How does surgical abortion work?
How does surgical abortion work?, Suction dilation and curettage (suction D & C) is done for first trimester abortions. But this is done using manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) or electric vacuum aspiration (EVA) to empty the uterus of the pregnancy tissue.
First, a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) is applied to the cervix
Why do some women prefer medical abortion?
It occurs in the privacy of your home. Many women say it is like a heavy menstrual period. Most women who have a medical abortion would recommend this method to a friend
Who cannot have a medical abortion?
You cannot have a medical abortion if you:
• Have an increased risk for bleeding because you are taking blood-thinning medicine or have a bleeding disorder.
• But also to have an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, but a problem with your liver or
kidneys.
• Have certain other serious health problems.
How does medical abortion work?
Medical abortion uses 2 medications to end the pregnancy. Mifepristone stops the pregnancy from growing. Misoprostol makes the uterus contract and empty.
How long does a medical abortion take?
With mifepristone and misoprostol, most women (90%, or 90 out of 100) complete their abortion the same day that they use the misoprostol, but it can take up to 1 week.
How effective is medical abortion?
Medical abortion is 95% effective. This means that it works 95 out of 100 times and that it does not work 5 out of 100 times.
What about future pregnancies?
An early abortion does not mean you are more likely to have a miscarriage, tubal pregnancy, or infertility in the future, unless an infection develops, which is rare. Abortion does not increase your risk of breast cancer.
Most women (90%, or 90 out of 100) who decide to have an abortion have it in the first trimester (the first 3 months of pregnancy). But most other abortions occur in the second trimester (4 to 6 months of pregnancy).
What are the different types of abortions?
Medical
RU-486, also known as “the abortion pill” or medical abortion, uses medication to terminate a pregnancy. Usually, it consists of two pills. But the first pill, Mifepristone, inhibits progesterone from being absorbed in the womb. This terminates the pregnancy. The second pill, Misoprostol, induces uterine contractions to shed the fetus and intrauterine lining through the vaginal canal. RU-486 will not work on pregnancies past 10 weeks.
Surgical
Surgical abortions involve dilating your cervix and using suction and forceps to physically remove the fetus from your uterus. This is an outpatient procedure performed in a clinic. Depending on your provider, local or general anesthetic may be available.
What are the risks of abortion pills?
Abortions are medical procedures, and each procedure comes with its own risks. Some common risks are:
- Failed procedure
- Severe cramping/abdominal pain
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots in your uterus
- Infection
- Injury to your cervix or uterus
- Allergic reaction
The procedure also comes with emotional and psychological side effects. Some women experience extreme depression, regret, or guilt. These feelings can last for years after the abortion. But No matter how you feel, support is available.
