Termination pregnancy procedure
What Happens During an In-Clinic Abortion?
In This Section
- In-Clinic Abortion
- What happens during an in-clinic abortion?
- What can I expect after an in-clinic abortion?
- How safe is an in-clinic abortion?
- How do I get an in-clinic abortion?
You’ll go to a health center for counseling, an exam, and the abortion. The abortion itself usually takes 5-10 minutes, and you’ll get medicine to help with any pain.
What do I need to do before my in-clinic abortion procedure?
Before your abortion, you’ll meet with your nurse, doctor, or health center counselor to talk about whether abortion is the right decision for you, and your abortion options. You’ll get an exam and lab tests, and maybe an ultrasound to figure out how far into your pregnancy you are.
Your nurse or doctor will let you know if there’s anything else you need to do to prepare for your abortion. They’ll give you written instructions on how to care for yourself after your abortion and how to take any medication they give you. You’ll also get a number you can call 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Some bleeding and cramping is common after an abortion. So plan ahead to make your recovery time more comfortable. Give yourself the rest of the day to relax. Have maxi pads ready, and a heating pad for cramps in case you need it.
Make sure you have some pain medication like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) — but don’t take aspirin because it can make you bleed more.
How do abortions work?
Before your abortion, you’ll get pain medicine to help with cramping. Some people might get medicine that either makes you relax or puts you to sleep completely. Your nurse or doctor will discuss your options with you. You’ll also get antibiotics to help prevent infections.
A nurse or doctor may give you medication to help open your cervix before your abortion. Depending on the type of abortion, they may put small dilator sticks called laminaria into the opening of your cervix a day or a few hours before your procedure to slowly stretch your cervix open.
A staff person will be in the procedure room the whole time. Their job is to support you and help the doctor or nurse during your abortion.
During an abortion procedure, the doctor or nurse will:
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examine your uterus
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put a speculum in to see into your vagina
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inject a numbing medication into or near your cervix
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stretch the opening of your cervix with a series of dilating rods if you haven’t had them put in earlier
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insert a thin tube through your cervix into your uterus
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use a small, hand-held device that removes pregnancy tissue out of your uterus
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possibly use a small surgical tool called a curette to remove any tissue that’s left in your uterus, or check to make sure your uterus is totally empty.
Once your abortion is over, you’ll hang out in a recovery area until you feel better and are ready to leave.
This type of abortion only takes about 5 to 10 minutes. But your appointment will take longer because you’ll need to have an exam, read and sign forms, and stay in the recovery room for up to about an hour after the abortion is done.
Thinking about birth control? You can get an implant, shot, or prescription for birth control while you’re there. Some doctors, abortion clinics, and Planned Parenthood health centers can put an IUD in your uterus right after your abortion, during the same procedure.
What happens during a D&E (dilation and evacuation) procedure?
D&E is usually used for abortions later than 16 weeks after your last period. Before a D&E abortion, your nurse or doctor will prepare your cervix. This means you may get medication that helps open your cervix. Your doctor might also put small, dilator sticks called laminaria into the opening of your cervix a day or a few hours before the procedure to help slowly stretch your cervix open.
For later second-trimester abortions, you may also need a shot through your abdomen (belly) before the procedure starts.
Before your abortion, you’ll get pain medicine to help with cramping. You may be able to get medicine that either makes you relax or puts you to sleep completely. You’ll also get antibiotics to help prevent infections.
A staff person will be in the procedure room the whole time. There job is to support you and help the doctor or nurse during the abortion.
During a D&E abortion, the doctor or nurse will:
-
examine your uterus
-
put a speculum in to see into your vagina
-
inject a numbing medication into or near your cervix
-
stretch the opening of your cervix with a series of dilating rods
-
insert a thin tube through your cervix into your uterus
-
use a combination of medical tools to remove the pregnancy tissue out of your uterus
Once the procedure is done, you’ll hang out in a recovery area until you feel better and are ready to leave.
