## Abortion: A Comprehensive Overview
### Introduction
Abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable. It can be performed for various reasons, including unwanted pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, fetal anomalies, maternal health concerns, and gestational trophoblastic disease.
**Symptoms**
* Missed period
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Breast tenderness
* Fatigue
### Diagnosis
* **Clinical history:** Doctor asks about symptoms, menstrual history, and pregnancy status.
* **Physical exam:** Pelvic exam and ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and assess its location.
### Prevention
* **Birth control:** Use of contraceptives, such as condoms, pills, or IUDs.
* **Family planning:** Access to education and resources for reproductive health.
### Types of Doctors
* **Obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN):** Specialist in pregnancy and childbirth.
* **Family medicine physician:** Provides general medical care, including abortion counseling and referral.
### Procedures
**Surgical Abortion**
* **Vacuum aspiration:** A device is inserted into the uterus to remove the embryo or fetus.
* **Curettage:** A surgical instrument is used to scrape the uterine lining.
* **Dilation and evacuation (D&E):** A combination of vacuum aspiration and curettage for later pregnancies.
**Medical Abortion**
* **Mifepristone:** A medication that blocks the hormone progesterone, necessary for pregnancy.
* **Misoprostol:** A medication that causes contractions to expel the embryo or fetus.
### Treatment
**Medical Abortion**
* **Mifepristone** followed by misoprostol is the most common medical abortion method.
**Surgical Abortion**
* Vacuum aspiration or curettage is performed under local or general anesthesia.
### Complications
**Surgical Abortion**
* Infection
* Hemorrhage
* Perforation of the uterus
**Medical Abortion**
* Incomplete abortion (need for surgical follow-up)
* Bleeding and cramping
* Nausea and vomiting
### Prognosis
Most abortions are safe and successful procedures with minimal complications. The physical and emotional impact of abortion varies and should be discussed with healthcare professionals.
### Abortion Counseling
* **Pre-abortion counseling:** Informs patients about the procedure, risks, and alternatives.
* **Post-abortion counseling:** Provides emotional support and resources for physical and mental health.
### Related Terms
* **Pro-choice:** Supports a woman’s right to choose abortion.
* **Pro-life:** Opposes abortion and promotes the protection of unborn life.
* **Fetal viability:** The point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb (around 24 weeks of gestation).
* **Birth control:** Methods to prevent pregnancy.
* **Reproductive rights:** Includes the right to abortion and to make decisions about one’s own reproductive health.
