Septic Abortion

Alternate Names : Infected Abortion

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Better birth control and legal abortion have dramatically reduced the number of septic abortions. To cut the risk further, a woman should be tested for common sexually transmitted diseases in the first trimester of her pregnancy. If a woman thinks she might be miscarrying or has miscarried, she should call her healthcare provider right away.

It may be too late to save the pregnancy, but good follow-up care can prevent an infection.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Shock may lead to kidney failure, general bleeding, and clotting problems that can be hard to control. A septic abortion can cause death if it is not treated promptly and effectively.

If the infection spreads to the abdomen, intestinal organs may also become infected. That can cause scar tissue leading to chronic pain, intestinal blockage, and infertility.

What are the risks to others?

A septic abortion is not contagious and poses no risk to others. However, the abortion itself causes the death of the fetus.