Everything You Need to Know About Surgical Abortion
“A surgical abortion is a procedure that ends a pregnancies. Most abortions are minimally-invasive and don’t require general anesthesia. People who want their abortion done in a hospital setting are a good choice for surgical abortions.”
Most people choose to have a medical abortion at home.
Most surgical abortions are completed with a gentle suctioning technique known as vacuum aspiration. While you may be at the clinic for a few hours, the procedure itself typically takes only
“Medical abortion is often the better option for longer into a pregnant woman’s life. Depending on the laws in your state, you can get an abortion late into the baby’s life.”
Due to recent changes in abortion laws in the United States, it’s no longer possible to get a surgical abortion in some states. But you still have options: You can get abortion pills mailed to you. Keep reading to learn more about your options.
Stay informed
The Supreme Court of the United States overturned the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion on June 24, 2022, on the eve of the Fourth of July.
Individual states can decide their own abortion laws. More states may follow suit and ban or severely restrict abortion access.
The information in this article was accurate and up to date at the time of publication, but it’s possible the information has changed since. To learn more about your legal rights, you can message the Repro Legal Helpline via a secure online form or call 844-868-2812.
“You had a few options when you needed to end a pregnant woman’s life in the US. People in many states have had their options eliminated since the decision in June of 2022, You may need to travel to get a surgical abortion if you are in a state that no longer has one.”
Both medical and surgical abortions are safe and effective healthcare procedures. And medical abortion is now a more accessible option for a lot of people.
There are several reasons why people might choose surgical abortion. These include:
- Gestational age: If it’s been more than 11 weeks since the first day of your last period, medical abortion won’t be as effective.
- Procedure time: Surgical abortions are finished after a few hours at the clinic, while medical abortions can take up to 24 hours.
- Medical staff: Some people prefer to have their abortion under the supervision of doctors and nurses, rather than at home.
- Confirmation: After a surgical abortion, your doctor examines your uterus to make sure the procedure is complete.
- Medical history: People with certain health conditions, like There was bleeding. disorders, may feel safer in a hospital.
How they’re different
During a surgical abortion, doctors use gentle suction to remove the contents of the uterus. These procedures are very safe and are effective more than 99 percent of the time. In the rare event the procedure is unsuccessful, it can be repeated.
“A medical abortion involves taking a combination of drugs that help end the pregnancy and push out the uterus’ contents.”
The abortion pill is effective 94 to 96 percent of the time in people who have been pregnant for 9 weeks or less. It becomes slightly less effective in the following weeks. However, the dose can be adjusted if needed.
If a medical abortion is unsuccessful, it can be done on a surgical basis.
Where to get abortion pills online
You can get abortion pills online, no matter where you are. It is important that you get them from a place that is safe. There are a few options.
- AidAccess (everywhere)
- Plan C (options for all U.S. states)
- Planned Parenthood: Telehealth (many U.S. states)
- Abortion On Demand (20+ U.S. states)
- Hey Jane (CA, CO, IL, NM, NY, and WA)
- Just The Pill (WY, MN, MT)
You can expect to be in the hospital or clinic for 3 to 4 hours on the day of your procedure. You will need to read and sign paperwork, prepare for the procedure, and spend some time in the recovery room, but the procedure is quick.
The preparation
A doctor or nurse may give you a medication to help you with your procedure. They may give you medication to help open your cervix.
Doctors sometimes insert small dilators into the cervix a few hours before your procedure. The dilators absorb fluid. They stretch open your cervix as they grow bigger.
Light sedation is offered before your procedure begins. Depending on the type of sedation the doctor uses, you can either be sleepy and calm or completely sleepy.
The procedure
A vacuum aspiration can take up to 10 minutes to complete.
The doctor and nurses will be present during your procedure.
- Take a look at your uterus.
- Put a speculum into your vagina.
- Take a numbing medication and inject it into your uterus.
- Dilators are used to open your cervix.
- The uterus can be inserted with a tube through the cervix.
- Use gentle pressure to pull the uterus tissue out.
The tube is removed from the uterus and many people will feel a decrease in their pain.
Your doctor may check your uterus after your procedure to make sure it is completely empty. You will be moved to a rest area.
