However, surgical abortions performed 12 weeks or earlier first trimester are less expensive and have a lower risk of complications than later surgical abortions. First trimester surgical abortions are performed in the clinic with local anesthesia and optional oral or intravenous pain-relieving medication.
During the procedure, a speculum is inserted into the vagina, the cervix the opening to the uterus is slightly stretched open, and a small tube is inserted to remove the pregnancy using a suction or vacuum. The procedure usually only takes minutes. During the surgical abortion and for a short time after, women may experience strong cramping.
Bleeding and spotting often occurs for a few days or weeks following the procedure as well. After a surgical abortion, our health educators provide instructions on how a woman should take care of her body following the procedure. The doctor will also prescribe antibiotics and birth control, if desired. Follow-up procedures are not required after a surgical abortion unless complications related to the abortion begin to occur.
We are dedicated to providing expert, affordable pregnancy termination. We believe every woman deserves to be treated with respect and dignity regardless of any life circumstances.
When a woman decides to have an abortion, it is a very personal decision. We recognize that having an abortion may be a difficult choice, and we provide the support and information women need to help make a decision that is right for their individual situation. Once a woman has made the decision to have an abortion, many questions follow.
The most common ones that we hear are:. Most women will have a medical abortion if they have a termination this early in the pregnancy. If you decide to have a surgical abortion instead then you will only need one appointment for treatment after the initial consultation. Although the procedure can be completed within just a few days of your initial consultation, it is important to take as much time as you need.
However, it is also possible to take some time to think about your options or talk to someone about the pregnancy. The legal time limit on abortion in the UK is 24 weeks, but most terminations are carried out much earlier. Later abortions are usually only performed for medical reasons. As well as the overall time limit, there are also limits on when certain types of abortion can be performed.
You can have:. We only perform terminations up to 19 weeks. Different kinds of surgical terminations can be performed by some clinics after this time, but the procedure is more complicated.
Although you can have an abortion up to 19 weeks, it is a good idea to see the doctor as soon as you can. Performing a pelvic exam to find out the size and shape of your uterus. The size of the uterus can help estimate the number of weeks you are pregnant.
A pelvic exam also allows your doctor to check the ovaries and fallopian tubes for a possible tubal ectopic pregnancy , which would feel like an abnormal mass in the pelvis. Laboratory tests before an abortion include: A urine pregnancy test to find out if you are pregnant.
You may have missed a menstrual cycle for another reason, such as stress, and not because you are pregnant. A blood test to find out: Whether you have low blood iron anemia. If you have anemia, your doctor may want you to take some iron supplements before and after an abortion. Your blood type and whether you are Rh-negative. If you are Rh-negative , you should receive a vaccine called Rh immunoglobulin after an abortion. For more information, see the topic Rh Sensitization During Pregnancy.
This is not a routine test before an abortion but may be done to reduce the risk of complications, such as an infection, after the procedure. A Pap smear to check for cervical cell abnormalities dysplasia , if you are due for one not a routine test before an abortion. Choices: Medical Abortion Medical abortion is the use of medicines to end a pregnancy.
A typical treatment schedule for a medical abortion may require two visits to your doctor. At the first visit, your doctor will give you one medicine to take during the visit or at home.
You will take the second medicine 24 hours after the first medicine. Bleeding and cramping starts within a few hours after you have taken the second medicine.
Cramps may be strong. You can take ibuprofen also called Aleve or Motrin to help with pain. Bleeding will be heavier than a regular period and will have some clots until the pregnancy has passed. Vaginal bleeding may last about 14 days. You will see your doctor, or go to a lab for a test, 7 to 14 days after taking the medicine. This is to see if you are recovering well and to make sure the medicines worked.
Medical care before and after a medical abortion includes physical exams and lab tests, education about what to expect, self-care instructions, information on when to call your doctor, and birth control planning.
Medicines currently available in the United States for inducing abortion are: Mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone, also known as Mifeprex or RU, blocks the effects of the hormone progesterone. This stops the placenta 's growth, softens the cervix, and makes the uterus ready for labor.
Misoprostol is then used to start contractions to clear the uterus of all tissue. This hormone softens and opens dilates the cervix and triggers uterine contractions.
Misoprostol used alone may end a pregnancy but is much more effective when used with other medicines, such as mifepristone or methotrexate, in first-trimester abortions. Choices: Surgical Abortion A surgical abortion ends a pregnancy by surgically removing the contents of the uterus. Surgical methods in the first trimester 5 to 12 weeks Manual vacuum aspiration MVA or machine vacuum aspiration uses suction through a small tube to empty the uterus of all tissue.
Nonsurgical method in the second trimester Induction abortion ends a second-trimester pregnancy by using medicines to start induce contractions, which expel push the fetus from the uterus. If the fetus has severe medical problems, a woman may choose to have an induction abortion.
What to Think About Your abortion options are affected by your medical history, how many weeks pregnant you are, and what options are available in your region. It draws tissue out of the uterus. Machine vacuum aspiration uses a tube attached to an electric pump. It draws tissue from within the uterus. Can only be used during early pregnancy up to about 10 weeks Can be used from early to mid-pregnancy: Manual vacuum aspiration MVA can be used as early as 5 weeks, and as late as 12 weeks after the last menstrual period.
Machine vacuum aspiration can be used around 5 to 12 weeks after the last menstrual period. Takes 2 or more medical visits over 7 to 14 days Usually takes 1 visit May take several days to complete most of the abortion process happens gradually, at home Is complete in the time it takes for the procedure Does not require anesthesia or sedative Does not require general anesthesia though it can be used. In extremely rare cases, leads to death less than 1 out of , Pain associated with a medical or surgical abortion ranges from mild to severe and depends on each woman's physical and emotional condition.
Abortion and breast cancer Research suggests that the hormonal changes during pregnancy may be protective and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Before, During, and After an Abortion: When to Call a Doctor If you think you may be pregnant, see a doctor for a pregnancy test, examination, and pregnancy counseling as soon as possible.
Who to see Surgical abortions are minor surgeries that require a health professional with specialized training. The following health professionals can perform abortions: Gynecologist Family medicine doctor who has special training Certified nurse-midwife Nurse-practitioner who has special training Physician assistant who has special training Some health professionals offer medical abortion only and recommend another health professional if a vacuum aspiration becomes necessary.
Normal symptoms that most women experience include: Irregular bleeding or spotting for as long as the first 3 weeks. Cramping for the first 2 weeks. Some women have cramping like menstrual cramps for as long as 6 weeks. Emotional reactions for 2 to 3 weeks.
It normally takes about 10 to 20 minutes and you're usually able to go home the same day. You do not usually need to have any other tests or appointments after a surgical abortion, or a medical abortion in hospital. If you have a medical abortion at home, you may need to have a special kind of pregnancy test or scan to make sure the pregnancy has ended. If you have a medical abortion, you may have short-lived side effects from the medicines, such as diarrhoea and feeling sick.
If you have a surgical abortion, the general anaesthetic and sedation medicines can also have side effects. For all types of abortion, it's likely you'll have some stomach cramps pain and vaginal bleeding. Bleeding usually lasts a week or two. Sometimes light vaginal bleeding after a medical abortion can last up to a month.
You can usually return to normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable to, including having a bath or shower, using tampons, exercising including swimming and heavy lifting. The clinic will give you the number of a hour helpline to call if you're worried. If you cannot find the number, contact a GP or
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