Surgical Abortion:
What You Should Know
Types of Surgical Abortion Procedures You May Consider
Suction Aspiration Abortion
Also known as Manual Vacuum Aspiration, this procedure is a surgical abortion generally performed within 7 weeks from the last period.
The cervix is stretched open with dilators (metal rods), and a hollow plastic tube is inserted into the uterus. The fetus and the remaining contents of the uterus are removed using a handheld suction device.[1]
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
Also called Suction Curettage, this procedure is a surgical abortion procedure usually performed in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The doctor opens the cervix with dilators (metal rods) and then empties the uterus via a hollow plastic instrument connected by tubing to a suction machine. After suctioning, the doctor may scrape the walls of the uterus with a loop-shaped curette to ensure that the fetus, placenta and contents of the uterus are completely removed.[2][3]
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
This surgical abortion procedure is typically performed between 13 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
The doctor may insert laminaria sticks into the cervix for 1-2 days to help with dilation. These dried seaweed sticks absorb moisture and gradually expand to enlarge the cervix.
On the day of the procedure, the doctor will use dilating rods to further open the cervix. The fetus, placenta, and other tissue are then removed with forceps. A curette may then be used to scrape the uterus to make sure that all tissue has been removed.[4]
Risks and Side Effects of Surgical Abortion
As with any medical procedure, surgical abortion carries certain risks and side effects, which it’s important to be aware of.
Common Side Effects of Surgical Abortion[5][6][7]
- Cramping of the uterus or pelvic pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Emotional or psychological distress
- Vaginal bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Potential Risks of Surgical Abortion[8][9]
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus
- Infection of the fallopian tubes (which can cause scarring and cause infertility)
- Puncture (perforation) of the uterus
- Scarring of the uterine lining (suction tubing, curettes and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the uterine lining)
- Damage to the cervix (creating complications with future pregnancies)
- Death, in rare circumstances
Why Choose CAPS?
No matter what decision you make, CAPS will be here to support you before, during, and after your pregnancy.
All pregnancy services are FREE, including:
- FREE pregnancy testing – a lab-grade, nurse-verified test to confirm if you’re pregnant.
- FREE ultrasound – to determine how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and whether there’s a heartbeat, helping you understand your options.
- FREE abortion education –to answer your questions and provide information to help you make an informed decision.
- FREE pregnancy options education – to ensure you have all the information needed to make the best decision for your future.
We also provide low to no-cost STI/STD testing.
To get help, contact us at any of the San Diego area clinic locations, call us at 619-658-4118, or schedule an appointment online.
Please note that CAPS does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Ignite Healthwise, LLC. (2024, April 30). Vacuum aspiration. CS Mott Children’s Hospital | Michigan Medicine. https://www.mottchildren.org/health-library/tw1078
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024, February 9). Dilation and curettage (D&C): Treatment, risks & recovery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/dilation-and-curettage
- Edelman, A., & Kapp, N. (2018). Dilatation & evacuation (D&E) reference guide: Induced abortion and postabortion care at or after 13 weeks gestation (‘second trimester’). Ipas. https://www.ipas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/DESTRE18-DilationEvacuationReferenceGuide.pdf
- Major, B., Appelbaum, M., Beckman, L., Dutton, M. A., Russo, N. F., & West, C. (2009). Abortion and mental health: Evaluating the evidence. American Psychologist, 64(9), 863–890. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0017497
- Larish, A. (2023, November 7). Elective abortion: Does it affect subsequent pregnancies? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
- Zareba, K., La Rosa, V. L., Ciebiera, M., Makara-Studzińska, M., Commodari, E., & Gierus, J. (2020). Psychological effects of abortion: An updated narrative review. East Journal of Medicine, 25(3), 477–483. https://doi.org/10.5505/ejm.2020.82246
- See source #2.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Incompetent cervix: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/incompetent-cervix/symptoms-causes/syc-20373836