Abortion Procedures
Abortion procedures are safe and effective when performed by a licensed healthcare provider. A provider will likely do an ultrasound prior to your procedure to determine the length of your pregnancy. Depending on your health history, lab work may also be indicated.
In order to have an abortion, the cervix must be dilated (stretched open). This is done using one or more of the following methods: manual dilation by a healthcare provider, medication-assisted dilation, osmotic dilators (rods), etc. No incisions are made during abortion procedures.
Types of Abortion Procedures:
Vacuum Aspiration - a method of abortion usually preformed in the first trimester (until 14 weeks) of pregnancy that involves the dilation of the cervix and the removal of the pregnancy with a suction.
Dilation & Evacuation - a method of abortion usually preformed in the second trimester of pregnancy that involves dilation of the cervix by various means (medications and/or osmotic dilators), and removal of the pregnancy with an evacuation procedure (instruments and suction are used to empty the uterus).
Induction Abortion - a method of abortion usually done in the second or third trimester of pregnancy where labor is induced. This method is usually done in a hospital or inpatient care setting.
Dilation & Evacuation abortion is more common than induction abortion and carries less risks.
Pain Management
Pain management options will be discussed with you by your healthcare provider. Depending on the type of procedure you are having and the setting in which you are having it, you may be offered one or more of the following types of pain management: local anesthesia (such as lidocaine), oral pain medication, intravenous pain medication, moderate sedation, deep sedation, etc.
Abortion Aftercare
After an abortion, it is likely you will experience vaginal bleeding for anywhere from a couple of days to up to 6 weeks.
Pain and cramping after a vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation procedure can vary, but usually last for roughly on week.
It is possible to get pregnant again very quickly after having an abortion.
Vacuum Aspiration & Dilation & Evacuation Risks:
-
It is possible to bleed too much during or after an abortion. This is uncommon, happening in less than 1 out of every 100 people (<1%) having an abortion procedure in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. This risk slightly increases after 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Monitor your bleeding and contact a health care provider immediately if you soak 2 or more pads in an hour.
-
It is possible to get an infection during or after an abortion. Infection can occur when bacteria makes its way into the uterus.
It is important to pay attention to your body and listen to any instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
You should contact an abortion provider or seek medical attention if you have a fever of 100.4 or more degrees, or if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, or generally feeling unwell after having an abortion.
-
Abortion procedures are very effective. Occasionally, some people may pregnancy tissue retained in their uterus.
About 1 out of every 100 people having abortions (1%) may need additional treatment after an abortion procedure for this issue.
Severe pain, fever of 100.4 or more, and heavy bleeding could all be signs of incomplete abortion.
-
A tear or puncture may result in the uterus or cervix after an abortion procedure. This is rare, occurring in less than 1 out of every 100 people (<1%).
If a tear or puncture is significant enough, this could lead to hospitalization, additional surgery, and/or loss of uterus.
To minimize this risk, it is important to be able to be still during an abortion procedure. Talk to your healthcare provider about your pain and anxiety management options.
The accessibility of abortion procedures often vary depending on your geographic region and length of pregnancy. If you need an abortion, funds, practical support agencies, and providers are dedicated to helping you get the care you need.