Types of Abortion Procedures
Ending a Pregnancy: Abortion TYPES OF ABORTION PROCEDURES
Medical Abortion (also known as RU 486 or Mifeprex®)
(Up to 7 to 9 weeks only)
A medical abortion is a non-surgical method used to induce an abortion up to nine weeks after the start of the last menstrual period (LMP). The actual time limit may vary depending on the policy of the abortion provider you choose. Medication is given either orally (Mifeprex, also called RU 486 or Mifepristone) or by injection (Methotrexate). This is followed by a second medication (Cytotec, also called Misoprostol). The combination of the two medications induces a miscarriage-in the privacy of your own home. A medical abortion may be an option if: • | It has been seven to nine weeks or less since the start of your last menstrual period. | • | You are willing and able to give informed consent for emergency medical care at a hospital, if needed. | • | You live no more than two hours away from follow-up appointments. | • | You agree to have a surgical abortion should the medications not result in the termination of the pregnancy (less than five percent of the time). |
Follow-up visits are extremely important to ensure that the abortion has been completed. The procedure requires at least two visits to the clinic. Side effects associated with medical abortion include cramps and bleeding, and may include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills and/or fatigue. Surgical Abortion: First Trimester (6 to 14 weeks)
VACUUM ASPIRATION (VA OR SUCTION CURETTAGE)
This is one of the most common methods used to terminate a pregnancy from six to fourteen weeks after the start of the last menstrual period (LMP). It involves three main steps: an injection to numb the cervix, insertion of a soft, flexible tube (cannula) through the cervix into the uterine cavity, and then attachment of the cannula to a source of gentle suction-an electric pump-that draws out the uterine contents.When a syringe is used instead of an electric pump, the procedure is called manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). The physician may also use a spoon-shaped instrument, called a curette, to ensure that the abortion is complete. Although the procedure itself takes from five to fifteen minutes, the appointment may require one or two visits to the clinic. Local anesthesia is all that is necessary to alleviate pain, but some providers offer stronger medication, such as conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Side effects associated with vacuum aspiration include abdominal cramping (for a few days) and irregular bleeding or spotting (for up to two weeks). Surgical Abortion: Second Trimester (14 to 24 weeks, possibly later)
DILATION AND EVACUATION (D&E)
Dilation and evacuation is the most common second-trimester abortion procedure. It is available at limited health care facilities in Colorado until twenty-four weeks after the start of the last menstrual period (LMP). Appointments usually require two to three consecutive days. On the first day, an ultrasound may be performed to determine the size of the fetus, and a laminaria (a sterilized seaweed derivative) is inserted into the cervical canal to cause the cervix to gradually dilate or open up. About twenty-four hours later, when the cervix is sufficiently dilated, the doctor uses a vacuum aspiration instrument, often along with forceps, to perform the abortion. The physician may then use a spoon-shaped instrument, called a curette, to ensure that the abortion is complete. The procedure might require up to thirty minutes. Conscious sedation and local anesthesia are used to alleviate pain, but some providers offer stronger medication, such as general anesthesia. Side effects associated with a D&E include abdominal cramping (for a few days) and irregular bleeding or spotting (up to two weeks).
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