A D&E procedure usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes. But your appointment will take longer because you’ll need to have an exam, read and sign forms, get your cervix prepared, and stay in the recovery room for up to about an hour after the abortion is done.
If you’re interested in birth control, ask about getting an implant, IUD, shot, or prescription for another kind of birth control while you’re there.
Does an abortion hurt?
Having an abortion feels different for everyone — it can be super painful or just a little uncomfortable. Your level of discomfort can depend on the medications you get, how far into your pregnancy you are, and how much cramping and pain you have. For most people, it feels like strong period cramps.
Your doctors and nurses will help make your abortion as comfortable as possible. You’ll get pain and numbing medications that will make it hurt less and you may get sedation.
You may have a little cramping after your abortion.
You’ll probably want to take it easy for a while afterward, but most people feel back to normal the next day.
- Yes
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Medical abortion - Mayo Clinic
Overview
Medical abortion is a procedure that uses medicine to end a pregnancy. A medical abortion doesn't require surgery or anesthesia. It can be started in a medical office or at home with follow-up visits to your health care provider.
It's safest and most effective during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you're considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications and alternatives.
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- Book: Your Guide to Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss
- Book: Your Sexual Health
Why it's done
The reasons for having a medical abortion are highly personal. You can choose medical abortion to complete an early miscarriage or end an unintended pregnancy. You can also choose to have a medical abortion if you have a medical condition that makes continuing a pregnancy life-threatening.
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Risks
Potential risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn't work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
If you decide to continue the pregnancy after taking medicine used in medical abortion, your pregnancy may be at risk of major complications.
Medical abortion hasn't been shown to affect future pregnancies unless complications develop.
Medical abortion isn't an option if you:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy. You shouldn't attempt a medical abortion if you've been pregnant for more than nine weeks (after the start of your last period). Some types of medical abortion aren't done after seven weeks of pregnancy.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy.
- Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
- Can't make follow-up visits to your provider or don't have access to emergency care.
- Have an allergy to the medicine used.
A surgical procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) may be an option if you can't have a medical abortion.
How you prepare
Before a medical abortion, your health care provider will likely:
- Evaluate your medical history and overall health
- Confirm your pregnancy with a physical exam
- Do an ultrasound exam to date the pregnancy and check that it's not outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) and not a tumor that developed in the uterus (molar pregnancy)
- Do blood and urine tests
- Explain how the procedure works, the side effects, and possible risks and complications
Making the decision to have an abortion might not be easy. Consider seeking support from your partner, a family member or a friend as you think about your options. Talk with your health care provider to get answers to your questions, help you weigh alternatives and consider the impact the procedure may have on your future.
No health care provider is required to perform an elective abortion. In some places, an elective abortion may not be legal. Or there may be certain legal requirements and waiting periods to follow before having an elective abortion. If you're having an abortion procedure for a miscarriage, there are no special legal requirements or waiting periods required.
What you can expect
Medical abortion doesn't require surgery or anesthesia. The procedure can be started in a medical office or clinic. A medical abortion can also be done at home, though you'll still need to visit your health care provider to be sure there are no complications.
During the procedure
Medical abortion can be done using these medicines:
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Oral mifepristone (Mifeprex) and oral misoprostol (Cytotec). This is the most common type of medical abortion. These medicines are usually taken within seven weeks of the first day of your last period.
Mifepristone (mif-uh-PRIS-tone) blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin and preventing the embryo from staying implanted and growing.
Misoprostol (my-so-PROS-tol), a different kind of medicine, causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.You may take the mifepristone in your provider's office or clinic. Then you might take the misoprostol at home, hours or days later.
You'll need to visit your health care provider again about a week later to make sure the abortion is complete. This regimen is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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Oral mifepristone and vaginal, buccal or sublingual misoprostol. With this type of medical abortion, you take a mifepristone tablet by mouth. The next step is to use a slowly dissolving misoprostol tablet placed in your vagina (vaginal route), in your mouth between your teeth and cheek (buccal route), or under your tongue (sublingual route).
