How Is an Abortion Performed?
Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy by removing the fetus and other products of conception from the uterus. There are several different methods of abortion, and the method used will depend on factors such as the length of the pregnancy, the woman’s medical history, and the preferences of the woman and her healthcare provider. In this article, we will explore the different methods of abortion and how they are performed.
- Medication abortion:
Medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is a non-surgical method of abortion that can be used to end a pregnancy up to 10 weeks gestation. The procedure involves taking two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first and works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is needed to maintain a pregnancy. After 24 to 48 hours, the woman takes misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
The woman can take the misoprostol at home or in a healthcare provider’s office, depending on her preference and the policies of her healthcare provider. The woman will experience cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy period for several days after taking the medication. Follow-up care is necessary to ensure that the procedure was successful and to address any complications.
- Vacuum aspiration:
Vacuum aspiration, also known as suction aspiration, is a common method of abortion that can be used up to 14 weeks gestation. The procedure involves inserting a thin tube into the uterus through the cervix. The tube is attached to a suction device that removes the contents of the uterus, including the fetus and other products of conception. The procedure can be performed in a healthcare provider’s office or a clinic, and generally takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
Local anesthesia or conscious sedation may be used to manage pain and discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure, the woman may experience cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy period for several days. Follow-up care is necessary to ensure that the procedure was successful and to address any complications.
- Dilation and curettage (D&C):
Dilation and curettage, also known as D&C, is a surgical method of abortion that can be used up to 16 weeks gestation. The procedure involves dilating the cervix and removing the contents of the uterus using a surgical instrument called a curette. The procedure can be performed in a healthcare provider’s office or a clinic, and generally takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
Local anesthesia or conscious sedation may be used to manage pain and discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure, the woman may experience cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy period for several days. Follow-up care is necessary to ensure that the procedure was successful and to address any complications.
- Dilation and evacuation (D&E):
Dilation and evacuation, also known as D&E, is a surgical method of abortion that can be used after 16 weeks gestation. The procedure involves dilating the cervix and removing the contents of the uterus using a combination of surgical instruments and suction. The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or specialized clinic, and may require overnight hospitalization.
General anesthesia or conscious sedation may be used to manage pain and discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure, the woman may experience cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy period for several days. Follow-up care is necessary to ensure that the procedure was successful and to address any complications.