An easy and safe method of ending a pregnancy is surgical abortion.
Up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy, we provide surgical abortions. Your medical history and the number of weeks you have been pregnant will determine the kind of surgical abortion treatment we recommend.
An expert physician removes the pregnancy vaginally using either suction (vacuum aspiration) or specialized tools (dilation and evacuation).
What is surgical abortion?
During a surgical abortion, a skilled physician removes the pregnancy through your vagina using either suction (vacuum aspiration) or specialized tools (dilation and evacuation).
How long does a surgical abortion take?
In our clinics, we provide surgical abortion as a day therapy. Your gestation (the number of weeks you are pregnant) can affect the surgical abortion procedure and, consequently, the length of time you stay at the clinic.
Getting your cervix (neck of the womb) ready for the process
To ensure the treatment is as safe as possible, the cervix must be prepared. This is done with tablets if you are less than 20 weeks pregnant. You may be required to take certain medication a few days before to or on the morning of your surgery, depending on your gestation and medical history. The day before the surgery, tiny rods are inserted into the cervix if you are more than 20 weeks pregnant.
After the surgery
Avoid putting anything in your vagina for 14 days following the abortion. This lowers the risk of infection. It doesn’t include:
- vaginal sex
- tampons or menstrual cups. Use pads instead
- swimming
- baths; however, showering is safe.
What are the risks and complications?
Major problems are uncommon and abortion is a safe operation. Excessive bleeding and infection are two possible consequences. The later in pregnancy, the higher the risks.
Feelings after an abortion
After an abortion, experiencing a wide range of emotions is common. These frequently rely on your reasons for having the abortion, your feelings about it, and whether or not you have supportive family members. People frequently feel relieved that they have chosen what was best for them at the moment. There are resources available to help you process your emotions. Make contact with 1800 My Options to learn more about the available resources.
Recovery Time and Pain Management
After a surgical abortion, recovery usually happens quickly. In a day or two, the majority of patients are able to resume their regular activities. Effective anesthesia reduces pain both during and after the treatment, and post-operative discomfort—which is frequently characterized as mild cramping—is minor and controllable with over-the-counter painkillers.