How Will Abortion Affect Me Physically?

May 22, 2026

If you’ve learned you are unexpectedly pregnant and are considering your options, understanding the physical effects and potential risks of abortion can help you make an informed decision.

Every woman’s experience of abortion is different depending on the type of abortion and other individual health factors. There are, however, common side effects that you should be aware of.

Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center is here for you if you are feeling uncertain about abortion and want accurate information about all your options, free from pressure or judgment.

We provide you with confidential appointments if you want to talk, as well as medical screening before an abortion to confirm your pregnancy and the viability (if there is a heartbeat). We also offer STI testing to protect your health and provide important information about the abortion process, all at no cost to you.

You don’t have to go through this overwhelming time alone. We are here to help you.

Schedule your confidential appointment today.

How a Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill) Affects The Body

A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, involves taking two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone, which is the hormone needed to sustain pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken one to two days later, causing cramping and bleeding to expel the pregnancy tissue.

The physical side effects of a medical abortion include:

• Bleeding with blood clots and heavy cramping
• Fever, chills, headaches, and diarrhea
• Having nausea
• Period-like bleeding for several days after

There are also complications and risks to be aware of, such as an incomplete abortion, heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop, and infection. Skipping a dose or not following the instructions can make these risks more likely. The abortion pill is only approved through 10 weeks of gestation by the FDA. Using the drug beyond this window could pose health risks.

Recovery time after a medical abortion varies, but women should monitor their health and avoid activities that cause them pain. Reaching out for support emotionally is also important. We provide confidential after-abortion care at our center with 1:1 support and the opportunity to attend a women’s abortion recovery group, all at no charge.

Learn more about the Abortion Pill on our abortion pill page.

How a Surgical Abortion Affects The Body

A surgical abortion is performed in a clinical setting and involves opening the cervix, then using surgical instruments such as suction or a curette to scrape the uterine wall and remove tissue.

The physical side effects of a surgical abortion include mild cramping and bleeding for a few days after the procedure.

This procedure does involve complications and risks to be aware of, including:

• Uterine perforation, which is a tear in your uterus.
• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Asherman’s syndrome, where bands of scar tissue form in your uterus. This can cause infertility unless treated.

Recovery time for a surgical abortion is five days or less, but you may take more time to recover emotionally. Your next period may also be early or late, depending on how long your uterine lining takes to rebuild.

Why An Ultrasound Matters First

If you are considering getting an abortion, then an ultrasound should come first so you can get the important medical details you need about your pregnancy to protect your health.

An ultrasound will tell you how far along the pregnancy is, whether it is located in the uterus, and whether the pregnancy is viable (has a heartbeat).

This is necessary for the following reasons: it can help you understand if you have an ectopic pregnancy (which needs medical attention), it checks if you have already potentially miscarried, and it confirms the gestational age (determining if medical abortion may no longer be suitable).

At our center, an ultrasound is part of our medical screening before an abortion to protect your health.

Could Getting An Abortion Increase My Chances Of a Future Miscarriage?

There is varying research suggesting that a surgical abortion in the first trimester can slightly raise the risk of a future miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight.

Most women do not experience long-term fertility problems after getting an abortion, but there are risks, such as pelvic inflammatory disease if you get an infection after an abortion or, in rare cases, Asherman’s Syndrome, which can impact fertility. These conditions are treatable, however, when caught early.

We Are Here To Help You

If you are facing an unexpected pregnancy and researching your options, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. We understand this can feel like a lot to process on your own.

At Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center, we are here to provide clear, factual information about abortion and to offer medical screening services, including pregnancy confirmation and STI testing, to help you better understand your health. We also recognize that this may be an emotional time, and we are here to listen and answer your questions in a confidential, supportive environment.

We believe you deserve the space to make an informed decision at your own pace, without pressure, whether you are considering parenting, adoption, or abortion.

If you have already had an abortion and are experiencing physical concerns, we encourage you to reach out to a healthcare provider to ensure everything is healing properly. We also offer after-abortion support if you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed or would like someone to talk to, at no cost to you.

You are not alone, no matter what your circumstances look like.

Schedule your confidential appointment today to speak with our team.