Abortion Procedures
Medication Abortions
Medication abortion is the use of medicine to end pregnancy. There are three steps to complete a medication abortion.
Step One
One of two drugs will be used to terminate the pregnancy: methotrexate or mifepristone (RU-486).
- Methotrexate stops the pregnancy in the uterus. It can also end ectopic pregnancies (where the fetus develops in the fallopian tubes).
- Mifepristone (RU-486) blocks the production of the hormone progesterone. Without this crucial pregnancy hormone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, ending the pregnancy.
Step Two
About a week after the first step, a medication called misoprostol is taken. This will cause the uterus to contract and expel the fetus.
Step Three
A follow-up appointment is necessary to be sure that the fetus was expelled. If any part of the fetus remains, a surgical abortion must be performed.
Heavy bleeding and cramping may occur after taking the misoprostal, and can last up to two weeks. Spotting may continue for a few weeks after that.
Surgical Abortions
The three most common methods are manual vacuum aspiration, dilation and suction curettage, and dilation and evacuation. The method used depends on how long you have been pregnant — the number of days since the first day of your last period.
Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA)
This procedure removes the fetus using the suction of a manual syringe. It is often used for very early surgical abortion. It can be done up to 10 weeks after your last period.
Dilation and suction curettage (D&C)
Also known as vacuum aspiration, this procedure involves machine-operated suction used to remove the fetus. A narrow metal loop with a steel edge called a curette is then used to scrape away the fetus and the placenta (wall of the uterus). This method is used for early surgical abortion. It is performed from six to 14 weeks after your last period.
Dilation and evacuation (D&E)
This type of abortion is done after the third month of pregnancy.
In this two-part procedure, the cervix is dialated by inserting Laminaria sticks (made out of steralized seaweed). The fetus is expelled with medical instruments, suction, and curettage (see above).
Heavy bleeding and cramping are potential side-effects of surgical abortions. In some cases, there can be other damage to the cervix or uterus. If this does occur, some studies suggest it can cause problems such as miscarriage in future pregnancies, and may affect your ability to become pregnant later.
After you have an abortion, you may want to process your feelings about your experience. Please contact the Caris Pregnancy Clinic nearest you to set up an appointment to speak confidentially with a counselor.
