplete or failed abortion in case they may occur.
How do I know if my abortion worked?
What is an incomplete or failed abortion?
While the terms incomplete abortion and failed abortion are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two.
An incomplete abortion is when the pregnancy has been terminated or has ended in miscarriage, but pregnancy tissue is left in the uterus after an abortion, and in some cases this can cause an infection. Additional medical care is required in this situation as a surgical procedure may be needed to complete the abortion.
A failed abortion is when an abortion was ineffective at terminating the pregnancy and the pregnancy continues. An ultrasound is needed to confirm if this is the case.
While an incomplete or failed abortion can happen with any type of abortion, they are most common with the abortion pill.
How common is an incomplete or failed abortion?
The abortion pill has a complication rate four times higher than a surgical abortion, and as many as one in five women will suffer a complication.
The risk of an incomplete abortion increases with gestational age and is one of the most common complications related to abortion pills taken after 12 weeks gestation. That’s why it is so important to have an ultrasound to find out how far along you are. We provide free viability ultrasounds at LifeSpring to help you figure out how far along you are.
What increases the risks of an incomplete or failed abortion?
- Taking abortion pill too late (the FDA has only approved it up to 10 weeks gestation)
- Incorrect dosage
- Not having a follow up appointment to confirm termination
A medical-grade pregnancy test, ultrasound, and STI testing can give you the crucial answers you need to ensure your health and safety. At LifeSpring we offer all of these services free of charge.
- Cramping
- Fever
- Moderate to heavy vaginal bleeding lasting several days or weeks after taking the abortion pills.
- Lower abdominal and/or pelvic pain that continues past the few days of having used the abortion pills.
- Continuing to pass blood clots and/or tissue days after having used the abortion pills
- Continued pregnancy symptoms
You should seek emergency care immediately if you are soaking through two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours.
Treatment for incomplete and failed abortions
If your abortion didn’t work, treatment will likely either include an additional dose of misoprostol or may require a surgical procedure. In fact, 2-7% of women will have an incomplete abortion and need a surgical abortion to complete it or stop heavy bleeding.
NEXT STEPS
I think my abortion didn’t work. If you suspect your abortion may have failed or be incomplete, go to the closest emergency room immediately. Getting care as soon as possible reduces the risk of infection or further complications.
I’m considering an abortion. If you are considering an abortion, schedule a free pregnancy evaluation. This includes a medical-grade pregnancy test and ultrasound to find out how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable, and where it’s growing. It also includes free STI testing and treatment. While we do not perform or refer for abortion, we do provide medically accurate abortion information so you can be fully informed about your pregnancy decision.
I had an abortion and need support. At LifeSpring, we offer after-abortion support. If you have recently had an abortion and want to talk through concerns or need help processing, make an appointment today.