Introduction
An unplanned pregnancy can be concerning, especially in a closed society with a disbelief in family planning and a social stigma around it. Medical abortion using medication, surgery, and some specific home remedies for abortion can help abort a pregnancy in the initial stages.
However, knowing the risks and associated complications is essential before opting for any treatment. Read to understand the different abortion options, and abortion costs, along with the potential risks that arise with them.
What is an Unplanned Pregnancy?
Pregnancies that are undesirable at conception are considered unplanned. Involving in sexual intercourse, whether voluntary or coerced without effective contraception, is the leading cause of unexpected pregnancies.
Annually, more than one in every seven unplanned pregnancies occurs in India. While unplanned pregnancies often require induced medical abortions, they can also result in live births or miscarriages.
Abortion Options
If you wish to get an abortion, there are safer and legally permissible options. These methods are medically approved and undertaken on a doctor’s advice. There are two main types of abortions:
- Medical Abortion: A doctor prescribes abortion pills to be taken at home in this method. Medical abortion involves two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken at different times.
Mifepristone triggers the pregnancy hormone to end the pregnancy, while misoprostol induces contractions to expel the uterine lining with the embryo. Medical abortion, also known as MTP kit has a success rate of up to 97% for early pregnancy termination and is generally safe.
- Surgical Abortion: When medical abortion is not possible due to certain medical circumstances, a doctor may perform surgical abortion. These are typically suggested after 12 weeks of pregnancy, especially when a pregnancy poses risks or foetal development issues.
This procedure lasts about 5 to 20 minutes and is done through dilation and curettage (D&C). This method involves removing the foetus using suction and a curette (a scraping tool).
While legal abortions are generally considered safe and effective, it is crucial to note that inducing an abortion is illegal in many countries, including India.
Surgical abortion may involve rare risks such as Asherman’s syndrome (scarring of the uterine wall. However, the risks are outweighed by the benefits of accessing safe and legal abortion care.
Discuss your concerns with your healthcare professional or midwife to make an informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy.
Home Remedies for Abortion
Abortion is commonly a medical treatment for the termination of an unplanned pregnancy, but sometimes people turn to home remedies for abortion. Here are some natural home remedies that are widely opted for inducing abortion.
Please note that these home remedies for abortion are not scientifically proven and can be harmful. It is critical to seek a healthcare professional before taking up these remedies.
Image Ref – pregworld.org
- Unripe Papaya: Unripe papaya contains certain compounds which can suppress the pregnancy hormone, progesterone and cause uterine contractions.
- Pineapple: Pineapple has properties that can cause uterine contractions and lead to abortion.
- Parsley: This incredible herb is believed to have abortifacient properties. A parsley tea may be the best way to take it.
Herbal Remedies for Abortion
Various herbal oils and extracts have been used to induce periods and cause at-home abortions. Some of the most widely used herbal remedies include:
- Castor Oil: Castor oil is known to cause laxation and can cause uterine contractions, leading to abortion.
- Black Cohosh: Black cohosh may cause premature contractions as it contains labour-inducing properties.
- Neem Tree Extract: A traditional medicinal contraceptive is neem tree extract. It is often available as vaginal tablets.
Potential Risks of Abortion
Despite the kind of abortion method one chooses, knowing all types may come with certain risks and complications is vital. Let’s look at the significant risks associated with commonly used remedies for abortion.
- Scarring: A surgical abortion requires the intervention of a certified medical professional. If not performed correctly, scarring can be a common risk of the procedure.
Scarring may impact the internal and external genitalia and lead to infertility or other health complications.
- Infection: Some surgical methods involve inserting instruments into the uterus, posing a severe risk of infections. Vaginal, cervical, or uterine infections are concerning as they may cause infertility in some cases.
Moreover, further spread of infections to the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening blood poisoning.
- Incomplete Abortion: An incomplete abortion occurs when an abortion is unsuccessful, leaving the pregnancy remains inside the body.
In such cases, medical intervention is necessary to prevent further complications such as heavy bleeding and often life-threatening infections.
- Haemorrhage: Haemorrhage refers to significant blood loss. In case an untrained person attempts a surgical abortion, a possibility of damage to a crucial blood vessel is there. This can cause internal bleeding and even end up becoming fatal.
- Toxicity: Although herbal remedies may seem harmless, some can be toxic. People often overconsume more than the advised dosage, which can lead to toxicity, potentially causing liver damage or failure.
Note: It is crucial to prioritise safe and legal medical procedures for abortion to avoid these severe risks to your health.
Abortion Cost
In India, the average abortion cost is between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 25,000. However, many factors have a role in determining the cost of surgical abortion treatment. This may include the doctor’s experience, hospitalisation fees, and hospital of choice (public or private).
Conclusion
Several safe and effective abortion methods are available to end unwanted pregnancies. Home remedies for abortion, medication, and surgical abortions can achieve the desired results.
HexaHealth is a companion for your surgery journey needs. It is dedicated to keeping you informed and satisfied throughout. From helping you to find the right team for diagnosis to treatment to the best hospital to clearance of health insurance, our expert team is here to do it all for you.