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Common Abortion Methods

Learn more about abortion pills and procedures and all your options.

The Abortion Pill

The abortion pill is two different drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken in one or two doses. The number of pills ordered can be determined by how far along you are.  It is FDA-approved up through 10 weeks after a woman's last menstrual period. The abortion pill is not an option for people with certain medical conditions, if the pregnancy is not viable, or if the pregnancy occurs outside of the uterus.

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It's important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy or a natural miscarriage and find out how far along you are via ultrasound. Conception calculators can only estimate a potential due date. Contact us for a free ultrasound and to learn more about abortion pills and your options.

Image by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition

Note: The abortion pill goes by many names including missed period pills, at-home abortion, self-managed abortion, 10-week-after pills, plan-c pills, medication, medical, or chemical abortion. It is not the same as emergency contraceptives. The FDA issued a warning about abortion by mail and new safety regulations. Your health and safety come first here. Contact us to learn more. 

Aspiration Abortion

A vacuum aspiration abortion is a procedure where the contents of the uterus are emptied via vacuum and suction. A vacuum aspiration abortion procedure is typically utilized for first-trimester pregnancies up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. A vacuum aspiration abortion can be performed with a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) or electrical vacuum aspiration (EVA), depending on how far along the pregnancy has developed.
 

In a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) procedure, a plastic tube device called a cannula is connected to a syringe used to suction out the contents of the uterus. In an electrical vacuum aspiration (EVA), an electrical device is used to provide continuous suction. Before a vacuum aspiration procedure, the cervix typically has to be dilated.

Symptoms of a vacuum aspiration abortion will include vaginal bleeding, though it is reportedly less severe than the bleeding involved in other abortion procedures. It is recommended that if anesthesia is used for the procedure, patients be careful not to drive or attempt, operate machinery, or perform any tasks which require concentration for the first 48 hours after an abortion. Vacuum Aspiration Procedure RisksRisks of a vacuum aspiration abortion include

  • Bleeding

  • Infection

  • Retained Products of Conception

  • Uterine Perforation (tearing in the uterus)

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Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

A dilation and evacuation (D&C) abortion procedure, otherwise known as a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure, is performed for pregnancies that are at 13 weeks or more progressed. This procedure involves using small instruments to dilate, or expand, the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. A sharp instrument called a curette is then used to dismantle and remove the contents of the uterus.

 

D&C Procedure Risks

Complications from dilation and curettage are rare. However, there are risks, including:

  • Puncture or tear in the uterus. A tear in the uterus can occur when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus. This is more common in women who were recently pregnant. Most tears heal naturally. However, if there is damage to a blood vessel or other organ, a procedure might be necessary to repair the fissure.

  • Damage to the cervix. If the cervix is torn during a D&C, your provider can apply pressure or medicine to stop the bleeding or can close the wound with stitches (sutures). This might be prevented if the cervix is softened with medication before the procedure.

  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall. A D&C procedure rarely results in scar tissue in the uterus, a condition known as Asherman’s syndrome. Asherman’s syndrome occurs most often when a D&C is conducted after a miscarriage or delivery. This can lead to unusual, absent, or painful menstrual cycles, future miscarriages, and infertility. It can often be treated with surgery.

  • Infection after a D&C is rare but possible. Be sure you follow up with your healthcare provider after undergoing a D&C to ensure there are no complications or signs of infection.

    You should contact a healthcare provider after a D&C abortion procedure if you experience any of the following:

  • Heavy bleeding that requires you to change pads every hour

  • Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Fever

  • Cramps lasting more than 48 hours

  • Pain that gets worse instead of getting better

  • Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina

    Emotional Effects of Abortion
    Many people experience feelings of anxiety, anger, and abandonment following an abortion. These feelings can continue for months or even years afterward. This is known as post-abortion stress syndrome. If you are experiencing this following your abortion, know you are not alone, and there is support and help for you at Wish Medical Women's Health. At Wish Medical Women's Health, we believe you deserve objective information concerning all your pregnancy options, free from the bias of organizations that potentially profit from your pregnancy choice. Wish Medical Women's Health does not provide or refer for abortion services or the abortion pill. Alternatively, we offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasound services in Moscow, ID and Pullman, WA, as well as options education and post-abortion support services.

References

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