Two Kinds of First Trimester Abortions: What’s Best for ME?
IN-CLINIC SURGICAL ABORTION
In-clinic surgical abortion is the most effective form of first trimester abortion and the most commonly performed. A surgical abortion is a safe, simple procedure that usually takes between five and ten minutes.
In a procedure room attended by healthcare professionals you will be asleep for approximately 5-10 minutes if you choose general anesthesia. Once you are asleep, a gynecologist will use gentle suction to remove the pregnancy from your uterus. You will rest in the recovery room for about 1 hour and then be discharged home. Needing to get a repeat procedure because the abortion didn’t work is extremely rare.A first trimester surgical procedure is one of the safest outpatient medical procedures, almost 100% effective, and Choices has performed them safely since 1971.
MEDICAL ABORTION (ABORTION PILL)
If you are less than 10 weeks or 71 days pregnant, you can usually get a medical abortion. If you are more then 10 weekssince the first day of your last period, you can have an in-clinic surgical abortionto end your pregnancy.
The medical abortion process has two steps and includes two different medicines.
First, you take a pill called mifepristone which stops the pregnancy from growing. Second,you take another set of 4 pills called misoprostol, 24 to 48 hours after taking the first pill.
Because the second pill empties the uterus, you will experience cramping and heavy bleeding. The pills can also cause pain, and sometimes, nausea, diarrhea or chills. After the pregnancy tissue is removed, the bleeding and pain become much less.The abortion by pill has a success rate of 91-95%. It is very important that you mustcome back to Choices no later than 2 weeks after your procedure for your post abortion checkup and sonogram to make sure that your uterus is empty. If your abortion fails, you may need to repeat the process or have an in-clinic surgical abortion
HOW LONG DOES A FIRST TRIMESTER ABORTION TAKE?
A SURGICAL ABORTION (4-5 hour at Choices)
The early surgical abortion process can usually be done the same day if you are up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, come in early in the day, have someone to take you home, and have not had anything to eat or drink.
On the day of your in-clinic surgical abortion, you will be registered, get lab tests and also have an ultrasound done to determine how far along your pregnancy is. You’ll then meet with a licensed clinical social worker to discuss your pregnancy options.
Your procedure will usually take 5-10 minutes and recovery time is about one hour. You must have an escort to take you home if you choose to go to sleep for your abortion.
A MEDICAL ABORTION (3-4 hours at Choices; an additional 24-48 hours at home)
On the first day of your medical abortion process, you will be registered, get lab tests and also have an ultrasound to determine how far along your pregnancy is. You’ll then meet with a licensed clinical social worker to discuss your pregnancy options and see if you are a candidate for medical abortion. After, you will meet with a provider who will give you your first medication and instructions on what to expect. At home, you will take your second set of pills as directed and complete your abortion understanding that you may experience heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or chills.
Which type of abortion is best for ME?
Surgical Abortion
Advantages:
- Faster procedure. Most in-clinic abortion procedures take about 5-10 minutes, while medical abortions can take up to 48 hours to complete.
- Procedure is done at a licensed health center with professional nurses, doctors, and trained staff with you the entire time.
- Minimal pain and can be asleep during your abortion.
- Most effective form of first trimester abortion, almost 100% effective, extremely rare to require a repeat procedure.
Disadvantages:
- Must be done in-clinic and you will be at Choices for about 4-5 hours including registration, lab work, sonogram, counseling, the procedure, and recovery.
- You must have an escort with you if you plan to be asleep during your procedure.
Medical Abortion
Advantages:
- Have an abortion in the privacy of your home, or a place that is comfortable to you.
- Prefer to have the choice of being alone to having others with and around you during the abortion process.
Disadvantages:
- Time period includes 3-4 hours at Choices including registration, lab work, sonogram, counseling, and meeting with a provider, and 48 hours at home.
- Extreme pain, cramping and bleeding and, sometimes, nausea, diarrhea or chills.
- Heavy bleeding and cramping during the passing of the pregnancy.
- Only 91-95% effective, may require repeat medical abortion or surgical abortion.
Your Choices doctor and licensed clinical social worker can give you information to help you decide which kind of abortion is best for you.
