Can an Abortion Fail? Signs, Causes, and What to Do Next

While abortion is highly effective, failed abortions can happen in rare cases, leading to an incomplete or ongoing pregnancy. Understanding the signs of a failed abortion, what causes it, and what to do if an abortion doesn’t work is crucial for your health and safety.

Understanding Failed Abortions

Factor	Medical Abortion (Pill)	Surgical Abortion
Failure Rate	2-5%	Less than 1%
Possible Causes	Incorrect medication use, low dosage, early pregnancy stage, rare resistance	Improper suction, incomplete tissue removal
Signs of Failure	Continued pregnancy symptoms, little to no bleeding, positive pregnancy test	Persistent bleeding, strong pregnancy symptoms
What to Do Next	Seek medical evaluation, may need a second dose or surgical abortion	Return to clinic for follow-up treatment

Can an Abortion Fail?

Yes, both medical and surgical abortions can fail, but the chances are low. The effectiveness depends on:

Gestational age (how far along the pregnancy is)
Method used (medical or surgical)
Dosage and timing of medication
How the body responds to the procedure

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill) Failure Rate

Works 95-98% of the time.
If taken too early (before 4 weeks), pregnancy may not be fully expelled.
If the body doesn’t respond properly to medication, pregnancy can continue.

Surgical Abortion Failure Rate

Over 99% success rate.
Failure is rare but can happen if not all pregnancy tissue is removed.
Inexperienced practitioners or unusual uterine anatomy may increase risk.

Signs of a Failed Abortion

1. Continued Pregnancy Symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, sore breasts persist after a few days.
Increased hunger and fatigue continue.
No cramping or bleeding (especially after medical abortion).

2. Positive Pregnancy Test After 2 Weeks

HCG (pregnancy hormone) takes time to leave the body, but if the test remains positive after 2-3 weeks, pregnancy may still be ongoing.

3. Little or No Bleeding After Medical Abortion

Bleeding should start within hours of taking misoprostol.
If no bleeding occurs, the abortion may not have worked.

4. Heavy or Prolonged Bleeding After Surgical Abortion

Too much bleeding may mean incomplete abortion.
Tissue left behind can cause infection and complications.

What to Do If an Abortion Fails?

1. Contact a Doctor or Clinic Immediately

Seek medical help if pregnancy symptoms continue or you suspect an incomplete abortion.
A follow-up ultrasound will confirm if tissue remains.

2. Repeat the Abortion (Second Attempt)

Medical Abortion: Another dose of misoprostol may be given.
Surgical Abortion: If tissue remains, a second procedure may be needed.

3. Monitor for Infection or Complications

Symptoms like fever, foul-smelling discharge, or severe pain require immediate medical attention.

FAQs: Failed Abortion & Next Steps

1. How common is a failed abortion?

Medical abortion: 2-5% chance of failure.
Surgical abortion: Less than 1% failure rate.

2. What should I do if I still feel pregnant after an abortion?

Wait 2 weeks, take a pregnancy test, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

3. How do I know if I need a second abortion?

An ultrasound will confirm if the pregnancy is still present or if tissue remains.

4. Can I get pregnant again if an abortion fails?

Yes, but a failed abortion must be treated properly before trying to conceive again.

5. Can an incomplete abortion harm my fertility?

If treated quickly, fertility is not affected. Untreated infections, however, may cause complications.

Final Thoughts: Take Action If an Abortion Fails

While abortion failure is rare, it can happen. Knowing the warning signs and seeking immediate medical care ensures your health and safety. If you suspect an abortion hasn’t worked, don’t wait—contact a healthcare provider immediately.