Hailey Tran
Abortion is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed in a hospital or clinic, depending on the patient's preferences and how far along the pregnancy is. There are two main types of abortions: medical and surgical. A medical abortion involves taking a combination of prescription pills, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a pregnancy in its early stages. This can be done at home or in a hospital, under the supervision of a doctor. A surgical abortion, on the other hand, is a procedure performed by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic. This procedure is usually done after 10 weeks of pregnancy but can be done sooner if needed. It involves dilating the cervix and using gentle suction to remove the pregnancy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Medical, Surgical |
| Place | Hospital, Clinic, Home |
| Time taken | 5-20 minutes for the procedure, 2-6 hours for the appointment |
| Anaesthesia | General, Nitrous oxide, Local |
| Pre-procedure instructions | No smoking, eating or drinking 6 hours before the operation |
| Post-procedure instructions | No vaginal intercourse, swimming, bathing, use sanitary pads, monitor bleeding |
| Complications | Infection, injury to reproductive system, excessive bleeding |
| Medical abortion pills | Mifepristone, Misoprostol |
| Surgical abortion methods | Suction (vacuum) aspiration, Suction curettage, Dilatation and evacuation (D&E) |
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What You'll Learn
- Medical abortion: a combination of drugs to end a pregnancy
- Surgical abortion: a procedure done by a healthcare provider
- Suction aspiration: a tube is inserted into the uterus to remove the pregnancy
- Anaesthesia: general, twilight sleep, or local anaesthetic
- Post-abortion care: bleeding, cramping, and risk of infection
Medical abortion: a combination of drugs to end a pregnancy
Medical abortion, also known as medication abortion, involves taking prescription drugs to end a pregnancy. It is a safe and effective procedure that can be carried out at home or in a clinic for pregnancies up to 12 weeks. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion as safe and effective up to 10 weeks of gestation, but evidence suggests it is safe beyond this timeframe as well.
The abortion pill is the common name for this method, which uses a combination of two medicines: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone needed to support a pregnancy, thereby stopping its growth. Misoprostol, which is taken up to 48 hours later, causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. Misoprostol may be administered as tablets that dissolve in the mouth or as tablets inserted into the vagina.
The effectiveness of the abortion pill varies depending on the stage of pregnancy and the dosage. At 8 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 94-98% of the time. At 8-9 weeks pregnant, the success rate is about 94-96%, and at 9-10 weeks, it is about 91-93%. Taking an extra dose of misoprostol increases the effectiveness to about 99% at 10 weeks and 98% at 11 weeks. Taking misoprostol alone works to end the pregnancy about 85-95% of the time, depending on the stage of pregnancy and how the medicine is taken.
Medication abortion is often preferred because it is less invasive and can be done at home or in another comfortable place of one's choosing. It also allows individuals to decide who they want to be with during the abortion or if they want to go through the process alone. Additionally, medication abortion can feel more natural as it is similar to a miscarriage.
It is important to note that medication abortion should be done with access to accurate information, reliable abortion medications, and safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive medical care in case it is needed. While there are no long-term health risks associated with medical abortion, some possible side effects include heavy bleeding, diarrhoea, digestive pain, and allergic reactions to the medications. Most people start feeling better the day after taking the last pill and can resume normal activities within a day or two. However, it is crucial to pay attention to your body and take it easy if needed.
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Surgical abortion: a procedure done by a healthcare provider
Surgical abortion is one of the two main types of abortions, the other being medical abortion. It involves a procedure done by a healthcare provider in a medical office, clinic, or hospital. Surgical abortions are usually done after 10 weeks of pregnancy, but they can be done before. They are generally safe when performed by trained medical professionals. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks involved, such as infection, injury to the reproductive system, and excessive bleeding.
Before the procedure, the patient is typically advised to not smoke, eat, or drink for about six hours. They may also be instructed to fast for a certain period, typically starting around midnight on the day before the procedure. It is important to arrange for someone to drive the patient home after the procedure, as they may be sedated or under the influence of anaesthesia.
On the day of the procedure, the patient will first undergo a health education session, where a health educator will take their blood pressure, pulse, and weight. The patient will then meet the doctor, who will review their medical history and perform an ultrasound exam to determine the pregnancy's gestation. The doctor will also provide medications, such as oral pain medications like Vicodin, Valium, or ibuprofen.
During the surgical abortion procedure, the patient will be asked to undress from the waist down and put on a patient gown. A speculum will be used to visualise the inside of the vagina, which will then be cleaned along with the cervix using gauze soaked in soap. Numbing medication will be applied to the cervix, after which thin metal rods will be used to dilate it. A narrow flexible tube will then be inserted into the uterus, and gentle suction will be applied to the other end of the tube to remove the pregnancy tissue. This part of the procedure typically takes about a minute, while the entire procedure lasts around 15 to 20 minutes.
