Surgical abortion. It is a procedure to end a pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the mother’s uterus (womb).
Description
In a surgical abortion, an obstetric suction cup is used to remove the fetus and related material from the mother’s uterus (womb). The procedure is usually done 6 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. You may be given medicine (sedative) to help you relax and feel sleepy. The doctor can numb the cervix so that you feel little pain during the procedure. If the surgical abortion is performed after 12 weeks of pregnancy, the doctor must first open or dilate the cervical canal. Small stems, called laminaria, are placed inside the cervix to help it open. Sometimes this is done a day or two before the actual abortion procedure. The doctor then places a hollow tube into the uterus before using the suction cup to remove the pregnancy- related tissues from there . Medications may be given to help the uterine muscles contract, which reduces bleeding.
Types of surgical abortion
Sometimes a woman needs the procedure for health reasons. This is called a therapeutic abortion. Other times, she decides (chooses) to end the pregnancy , which is called an induced abortion.
Why the procedure is performed
There are several reasons why an abortion might be considered:
- The fetus has a birth defect or a genetic problem.
- The pregnancy is harmful to women ‘s health (therapeutic abortion).
- The pregnancy occurred after a traumatic event such as rape or incest.
- The woman may not want to be pregnant (induced abortion).
The decision to end a pregnancy is a very personal one, and most doctors recommend careful counseling before making such a decision. Abortion is a controversial issue. A woman who decides to end the pregnancy may feel that she cannot share her decision with other people. Therefore, it is important for her to identify those who can help her during what may be a difficult time. Women trying to make this difficult decision should find a safe place where they can obtain adequate counseling regarding all options for pregnancy resolution. If a woman decides to have an abortion, she must find a safe place where this procedure can be performed and obtain appropriate medical support and follow-up afterward.
Risks
The risks of surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the uterus or cervix.
- Emotional or psychological distress.
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes.
The risks of a surgical abortion increase as a woman progresses through her pregnancy . For this reason, it is important to make a decision about abortion as early as possible, when the procedure is safest.
Risks of anesthesia
- Reactions to medications.
- Respiratory problems.
Surgery risks
- Bleeding
- Infection.
Call your doctor if you have had a surgical abortion and have:
- Excessive vaginal bleeding (can lead to shock ).
- Ongoing pregnancy pain or symptoms (possible sign of ectopic pregnancy ).
- Signs of infection, including persistent fever , vaginal discharge with a foul odor, vaginal discharge that looks like pus, or abdominal pain or tenderness.
After the procedure
Complications rarely occur. Most women who have a surgical abortion performed at an appropriate medical facility recover without any physical complications. Some women may need psychological and emotional support at the time of the procedure. It can help to seek advice before making this difficult decision.
Forecast
Physical recovery usually occurs in a few days, depending on the stage of the pregnancy. For a few days, a small amount of vaginal bleeding can be expected, as well as mild uterine cramping. Hot baths, using a heating pad, or a hot water bottle on the abdomen can help relieve discomfort. Strenuous activity should be avoided for a few days after the abortion, and tampons can be used after 3 days. Also, sexual intercourse should be avoided for 2 to 3 weeks. The normal menstrual period should occur 4 to 6 weeks after the operation.
It is important to start using birth control immediately after the abortion procedure, since it is possible to get pregnant again even before having a normal menstrual period. Improved methods of contraception can help prevent many unintended pregnancies. However, unintended pregnancies occur even when couples use birth control methods.
Alternative names
Suction curettage; Surgical abortion; Abortion; Surgical therapeutic abortion.