If you are researching the types of surgical abortions, you may have questions about how the procedures work, when they are performed, and what risks may be involved. Surgical abortion—also called procedural abortion—involves removing a pregnancy from the uterus through a medical procedure.
The procedure used depends primarily on how far the pregnancy has progressed, as well as the patient’s health and individual circumstances. Understanding the different procedures can help you know what questions to ask a licensed medical provider before making a decision.
Types Of Surgical Abortions
Different surgical abortions might require dilating (opening) the cervix and passing medical instruments into the uterus to suction, scrape, or pull the fetus out. The fetus’ level of growth determines the exact surgical procedure.
1. Aspiration or Suction Surgical Abortion
Aspiration, also called vacuum aspiration or suction aspiration, is one of the types of surgical abortions generally used earlier in pregnancy.
During an aspiration procedure, the cervix is gently opened, or dilated. A small tube is then inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. Suction is used to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
Pain-management options can vary and may include local anesthesia, medication, or sedation depending on the provider and individual circumstances.
Aspiration procedures are typically shorter than procedures performed later in pregnancy. Patients should ask their medical provider what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, including information about pain management and follow-up care.
2. Dilation and Evacuation Surgical Abortion (D & E)
Dilation and evacuation, commonly called D&E, is another type of surgical abortion. It is generally performed later in pregnancy than aspiration.
Because the pregnancy has progressed further, additional cervical dilation is usually necessary. The cervix may be prepared with medication or cervical dilators before the procedure.
During a D&E, the provider uses suction along with medical instruments, which may include forceps, to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Pain-management options can include local anesthesia, oral or intravenous medication, or sedation.
The amount of preparation and the specific techniques used can vary depending on gestational age, the patient’s health, and the provider’s medical protocol.
3. D&E After Viability or Late-Term Surgical Abortion
Procedures performed later in pregnancy can be more involved and may require preparation over more than one day.
The cervix may need to be gradually dilated before the procedure. Depending on the circumstances and gestational age, medication may also be administered before the procedure to stop fetal cardiac activity.
The provider then removes the pregnancy using appropriate medical and surgical techniques. The specific procedure depends on several factors, including gestational age, medical circumstances, applicable laws, and the practices of the medical facility.
Abortions later in pregnancy are less common than abortions earlier in pregnancy. Anyone considering a procedure later in pregnancy should speak directly with a qualified medical provider about what the procedure involves and its potential risks.
Risks Of A Surgical Abortion
Like other medical procedures, surgical abortion has potential risks and complications. These can vary depending on the procedure, gestational age, and individual medical circumstances.
Possible complications can include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to the cervix
- Perforation of the uterus
- Retained pregnancy tissue requiring additional treatment
- Intrauterine scarring in rare cases
- Reactions to medications or anesthesia
Serious complications are uncommon, but anyone considering an abortion should receive information about the potential risks and warning signs that require medical attention.
For additional medical information about abortion procedures and potential complications, you can review patient information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Why Gestational Age Matters
When comparing the different types of surgical abortions, gestational age is an important consideration. It can affect which procedures are available, how the cervix is prepared, what type of pain management may be used, and how the procedure is performed.
Gestational age is generally calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. An ultrasound can provide additional information about the pregnancy, including an estimate of gestational age.
Because every pregnancy and medical situation is different, information found online should not replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
Before You Schedule an Abortion
If you are considering an abortion, gathering accurate information about your pregnancy can be an important first step.
At Desert Rose Women’s Resource Center, you can schedule a confidential appointment for free pregnancy testing and information about your pregnancy. Depending on the services available at the Center, you may also be able to learn more about your pregnancy and the options available to you.
Understanding how far your pregnancy has progressed can help you ask informed questions about abortion procedures, potential risks, and other pregnancy options.
Our Centers do not offer, recommend or refer for abortions or abortifacients.