Medical vs Surgical Abortions
At Zoe’s Place, we receive calls from people seeking what they refer to as the “abortion pill.” While there is actually no such thing, what they are referring to is a medical abortion or RU-486. Below is a summary of the difference between a medical abortion and a surgical one.
Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, your medical history and situation will depend on what type of abortion your doctor will suggest. It’s important to understand the procedures fully before undergoing either option. There are risk factors for both and neither option is a “quick fix” like the misnomer “abortion pill” suggests. It’s not like taking a Panadol for a headache and moving along with your day.
Medical Abortion:
A medical abortion can be performed up to nine weeks after the First Day of your Last Menstrual Period. Also known as RU – 486, two medicines are taken within 24 – 48 hours of each other. The first, Mifepristone, weakens the attachment of the baby to the uterus by blocking the action of progesterone which is needed to sustain a pregnancy.
The second medication (Misoprostol) is either ingested, placed between the cheek and gum, or inserted into the vagina whereby it softens the cervix and begins to contract the uterus. Eventually (it can take a few days or even a few weeks), the embryo is expelled from the uterus.
Complications or side effects can include but are not limited to:
Cramping (can feel like anything from mild period pain to debilitating cramps)
Bleeding
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Fever
Chills
A follow-up appointment with your doctor is necessary within about two weeks after the abortion to examine whether the entire pregnancy has been expelled. Sometimes complications arise and parts are left behind which means a second procedure, (suction curettage) must be performed.
Surgical Abortion:
There are several types of surgical abortions and many medical terms which can be confusing to understand.
If the First Day of your Last Menstrual Period was between 7 and 12 weeks, a procedure called a Suction and Curettage or a D &C (Dilation and Curettage or sometimes called Vacuum Aspiration) might be used. If you are further along (after 12 but before 17 weeks), the procedure is called a D & E (Dilation and Evacuation). If between 17 and 20 weeks, Prostaglandins are used.
In all three of these procedures, the cervix is dilated and an instrument is used to remove the baby and the placenta from the uterus. This can either be by suction through a tube inserted into the uterus, by a curette (a spoon-like instrument), or forceps if the pregnancy is further along. The lining of the uterus is then scraped to ensure complete removal of the pregnancy.
Various forms of anaesthetic can be used from a local or light general to an epidural block.
Complications which can arise from a surgical abortion include but are not limited to:
Trauma to the Cervix (it’s being opened prematurely and this can affect its competency for future pregnancies)
Infection (if left untreated can cause future infertility)
Perforation of the uterus
Haemorrhage
Increased risk of breast cancer
Retained contents (if the procedure fails to eliminate the entire baby and placenta, severe bleeding and infection can occur and a subsequent curettage may be needed)
Psychological trauma
It’s important to understand which procedure you are undergoing and to feel you can ask questions and have time to make a decision. There is no rush, contrary to popular belief. You can discuss your options with one of our qualified support team members at Zoe’s Place. All of our services are free and confidential.
If you would like to make an appointment to speak to one of our client support staff, please send us a message. They will help you navigate the situation and make a good decision.