The vaginal, buccal or sublingual approach lessens side effects and may be more effective. To be most effective, these medicines must be taken within nine weeks of the first day of your last period.
- Methotrexate and vaginal misoprostol. Methotrexate is rarely used for elective, unintended pregnancies, although it's still used for pregnancies outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancies). This type of medical abortion must be done within seven weeks of the first day of your last period. It can take up to a month for methotrexate to complete the abortion. You receive methotrexate as a shot or a pill you take by mouth. The misoprostol is later used at home.
- Vaginal misoprostol alone. Vaginal misoprostol alone can be effective when used before nine weeks of gestation of the embryo. But vaginal misoprostol alone is less effective than other types of medical abortion.
The medicines used in a medical abortion cause vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. They may also cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
You may be given medicine to manage pain during and after the medical abortion.
You may also be given antibiotics, although infection after medical abortion is rare.
Your health care provider will let you know how much pain and bleeding to expect, depending on the number of weeks of your pregnancy. You might not be able to go about your usual daily routine during this time, but it's unlikely you'll need bed rest. Make sure you have plenty of absorbent sanitary pads.
If you have a medical abortion at home, you'll need access to a health care provider who can answer questions by phone and access to emergency services. You'll also need to be able to identify complications.
After the procedure
Signs and symptoms that may require medical attention after a medical abortion include:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
After a medical abortion, you'll need a follow-up visit with your provider to make sure you're healing properly and to evaluate your uterine size, bleeding and any signs of infection.
To reduce the risk of infection, don't put anything into your vagina for two weeks after the abortion.
Your health care provider may ask if you still feel pregnant, if you saw the expulsion of the gestational sac or embryo, how much bleeding you had, and whether you're still bleeding. If your provider suspects an incomplete abortion or ongoing pregnancy, you may need an ultrasound and possibly a surgical abortion.
After a medical abortion, you may have a mix of emotions, including relief, loss, sadness or guilt. If these feelings bother you, it might help to talk to a counselor about them.
Preventing pregnancy
Ovulation usually occurs as soon as two weeks after a medical abortion, and another pregnancy is possible even before your period begins. Before the abortion, talk to your provider about contraception that you can start as soon as the procedure is over.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Related
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Medical termination of pregnancy in the early stages in Nizhny Novgorod at the Tonus clinic, medical abortion, mini abortion
Termination of pregnancy is an important step in the life of a woman who is going to do this.
It is important to think carefully about everything, and also, to choose a clinic where you would like to have an abortion. After you have made up your mind, the question arises, where to have an abortion? Not all clinics are licensed to perform abortions, so if you want to do abortion, clinic , in which it will be performed, must have the appropriate permission.
In our country, at her own request, a woman can have an abortion for up to 12 weeks. There are also various indications for termination of pregnancy. Abortion for social reasons a woman can do up to 22 weeks, for medical - at any stage of pregnancy.
Abortion in this case is performed after determining the indications for it by a gynecologist and related specialists. The reason for termination of pregnancy for medical reasons can be both a serious pathology on the part of the woman and on the part of the fetus. Only a competent and experienced gynecologist will help you decide on the choice of the method of abortion - medical, mini-abortion or surgical.
The best is early termination of pregnancy . Early termination of pregnancy reduces the risk of complications in the future and can be carried out without the use of invasive techniques.
Early termination of pregnancy. Medical abortion
Medical abortion is one of the safest methods and an excellent alternative to surgical abortion. Medical abortion is performed up to 6 weeks of pregnancy. When holding medical termination of pregnancy in the early stages, drugs are used that, by their mechanism of action, inhibit the synthesis of progesterone.
Medical abortion is performed only under the strict supervision of a gynecologist. After medical termination of pregnancy, an ultrasound scan is required to examine the uterine cavity.
Early termination of pregnancy by medical abortion method does not impair the woman's reproductive function. According to many studies, after medical termination of pregnancy, ovulation is restored in the shortest possible time.