After the procedure, the patient will be moved to a recovery area until they feel better and are ready to be discharged. They may experience some cramping and bleeding, and it is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for post-abortion care to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
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Suction aspiration: a tube is inserted into the uterus to remove the pregnancy
Suction aspiration, also known as vacuum aspiration, is a surgical abortion procedure that uses gentle suction to remove the pregnancy. It is considered one of the safest obstetric procedures and is generally safe, with serious complications rarely occurring. The procedure can be performed in a clinic or hospital and typically takes less than 15 minutes, with the entire clinic visit lasting 3 to 4 hours.
Before the procedure, the patient will be asked to lie on a couch with supports for their legs, and any sedation will be administered at this time. A nurse will be present throughout the procedure to provide support and comfort. The doctor will then place a speculum into the vagina to visualise the cervix, which will be cleansed before a local anaesthetic is injected.
The patient's cervix will then be gradually widened using thin rods called dilators, which come in incrementally larger sizes. Once the cervix is dilated, a slim tube called a cannula is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The cannula is attached to either an electric pump or a manual pump, which creates the suction that empties the uterine contents. The pregnancy, including the fetus and placenta, is then gently suctioned out of the uterus.
After the procedure, the tissue removed from the uterus is examined to ensure that no products of conception are left behind. The patient will then need to rest in the recovery area for about 30-60 minutes.
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Anaesthesia: general, twilight sleep, or local anaesthetic
Abortion is a safe and legal type of surgery when performed by a trained medical professional. There are two main types of abortions: medical and surgical. For a medical abortion, you take prescription drugs to end a pregnancy. With a surgical abortion, a doctor performs a procedure in a medical office, clinic, or hospital.
The aim of sedation and anaesthesia during abortion is to reduce pain, distress, and, if desired, awareness during the procedure. The clinic you go to for an abortion will tell you about the type of anaesthetic it can offer you, and how you should prepare for it. Here are some of the anaesthesia options available:
General anaesthetic
This puts you in a state of deep unconsciousness. Any operation involving general anaesthesia carries risks, including the danger of choking if you do not fast properly beforehand.
Twilight sleep
Also known as nitrous oxide gas or a similar gas, twilight sleep is a state of sedation where you are awake but calm and relaxed.
Local anaesthetic
Local anaesthesia is injected into your cervix to numb the area so that you don't feel anything during the operation. This option typically results in a shorter hospital stay due to reduced time for anaesthesia to take effect and reduced recovery time. In addition to local anaesthesia, you may be given painkillers by mouth.
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Post-abortion care: bleeding, cramping, and risk of infection
Abortion is a procedure defined by the termination of pregnancy, most commonly performed in the first or second trimester. There are two main types of abortions: medical and surgical. For a medical abortion, you take prescription drugs to end a pregnancy. This can be done in a clinic or at home if you're less than 10 weeks pregnant. A surgical abortion is performed by a doctor or a nurse with special training in a clinic or hospital.
Post-abortion, vaginal bleeding can occur, ranging from very light to fairly heavy. Bleeding may increase with exercise and decrease with rest. Small blood clots are normal, and can appear red to dark purple. Bleeding can last up to a week or intermittently up to four weeks after the procedure.
Cramping is also common post-abortion, and may be relieved with ibuprofen or Tylenol. Resting with a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen can also help. Cramping is necessary for the uterus to return to its non-pregnant size.
Infection is a potential complication of abortion, particularly in the uterus and fallopian tubes. Signs of infection include a fever above 101°F, abdominal pain that differs from cramping, and foul-smelling discharge. If an infection is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention and take any prescribed antibiotics.
To reduce the risk of infection after a surgical abortion, it is recommended to shower instead of taking a bath, avoid vaginal intercourse, use sanitary pads instead of tampons, and refrain from swimming.
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Frequently asked questions
Surgical abortions are usually performed in the first trimester of pregnancy and can be done in a hospital or clinic. The procedure involves using suction (vacuum) aspiration or suction curettage to remove the pregnancy. The cervix is gradually widened with rods of increasing size, and a slim tube is inserted into the uterus to withdraw the pregnancy with gentle suction. The procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes, and local anaesthesia is administered.
Medical abortions involve taking a combination of prescription medicines, typically mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the uterine lining to thin and detach the pregnancy. Misoprostol induces contractions, bleeding, and the expulsion of the pregnancy. These pills can be taken orally or vaginally, and the process can be done at home or in a clinic.
Before a surgical abortion, you will typically be instructed to not eat, drink, or smoke for about six hours. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. During the appointment, you will undergo an exam, sign forms, and receive anaesthesia. The procedure itself takes about 5 to 20 minutes, followed by recovery time. Aftercare instructions include showering instead of bathing, avoiding vaginal intercourse, and using sanitary pads.
