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Abortion - Topic Overview

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Abortions done early in the pregnancy can be done by your doctor or gynecologist. Some nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants may also be trained to do some types of abortions. Abortion services are most likely to be offered at university hospitals and family planning clinics.

Some states have legal restrictions on abortion. Talk to your closest Planned Parenthood or other family planning clinic to learn more about restrictions in your state.

In some states, women younger than 18 will need a parent’s permission. A minor can get a court order that will allow an abortion without a parent’s consent.

Abortions are rarely done after 24 weeks of pregnancy (during the late second trimester and entire third trimester). Many states in the U.S. have restrictions on abortions after 24 weeks.

How safe is abortion?

Abortions done by doctors are very safe. Less than 1 in 100 women have a serious problem from an abortion.¹

The safest timing for an abortion is usually during the first trimester.¹ This is when a low-risk medicine or vacuum aspiration procedure can be used. Medicine is not recommended after 9 weeks.

After 9 weeks, only surgical abortion can be used. Problems from surgical abortion in the second trimester include heavy blood loss, infection, and moderate to severe pain.

Will you be able to have children in the future?

The most widely used methods for abortion do not prevent a woman from becoming pregnant later.¹

Keep in mind that you can get pregnant in the weeks right after an abortion. This is a good time to start using birth control that works well and fits your lifestyle.

It will probably take you 1 to 3 weeks to heal and feel better after an abortion. You should not have sex during this time. But when you do have sex again, be sure to use a condom for several weeks or for as long as your doctor tells you to. This will help to prevent infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about abortion:	What is an abortion? What are common reasons women choose abortion?
Getting treatment:	What is emergency contraception? Who do I need to see? What exams or tests will be done? Where can I find counseling about my options? How is a medical abortion done? How is a surgical abortion done? Do I have a choice about what method is used?
Ongoing concerns:	What follow-up will I need? Will I be able to have children in the future?

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 29, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Abortion Topics

Bladder Control Problems?
Have a Life Less Interrupted

Important Safety Information | Prescribing Information

ENABLEX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat the following symptoms due to a condition called overactive bladder:

· having a strong need to go to the bathroom right away (also called "urgency")
· leaks or wetting accidents (also called "urinary incontinence")
· having to go to the bathroom too often (also called "urinary frequency")

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

You should not take once-daily ENABLEX if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or have trouble emptying your bladder. Side effects of ENBLEX include blurred vision, and more commonly dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Use caution when doing certain activities until you know how ENBALEX affects you.

As You Journey through Menopause, Vivelle-Dot Is By Your Side

VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRIPTION ONLY.

INDICATION

Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).

Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).

Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.

The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.

You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.

Prescribing Information