Surgical Abortion
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What are the differences between surgical and medical abortions?
|
Surgical abortion |
Medical abortion |
How it works |
· A doctor will gently open your cervix (the opening to the uterus or womb) with dilators that gradually get bigger. · A cannula (straw-like tube) is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. · Suction (like a vacuum) is used to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. · The procedure usually takes 3-10 minutes. |
· You take two medications. The pregnancy will end and the uterus will push out the tissue (like a miscarriage). · The first pill stops the pregnancy. The second pills are taken 24-48 hours (1-2 days) later, at a convenient time for you. |
Advantages |
• Very low risk of continuing pregnancy (less than 1 in 100). • High success rate (about 99%). • Only needs one clinic visit. • Procedure is finished within minutes. • Sedation can be used if you wish. • Can be used early or later in pregnancy. |
• High success rate (95-98%). • The pregnancy is expelled (pushed out of the body) within 24 hours of using misoprostol in 90% of women. • It is more private, since it is done at home. • You can choose to have someone with you for support. • Can be used very early in pregnancy. • Similar to a natural miscarriage or a heavy menstrual period. |
Disadvantages |
• Medical instruments enter the uterus. • May feel less private. • You can’t have someone with you for support, as partners and loved ones are not allowed in the clinic. |
• Uterine cramping may be very painful. • About 2-5% of women will need a uterine aspiration procedure (D&C) after medical abortion. • Bleeding after medical abortion may last longer than after uterine aspiration. • You may see blood clots and pregnancy tissue. • Needs 2 clinic visits. • You may not know if the abortion was successful until the follow-up appointment 1-2 weeks later. • Risk of continued pregnancy is 1 in 20. |
What is a surgical abortion?
A surgical abortion uses suction to remove pregnancy tissue during a very short procedure, as described in the table above.
Am I eligible for a surgical abortion?
A surgical abortion may be performed if your pregnancy is up to 15 weeks and 6 days from the first day of your last menstrual period.
What happens during a surgical abortion?
If your pregnancy is between 6 to 12 weeks:
- The doctor will gently open your cervix (the opening to the uterus or womb) with dilators that gradually get bigger.
- Once the cervix is open, the doctor will insert a hollow straw-like tube (called a cannula) which is attached to an aspirator. This machine uses gentle suction (like a vacuum) to clean out the contents of the uterus, including the fetus and placenta.
- The doctor will then use a spoon-shaped instrument (called a curette) to check the walls of the uterus for any tissue that may remain. The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
If your pregnancy is between 13 weeks to 15 weeks and 6 days:
- You will be given a medication called misoprostol before the procedure. Misoprostol softens the cervix and makes dilation (opening the cervix) easier.
- Misoprostol takes 1½-2 hours to work. After this, you will have the procedure described above, which will last about 5-15 minutes.
What are the possible risks?
- Infection may occur in 0.1-2% of cases. You will be given antibiotics to help prevent this.
- There is a very low risk (less than 1 in 1000) of:
- injury to your uterus
- remaining tissue requiring a second aspiration
- excessive bleeding
Looking for more health information?
Nova Scotia Women’s Choice Clinic
Tel: 1-833-352-0719
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(Callers may also leave a message at any time and a nurse will return the call during these hours.)
Nova Scotia Health Authority, Library Services
http://library.nshealth.ca/PatientGuides
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