Methods of Abortion: Aspiration Abortion
Women have several choices of available abortion methods. However, most abortion procedures are dependent on the stage of pregnancy. Aspiration abortion is one method available to women during within the first 12 weeks of their first trimester.
The Procedure
Aspiration abortion is also known as a manual vacuum aspiration, or machine vacuum aspiration (MVA). The procedure itself lasts a short five to 15 minutes and is relatively pain-free. The procedure required local anesthesia, but during recovery the patient may only need over the counter pain medications like ibuprofen to ease any discomfort.
The procedure is similar to a regular pelvic exam performed by a gynecologist. While lying on an exam table, the doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina to open the cervix. A cannula, a small straw-like tube, is then inserted into the uterus to suction out the contents of the uterus with a machine or hand-operated suction device.
An MVA abortion procedure calls for minimal sedation. The doctor also uses a numbing agent in the cervix to ease temporary discomfort. Some women opt for additional sedation including general anesthesia. In that case, the procedure would take place in an operating room instead of an exam room and the patient would remain asleep throughout the procedure.
What to Expect
The procedure will cause some discomfort. Most often, women describe the discomfort as comparable to menstrual cramps. However, the discomfort eases once the procedure is over.
Other reported side effects include nausea, sweating or feeling faint. Though these symptoms are normal, patients should immediately report any discomfort or side effects to their provider both during and after the procedure.
After an aspiration abortion, women are released from the clinic and advised to rest, but are encouraged to return to normal activities the next day. Over the counter pain medications can help ease any discomfort that may last after the procedure. A follow up visit is usually not needed.
Pros and Cons
This abortion procedure has several advantages.
- It is non-surgical
- It has a high success rate (at nearly 99%)
- It only requires one visit
- The procedure is quick (5-15 minutes long)
- It does not require sedation (though patients may choose to be sedated)
Like any procedure, there are disadvantages as well. Early in a pregnancy, a woman may prefer a medicinal abortion using a drug like RU-486, which can be taken privately at home. In the unlikely event that the aspiration is unsuccessful, a surgical procedure is often necessary to remove any remaining contents from the uterus.
Overall, aspiration abortion is a safe, reliable procedure women may elect during their first trimester. To learn more about this procedure or if it's right for you, contact a medical professional at a trusted abortion clinic or gynecologic practice.
The Procedure
Aspiration abortion is also known as a manual vacuum aspiration, or machine vacuum aspiration (MVA). The procedure itself lasts a short five to 15 minutes and is relatively pain-free. The procedure required local anesthesia, but during recovery the patient may only need over the counter pain medications like ibuprofen to ease any discomfort.
The procedure is similar to a regular pelvic exam performed by a gynecologist. While lying on an exam table, the doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina to open the cervix. A cannula, a small straw-like tube, is then inserted into the uterus to suction out the contents of the uterus with a machine or hand-operated suction device.
An MVA abortion procedure calls for minimal sedation. The doctor also uses a numbing agent in the cervix to ease temporary discomfort. Some women opt for additional sedation including general anesthesia. In that case, the procedure would take place in an operating room instead of an exam room and the patient would remain asleep throughout the procedure.
What to Expect
The procedure will cause some discomfort. Most often, women describe the discomfort as comparable to menstrual cramps. However, the discomfort eases once the procedure is over.
Other reported side effects include nausea, sweating or feeling faint. Though these symptoms are normal, patients should immediately report any discomfort or side effects to their provider both during and after the procedure.
After an aspiration abortion, women are released from the clinic and advised to rest, but are encouraged to return to normal activities the next day. Over the counter pain medications can help ease any discomfort that may last after the procedure. A follow up visit is usually not needed.
Pros and Cons
This abortion procedure has several advantages.
- It is non-surgical
- It has a high success rate (at nearly 99%)
- It only requires one visit
- The procedure is quick (5-15 minutes long)
- It does not require sedation (though patients may choose to be sedated)
Like any procedure, there are disadvantages as well. Early in a pregnancy, a woman may prefer a medicinal abortion using a drug like RU-486, which can be taken privately at home. In the unlikely event that the aspiration is unsuccessful, a surgical procedure is often necessary to remove any remaining contents from the uterus.
Overall, aspiration abortion is a safe, reliable procedure women may elect during their first trimester. To learn more about this procedure or if it's right for you, contact a medical professional at a trusted abortion clinic or gynecologic practice.
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