We turned to medical professionals, practicing gynecologists and authors of scientific papers on female reproduction to dispel the most common myths about abortion. Myths are statements that have no scientific proofs, based on the beliefs of previous generations. For one reason or another, we continue to believe what our grandmother told us. It’s time to figure out what’s true and what’s just our fears.
Myth 1. ABORTION CAN BE DONE AT PRACTICALLY ANY DATE
Of course, each case is individual and in each country, the timing and rules for performing an abortion are governed by the legal system and medical traditions. Most gynecologists in the world agree that the safest is artificial termination of pregnancy made before the end of the 12th week of pregnancy. In rare cases, if there are medical or social reasons, an abortion is carried out later.
Most often, an abortion is performed at a woman’s solution – in this case, she must accept it before the end of the 12th week: this is the officially permitted period for voluntary abortion in many countries. However, in some countries abortions at the request of a woman are prohibited.
Myth 2. ABORTION IS A SURGICAL INTERVENTION
The least dangerous is the so-called pill or medical abortion: it is carried out using pills for up to the ninth week of pregnancy. Vacuum aspiration is also widely used – then the fetus is removed by vacuum suction. This method can be used at a later date.
The World Health Organization is against the use of such an abortion method as curettage – the doctor expands the uterine canal and removes the fetus with special “knives”. This method is considered obsolete and is banned in the early stages.
Myth 3. AFTER PROCEDURE, A WOMAN WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE CHILDREN
According to the International Health Organization, the likelihood of infertility resulting from an abortion is very low. If the procedure is carried out in the early stages, taking into account the woman’s health indicators and is performed by qualified specialists in compliance with all medical standards, then this procedure can be considered very safe, albeit quite unpleasant. Even such an outdated method as obstetricians curettage are not associated with a high probability of infertility.
But the earlier the decision is made to terminate the pregnancy, the better.
Myth 4. ABORTION DOES HUGE DAMAGE TO A WOMAN’S REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Abortion is a medical intervention, and therefore it has some risks.
In rare cases, there is a risk of developing a uterine infection! Then the woman experiences severe pain, she has a fever and vaginal discharge with a strong odor – in this case, she should immediately consult a doctor.
Such an infection needs a long time treatment. Sometimes the infection spreads to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which increases the risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy in the future. In modern medical practice, such a complication is rare, since immediately after the procedure, a woman is prescribed special antibiotics.
Remember: any trouble in the gynecological area increases the likelihood of negative consequences of abortion. If a woman has endometriosis or, for example, polycystic ovaries, it is generally difficult for her to get pregnant. And termination of pregnancy in this case can enhance the progress of the disease.
Myth 5. THE FETUS FEEL PAIN
It is known that in the third week of pregnancy, the fetus nervous system begins to form, and the heart begins to beat. Therefore, many ordinary people believe that the fetus feels everything, and abortion is perceived by it as death.
However, practitioners and scientists refute this information. According to the British Royal Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the embryo does not feel pain until 24 weeks!
Despite the fact that by this time he has already formed receptors that perceive irritations, he still does not have nerve connections that transmit a signal of pain to the brain.
In general, myths about abortion are well founded, but most of them exaggerate the severity of the consequences of abortion on the health of the average woman. Of course, each case is individual – such a responsible decision must be made based on the state of the woman’s health, her mental and social conditions and ethical principles.
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According to the International Health Organization, the likelihood of infertility resulting from an abortion is very low. If the procedure is carried out in the early stages, taking into account the woman’s health indicators and is performed by qualified specialists in compliance with all medical standards, then this procedure can be considered very safe, albeit quite unpleasant. Even such an outdated method as obstetricians curettage are not associated with a high probability of infertility.
But the earlier the decision is made to terminate the pregnancy, the better.