An additional positive quality of medical abortion is the possibility of its implementation directly on the day of treatment.
Early termination of pregnancy - mini-abortion
Mini-abortion as a method of early termination of pregnancy can be performed from 6 to 12 weeks. The main technique for mini-abortion is vacuum aspiration. The fertilized egg is removed from the uterine cavity using a special electric suction. This option for early termination of pregnancy is more gentle than the standard options for surgical abortion.
We must not forget that the sooner have an abortion , the lower the risk of complications.
The procedure takes about 5 minutes and the woman can go home within a few hours after the procedure. The uterine mucosa, unlike curettage, is slightly injured. A contraindication to abortion in this way is the presence of infection in the acute period. After the mini-abortion, a control ultrasound examination of the uterine cavity is performed.
Where to have an abortion?
Many women (especially young women), in order not to advertise their pregnancy, start looking for options, where to have an abortion . It must be remembered that it is most correct to have an abortion in a clinic, under the supervision of specialists, and not with the help of folk remedies.
An abortion made outside the walls of a medical institution that has the right to perform this manipulation is called criminal. A self-performed abortion by untested means can lead to serious consequences. In this case, a woman risks not only the possibility of having children in the future, but also her health.
Medical abortion
Termination of pregnancy by indications or at the request of a woman for a period of 6 to 12 weeks can be performed by curettage of the uterine cavity. This procedure is a surgical procedure and requires preparation. As with any other operation, all the necessary tests are given.
Termination of pregnancy is carried out on an empty stomach, as the woman is given anesthesia.
In the postoperative period during the month you need to refrain from sexual intercourse, do not go to the sauna, bath, bathing in water, it is not recommended to take a bath. All these measures are aimed at preventing infection.
It is also not advisable to overcool, be subjected to excessive stress and physical exertion for some time. It is necessary to give the body a rest, so that in the future there will be no problems with conception.
After the abortion, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist. During the appointment, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination with obligatory ultrasound control, as well as select the optimal method of contraception, which will help to avoid unwanted pregnancies in the future, and therefore new abortions. A large number of abortions brings with it a large number of complications that can affect the reproductive potential of a woman.
Psychological support for a woman is also important, both before and after an abortion. The doctor in this case should be not only a competent specialist, but also a sensitive psychologist who can encourage the patient.
A great role is given to conversations with a woman, since she must understand that the doctor is on her side and in no case condemns the perfect act.
Within a month after the abortion, women should monitor their well-being.
If you experience pain, bleeding, fever or other unusual phenomena, you should definitely visit a gynecologist for a comprehensive examination and identify the cause of the symptoms.
Where to have an abortion in Nizhny Novgorod?
Termination of pregnancy in Nizhny Novgorod is performed by experienced specialists at Tonus Medical Center. It is possible to carry out manipulations at various stages of pregnancy. An abortion performed at Tonus Medical Center is a safe procedure carried out by highly qualified doctors who choose an individual approach to each woman and provide reliable medical care.
You can make an appointment at the Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology by calling 8 (831) 411-11-22
Gynecologist's help during pregnancy (Sergiev Posad)
Gynecologist's help during pregnancy
ATTENTION: You can independently make an appointment with a doctor 24/7 in the Mobile application "Clinic PARACELS"
Online consultations of doctors are available (more than 18 specialties).
Termination of pregnancy may be required in various situations - it may be unwanted or undesirable for health reasons. In order for the procedure to go without consequences and with minimal health risks, many women resort to medical abortion. It is carried out in the early stages of fetal development. This approach helps to preserve the reproductive health of women.
Termination of pregnancy (medical abortion) at the Paracelsus clinic, Sergiev Posad
In medical abortion, our doctors use a combination of 2 drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, which cause a non-surgical termination of pregnancy for up to 6 weeks.
They contribute to uterine contractions and expulsion of the fetus.
Due to the fact that only pills affect the woman's body, the procedure is effective and safe. This type of abortion is sparing for both physical and psychological health.
