Ways of Performing Abortions

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Ways of Performing Abortions

Medical abortion offers a new alternative to women in the U.S. seeking

to terminate their pregnancies. Medical abortion uses drugs to stop

the development of the embryo and to cause uterine cramping and

bleeding that expels the pregnancy. Medical abortion is available

early in pregnancy-before seven to nine weeks from a woman's last

menstrual period, depending on the method used. More than 90% of women

who use medical abortion successfully terminate their pregnancies.

Otherwise, a suction abortion is done.

Side effects to the drugs used in a medical abortion are usually mild

and may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain/cramping,

dizziness, vaginal bleeding, and headache.

Pregnancy termination may be completed within a few days after the

administration of medications or it may take up to 1 month. The

pregnancy may be passed at an unpredictable or inconvenient time. The

woman may see the pregnancy tissue. She will want to consider these

factors in her decision making process.

What is suction abortion?

Suction abortion is a technique that has been used since 1967. It is a

relatively simple and safe procedure.

· The physician first does a bimanual exam (using one hand on the

abdomen and two fingers in the vagina) to determine how many weeks

pregnant you are.

· A sterile cloth is then put over your legs and abdomen and a sterile

speculum is inserted into the vagina to view your cervix.

· Next, your cervix is numbed by several small injections of local

anesthetic in and around it. (Let your practitioner know if you are

allergic to any medications.) The injections may cause a stinging or

burning sensation.

· A clamp called a tenaculum is then used to hold the cervix steady

for the duration of the procedure. The size of the uterus may be

measured internally by inserting a thin probe. This may result in some

cramping. The opening in the cervix is dilated which may again result

in some cramping.

· A small, flexible plastic tube (about the size of a pencil) is

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