Does abortion hurt? In short, the experience of abortion is different for every woman. While most of them have intense period cramps, a few may have slight discomfort. It may hurt for a short time, and most women can get back to normal activities the next day. Some say abortion pain is more painful than a menstrual cramp and less painful than childbirth. Health care providers usually prescribe pain and anesthetic medications to treat and reduce the discomfort associated with abortion. Learn more about abortion pain, how abortion works, ways to reduce the pain, and risks of abortion.
How Do Abortions Work?
The embryo or fetus and the pregnancy tissues are expelled or removed from the uterus during an abortion. Doctors may suggest the method of abortion depending on the weeks of pregnancy and other factors. Abortions work in the following ways (1):
Medical abortion
A combination of medications is prescribed to terminate the pregnancy. The first oral medication stops pregnancy growth, and the second vaginal medication is given after one to three days. These medications cause the uterine lining to shed and expel the products of conception through the vagina. As a result, you may have cramps and bleeding at home. Medical abortion is recommended for four to nine weeks of gestational age. However, outcomes can be better in the earlier days. Around 95-97% of women have a successful abortion with these medications, and about 3-5% may require additional surgical procedures to remove retained pregnancy tissue (1). You may visit the doctor at least two times before and after completing the abortion. Each visit may last up to half an hour for health education, examination, and ultrasound imaging of the uterus.
Surgical abortion
Surgical abortions, also known as in-clinic abortions, are procedures used to remove the uterus’ contents to end a pregnancy effectively. The following methods are used in surgical abortion (2):
Suction curettage, vacuum aspiration, or Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) is a standard procedure to remove pregnancy of 5-12 weeks after missed menstruation.
Dilatation and Evacuation (D&E) uses dilatation and forceps to remove the products of conception. This method is used to remove pregnancies over 14 weeks.
During the surgical abortion, the cervix is numbed and dilated after placing a vaginal speculum. Then the suction device is used to empty the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Around 98% of women have successful abortions, and only two percent may require repeated procedures (1). It is most effective if done between six and fourteen weeks of gestation.
How To Manage Abortion Pain?
Both surgical and medical abortions can be painful. Your healthcare providers may do the following to minimize the pain (1):
For medical abortion: Medical abortions may cause strong cramps and symptoms such as nausea in some women. Over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to manage this pain. Anesthesia is not required. Doctors may recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol), and/or Vicodin for pain relief.
For surgical abortion: Most women experience cramping during or after the procedure. Numbing medications (local anesthetics) are applied to the cervix to avoid pain during cervical dilation. Doctors may also prescribe oral medications such as ibuprofen with or without Vicodin, valium, etc., to reduce the pain and discomfort.
In addition to these, the following measures might help alleviate pain and related symptoms post-abortion (3):
Doctor-recommended pain relievers
Drinking warm liquids, such as warm water, hot cocoa, or tea
Using a hot compress (heating pad or a hot water bottle) on the abdomen Image: Shutterstock
Frequent uterine massages–press the abdomen with your fingers and rub from the belly button to the pubic area in a circular motion. Do it for at least ten minutes to relieve pain.
Does The Embryo Feel Any Pain?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), human fetuses cannot feel the pain until viability. Fetal viability is the ability of the fetus to survive outside the womb, which may occur by 23 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Here are a few facts about fetal pain (4):
Studies show that brain connections are necessary to transmit pain signals from the peripheral nervous system and process them in the brain structures. These connections are not established until 24 weeks of pregnancy, and the fetus may not perceive pain until then.
Pain is an emotional and psychological experience requiring recognition of stimulus. This capacity may not develop until the late weeks of the third trimester.
Intrauterine fetal movement does not indicate the fetus can feel pain.
Are There Any Other Physical Risks Of Abortions?
Although abortions are safe for most women, there can be a small risk of complications in some cases. The risks may vary depending on the abortion method and weeks of pregnancy. Usually, the risk can be high in later pregnancy. Common physical risks of medical and surgical abortion may include (5):
Heavy bleeding Sepsis Uterus damage Retained pregnancy tissue requiring other procedures for removal Uterine infections
Contact your health care provider if you experience any issues after an abortion. Abortion is not known to increase the risk for infertility in the future. Most women can become pregnant immediately after an abortion, and doctors may recommend birth control measures if you are not planning to conceive sooner. Future fertility issues and ectopic pregnancy may be seen if the uterine infection after an abortion is not treated. This infection could spread to fallopian tubes and ovaries, known as a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Are Emotional Side Effects Possible After An Abortion?
According to recent studies, an abortion does not increase a woman’s risk for emotional side effects and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorders. According to American Psychological Association, women who experience these emotional issues after an abortion may have a co-occurring risk factor that leads to unintended pregnancy and mental health issues (6). Women who deny abortion may experience low self-esteem, higher anxiety, and low life satisfaction than women who willingly opt for it. In addition, experiencing multiple unwanted pregnancies can negatively affect a woman’s mental health in later life.
When To See A Doctor?
It is recommended to seek advice from your healthcare provider to discuss suitable abortion options based on individual factors. Opting for an abortion is a personal decision. What is suitable for one may not be the same for another woman. Your doctor will help you explain the procedure and its advantages and disadvantages.