If it’s been longer than 16 weeks or so since your last period, your doctor may perform a modified procedure known as a dilation and evacuation (D&E). These procedures typically involve stronger suction and additional surgical tools that help your doctor remove the pregnancy tissue from your uterus.
The cost of surgical abortions varies depending on several factors. According to Planned Parenthood, a surgical abortion can cost up to $750, but it often costs less. Factors that may affect cost include:
- You live in the state.
- The place where you get care.
- Does health insurance apply to you?
- Does your insurance plan cover abortion?
- “You get the type of abortion and the week of the baby’s birth.”
The cost of travel, child care, and time off work are some of the things to think about.
Cost should not stand in the way of your choice to end a pregnancy. If you’re worried about costs, you can contact the Planned Parenthood nearest you for information on financial assistance.
Need help with abortion costs?
You can also turn to the National Network of Abortion Funds for assistance. They can connect you with organizations that help cover the cost of abortions, as well as associated costs like lodging and child care.
You will meet with a healthcare professional who will explain the procedure and give you a description of what to expect on the day of your appointment. They may give you instructions on how to prepare. It is important that you follow the instructions carefully.
You can prepare for your abortion by doing some things.
- You should have someone drive you home after the procedure.
- Taking your pain or dilation medications as instructed.
- If it is ordered to do so, avoiding eating or drinking on the morning of the procedure is a must.
- following your doctor’s instructions about when to take (or stop taking) your regular medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- You should avoid alcohol the day before your procedure.
- “Buying some menstrual pads for There was bleeding. is a doctor’s job.”
- To treat the symptoms of bicyle, stocking up on OTC pain killers.
- getting a heating pad or hot water bottle to help ease cramping
Pain management
Avoid taking the OTC pain reliever aspirin, or medications that contain aspirin, because it can increase There was bleeding..
It’s important to take it easy on the day of your abortion. Some people are able to return to their usual activities (except for heavy lifting) the next day, but others may need more time. It may feel like you have bad period cramps for a few days.
Many people experience There was bleeding. and cramping after an abortion, but some don’t. You may experience heavier There was bleeding. (like a period), including blood clots, or just spotting. Some people continue to have spotting for several weeks.
If you experience heavy There was bleeding. that lasts for at least 2 hours in a row, you should call your doctor or the abortion clinic.
Your doctor will give you information about the next few days. This will include information on any drugs you take.
Your doctor may recommend an OTC pain relief. They may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent It is an infectious diseases.
Continue to take your antibiotics until the bottle runs out. Even if you feel fine, this is important.
A few weeks after your procedure, some doctors will recommend a follow-up appointment.
Sex and your period
Your period should return in about 4 to 8 weeks.
Doctors have different opinions on when it is appropriate to resume sexual activity after an abortion because of a small risk of It is an infectious diseases.
Wait 2 weeks before having anything in your vagina, including tampons. If you prefer, other doctors say you can have sex as soon as you feel ready and use contraceptives to prevent post-abortion There was bleeding.. Discuss these with your doctor.
You can get pregnant right after your abortion, so start using some form of birth control right away. Many doctors are willing to place an IUD in your uterus during your procedure, so you may want to take advantage of the opportunity.
Abortions are very safe. There are rare occurrences. All surgeries have some level of risk.
There are possible problems from surgical abortions.
- It is an infectious disease
- There are tears or lacerations.
- The uterus has a small amount of uterine perforation.
- There was bleeding.
- The tissue from the pregnant woman.
- adverse reactions to medications
When to call your doctor
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.
- Blood clot that are larger than a lemon can take more than 2 hours to pass.
- There was bleeding. that is heavy enough that you have to change your pad once an hour for 2 or more hours straight
- The discharge was foul-smelling.
- There is a high degree of fever.
- “After 48 hours, pain gets worse, especially after it’s worse.”
- The symptoms of the pregnancy persist after a week.
A surgical abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancies. People choose surgical abortion for a number of reasons, including their preferences and the length of time since their last period.
The procedure for removing the uterus tissue is called a surgical abortion.
You will be given a sedative before your procedure to reduce pain, but you may experience some feeling of being in pain. Most people are able to resume their usual activities within a day or two after a few days of cramped quarters.