What risks are involved with abortion?
The commonest risks are: • Bleeding – it is quite normal to bleed slightly for a couple of days after the termination. You will have a period about 5-6 weeks later, which should be normal. If the period is heavier than normal, then the uterus may not be completely emptied and you should consult your doctor straight away. • Uterus injury – if a procedure is performed to empty the uterus, a tear in the wall of the uterus can rarely occur. This may require staying in hospital for a few days of observation. • PID – this stands for ‘pelvic inflammatory disease’. If any tissue is left in the uterus, then an infection can occur. This may also occur after surgery. The infection may cause abdominal pain, fever, and an unpleasant smelling discharge from the vagina. It is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible, and antibiotics may be required. If any material is left in the uterus, then a procedure may be needed to remove this. • Infertility – infection after an abortion could poten
