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Early Surgical Abortion
Early Surgical Abortion: Suction curettage, suction abortion, or vacuum aspiration3
When
Up to 13 weeks from the first day of last menstrual cycle3
Schedule an appointment to speak with a nurse about your abortion questions and concerns. North Care Women’s Clinic does not provide abortions, we provide the information you will need in order to decide if abortion is right for you by verifying if your pregnancy is viable, determining how far along you are, and educating you on all your options.
How3
The cervix is prepared with dilators (rods) or medications to achieve dilation adequate for this surgical procedure, sometimes starting the day before the procedure. The patient lies on the exam table and their legs are supported in stirrups, so the provider can view the vagina and cervix. A speculum will be inserted into the vagina. Some type of anesthesia may be used, and numbing medication may be used on the cervix to help with pain during the procedure. The pregnancy is removed by a suction device or vacuum pump that is inserted into the uterus. Other medical instruments may also be used to remove any remaining fetal parts out of the uterus. An antibiotic may be given to prevent infection. Following the abortion, cramping and soreness can be expected for several days, and bleeding or spotting may occur for a few weeks.3,8
Later-Term Surgical Abortion
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
When
13 Weeks from the first day of last menstrual cycle3
How
Methods are similar to an early surgical abortion, as indicated above, where the cervix is open and instruments are used to remove the pregnancy/fetal parts.3 Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, the surgical abortion might involve medication injections to prevent the birth of a fetus who may survive.9 You may be offered a prescription pain medication.3
Side Effects
You can expect cramping, soreness, and bleeding after a surgical abortion3
Risks & Complications of Surgical or in-Clinic Abortion8
Major complications are uncommon but possible. They include:
- Heavy bleeding
- Reaction to anesthesia or other medications used
- Injury to organs
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion with retained tissue
Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe pain that does not get better with pain medication, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, are soaking more than 2 pads an hour for 2 hours, or have flu like symptoms for more than 24 hours.3
Confirm Your Pregnancy First
Schedule an appointment to discuss your abortion questions and concerns with a nurse. North Care Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
We provide the information you will need to decide if abortion is right for you by verifying if your pregnancy is viable, determining how far along you are, and educating you on all your options.
