Surgical Procedures
Surgical Abortion
There are two types of surgical abortion: aspiration abortion and dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion.
Women up to 14 to 16 weeks pregnant can have an aspiration abortion, while D&E abortions are typically performed at 14 to 16 weeks or after.
What are surgical abortions?
There are several options a woman can choose from when she needs to terminate a pregnancy. Options include medical abortions, which involve taking medications, and In-clinic abortions.
Surgical abortions are also called in-clinic abortions. They are typically more effective than a medical abortion, with a lower risk of an incomplete procedure.
Abortion types
Aspiration abortions
The average clinic visit will last up to three to four hours for an aspiration abortion. The procedure itself should take five to 10 minutes.
Aspiration abortions, also called vacuum aspirations, are the most common type of surgical abortion. During this procedure, you’ll be given pain medication, which can include a numbing medication that is injected into the cervix. You may also be given a sedative, which will allow you to stay awake but be extremely relaxed.
D&E
A D&E abortion is typically used after the 15th week of pregnancy. The procedure takes between 10 and 20 minutes, with more time potentially being needed for dilation.
Common side effects
Immediately after the procedure and during the recovery period, you may experience some side effects. Common side effects of in-clinic abortions include:
- bleeding, including blood clots
- cramping
- nausea and vomiting
- sweating
- feeling faint
Menstruation and sex
Your period should return four to eight weeks following your abortion. Ovulation can occur without noticeable signs or symptoms. Often before you resume normal menstrual cycles, so you should always use contraception. You should wait to have sex for at least one to two weeks after the abortion. It can help reduce the risk of infection. You also should wait for this period of time to use tampons, or insert anything into the vagina.
Potential Risks
While abortions are typically extremely safe and most women have no complications outside of common side effects. The likelihood of complications increases slightly as the gestational period increases.
