Surgical
abortion, also known as suction aspiration abortion, can be performed in a
one-day procedure if less than 12 weeks have passed since the first day of
your last menstrual period. The procedure is done in the doctor's office
with local anesthesia and oral pain-relieving medications. You will be in
a private room during your health education, exam, procedure, and
recovery.
It is natural to wonder, "What will happen during
my visit?" We hope the following will prepare you for what to expect.
Your entire visit will probably take 1½ to 2 hours.
You can also read our comparison of Medical
vs Surgical Abortion to decide which method is right for you.
Reception Area
When you check in for your appointment, the receptionist
will notify our staff that you have arrived. The Comprehensive Women's
Health Center is integrated into the general clinic practice; women are
not identified in the reception area as desiring pregnancy termination and
there are no signs advertising our clinic. This ensures the privacy and
safety of our patients and staff.
5 minutes
Back
to Top
Health Education
Shortly after you arrive, one of our female health
educators will bring you to a private room. At this time, we will
collect payment and give you some paperwork to complete, including a
medical history form. You will discuss and learn about pregnancy options,
the abortion procedure, and various birth control methods. You may remain
fully dressed for this part of your appointment. The health educator will
take your blood pressure, pulse, and weight. If you brought a support
person with you, s/he may accompany you during the health education.
15-20 minutes
Back
to Top
Meeting with the Doctor
After your conversation with the health educator, you
will meet the doctor. Our physicians are obstetrician-gynecologists with
specialized training and interest in abortion provision and family
planning. The doctor will review your medical history and discuss the
abortion procedure, including possible risks and complications, and ask
you to sign a consent form. She will also perform an ultrasound
exam to determine your pregnancy's gestation and give you an oral pain
medication at this time. If you are 10-12 weeks pregnant, you may
also receive a medication called misoprostol, which softens your cervix to
make dilation easier.
20 minutes
Back
to Top
Medication Wait Time
If you are 10-12 weeks pregnant, the misoprostol needs
2-3 hours to work. You will be asked to wait in the reception area. We
have magazines; you may want to bring something else to read/do to
occupy your wait time.
30 to 45 minutes
Back
to Top
Abortion Procedure
When you are well relaxed, the doctor or health educator
will ask you to undress from the waist down and
put on a patient gown. Your support person can be right next to you for
the whole procedure. The doctor will (1) use a speculum to view inside
your vagina; (2) clean your vagina and cervix with gauze soaked in soap;
(3) apply numbing medication to your cervix; (4) dilate your cervix (the
tight opening to your uterus) with thin plastic rods; (5) insert a narrow
flexible tube into your uterus; (6) apply gentle suction to the other end
of the tube to remove all of the pregnancy tissue. Toward the end of the
procedure, you may feel a cramp (similar to a menstrual cramp) in your
uterus because it is shrinking down to its usual size. Most of the
procedure time is spent preparing your body for the procedure. The suction
is only used for about 1 minute.
5 minutes
Back
to Top
Recovery
After the procedure, you should remain resting for a few
minutes. You will probably have some cramping and spotting; we will
provide you with a heat pack, a maxi-pad, and juice and graham crackers.
When you feel able, you may get dressed. Your health educator will then
give you instructions on how to take care of your body after your
abortion. The doctor will give you antibiotics and a prescription for
birth control if you desire it. You must have a ride home. You should go
home, rest, and let the medications wear off. You should be able to return
to normal activities, such as work and school, the next day.
15 minutes
Back
to Top
Follow-up Visits
Unless you are experiencing complications related to
your abortion, you do not need to visit our office again. We recommend
that you make an appointment to see your regular physician for an annual
pap smear, physical/gynecologic exam, and birth control refill requests.
Coming soon: "Frequently Asked Questions about
First-Trimester Suction Aspiration Abortion" E-mail
us with your questions and we'll add them to the site.
Comprehensive
Women's Health Center
