Surgical Abortion

Procedure: The procedure itself varies depending on the gestational age of the pregnancy:

First-Trimester Surgical Abortion (Up to 13 weeks):

• The cervix is gently dilated (opened) using a series of dilators or with medication such as misoprostol.
• A suction device, known as a vacuum aspiration or suction curettage, is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
• The suction device removes the contents of the uterus, including the embryo or fetus, placenta, and uterine lining.
• The procedure usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

Second-Trimester Surgical Abortion (14 to 24 weeks):

• The cervix is dilated further, either with medication or mechanical dilation methods.
• Forceps and suction may be used to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
• In some cases, additional procedures such as dilation and evacuation (D&E) or induction of labor may be performed to complete the abortion.

Post-Procedure Care: After the surgical abortion procedure, patients are monitored in a recovery area to ensure they are stable and recovering well from the anesthesia. They receive instructions on post-procedure care, including managing any discomfort or bleeding, avoiding strenuous activity, and when to seek medical attention for complications.

Follow-Up: Patients typically have a follow-up appointment with their healthcare provider to ensure that the abortion was successful and to address any concerns or complications. Additional contraception options and family planning counseling may also be provided during the follow-up visit.

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