A decision on pharmacological termination of pregnancy should be made only after consultation with a gynecologist and a comprehensive examination.
To exclude possible complications, a woman needs to determine the exact gestational age before the procedure. The express test does not allow obtaining reliable information, so the gynecologist directs the patient to an ultrasound of the fetus and takes a smear on the flora.
Action
Medicines taken by a pregnant woman block the action of progesterone, a hormone responsible for preparing the female body for bearing a child. Medical termination of pregnancy is chosen by 70 to 80% of all women who decide on a pharmaceutical abortion.
Deadlines
Medical abortion has time limits:
- up to 6 weeks - with the help of pharmacological agents that provoke termination of pregnancy - "Misoprostol", "Mifepristone" is carried out in a day hospital.
- from 6-9 weeks - exclusively in a round-the-clock hospital.
Important: the indicated terms are relevant for a pregnancy that proceeds without complications.
Contraindications
Absolute contraindications for medical abortion are diabetes mellitus, ectopic pregnancy. Relative contraindications:
- renal or hepatic insufficiency;
- taking steroids;
- installed coil;
- uterine fibroids is a benign tumor.
You can learn more about contraindications at the appointment with our specialist.
How is it going
The medical abortion procedure consists of four visits to the gynecologist. The abortion procedure itself is carried out in 2 stages - the first and second appointments with a difference of 1-2 days. 2 weeks after the procedure, you need to visit a doctor.
First appointment
Before medical termination of an unwanted pregnancy, a woman is prescribed several examinations:
- general analysis of urine and blood;
- determination of blood group and Rh factor;
- tests for syphilis and hepatitis B, C.
At the first appointment with a gynecologist, a woman receives information about available abortion methods and receives a referral for psychological counseling. Before an abortion, the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy is necessarily excluded.
If the examination reveals inflammation of the uterus or bacterial vaginosis, medical abortion is carried out in parallel with the appointment of antibacterial agents.
Second appointment
The second time a woman comes to the gynecologist, having finally decided on the procedure, she gives written consent.
The patient is given 1 dose of drugs - first "Mifepristone", which has an antiprogesterone effect. Under its action, the cervix is \u200b\u200bpreparing for a miscarriage. Against the background of taking one pill, a woman does not feel changes in the body.
Third visit to the doctor
At the third appointment with the gynecologist, after 24-48 hours, the woman is given the second part of the pills, which directly provoke uterine contractions and miscarriage.
The method of administration of the drug into the body depends on the period:
- vaginally;
- sublingual;
- orally - by mouth.
In 95% of women after the second dose of the drug, spotting is observed within 3-4 hours.
You can sign up for medical termination of early pregnancy in Sergiev Posad at the Paracelsus Medical Center.
Fourth reception
At the control appointment with a gynecologist, the patient is examined on a gynecological chair, a control ultrasound of the pelvic organs is done. The examination is performed 2 weeks after the miscarriage. By this time, the uterine cavity is significantly reduced.
Possible consequences
Despite the simplicity of pharmacological abortion, its consequences can be quite serious. They are associated primarily with the action of drugs. They contain hormones that provoke various effects:
- headache;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- decrease in the body's immune defenses;
- violation of the microflora of the cervix, which can lead to inflammatory processes.
Among the common consequences of medical abortion are severe abdominal pain, bleeding. Due to the strong hormonal failure in the female body, the consequences of medical abortion can occur even several months after the procedure. It is important to regularly visit a gynecologist and conduct appropriate examinations.
Benefits of the method
The main advantages of medical abortion:
- high efficiency up to 98%;
- the ability to terminate a pregnancy at an early stage;
- lasts a few minutes and does not require complex preparation;
- the woman does not need anesthesia;
- does not require surgery;
- procedure excludes cervical trauma;
- you can not bring the infection into the internal genital organs of a woman;
- is the preferred method for those who have not given birth before.
In rare cases, after a medical abortion has already been carried out, part of the fetal egg remains in the uterus, which requires surgical intervention.
