Planning a surgical abortion may seem overwhelming but proper preparation and knowing the necessary steps of the procedure can help ensure both your safety and comfort throughout the process.
Here are 5 steps for a surgical abortion.
Step 1 : Consultation
Before the procedure, you will need to consult your doctor.
- You will have to undergo a pelvic examination .
- You will need an ultrasound to check the gestational age of the pregnancy and to rule out ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which the pregnancy occurs outside the uterus, usually in the Fallopian tubes. This is a serious condition and a surgical abortion is not possible – you will need other forms for treatment.
- Check for any medical condition which will need to be treated before the surgical abortion.
- Discuss whether you will need a local anesthesia or a general anesthesia and the pros and cons of each type of anesthesia.
- Discuss what will be done before, during and after the procedure.
- Tests for sexually transmitted disease, if necessary.
Step 2 : Pre-procedure guidelines:
- Avoid eating or drinking for at least 4 hours prior to your procedure.You may sip water only up to 2 hours before the procedure. After that, do not drink anything at all (remain nil by mouth).
- Expect to be at the clinic for 2 to 4 hours. This time frame accounts for pre-procedure preparations, the procedure itself, and recovery time. The actual procedure typically takes 5-10 minutes. You will rest in recovery for about 2-3 hours afterward.
- Bring your ID and method of payment with you.
- Wear loose, clean clothes which are easy to take off and wear.
- Bring sanitary pads and extra underwear.
- Leave valuables at home for safety.
- If the procedure is done under local anesthesia, then you may be able to go home within 2 hours . But if done under general anesthesia, you may need to be at the clinic or hospital for about 4-6 hours.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you may not be in a condition to drive safely for about 24 hours after the surgical abortion.
Step 3 – Surgical Abortion Procedure
- Arrive on time
- You will be asked to change your clothes for more suitable hospital clothes.
- Once you are on the OT table, you will be given the an IV drip – this makes it possible to inject the sedative into your veins.
- Once you are sedated, you will fall asleep and will not be aware of the procedure .
- You will be put in a lithotomy position.
- Surgical abortion essentially consists of dilating the cervix and removing the pregnancy tissues by suction aspiration.
- Once the abortion is over, you will be shifted to the observation room to recover from the sedation.
Step 4 – Post-operative recovery
- You will become aware within a few minutes but will be able to move and walk easily only after about 1 hour.
- You will still need to be at rest for anout 2-3 hours.
- You will then be examined and be allowed to go home with a list of directions for follow up care.
- You will also be give a prescription for antibiotics and a painkiller.
Step 5 – Post-operative Care
- You will have bleeding like a period, light or spotting, on and off for up to two weeks. Inform teh doctor if the bleeding is heavier than a normal period.
- Mild to strong cramps, lower backache – the painkiller will help to control this pain.
- Pregnancy symptoms, breast tenderness, nausea (feeling sick) and fatigue (tired and weak), will go within a week or two.
- Take showers rather than baths to prevent water entering the vagina and causing an infection
- Use sanitary pads rather than tampons or menstrual cups
- Avoiding swimming and spa pools for at least 1 month. Do not douche.
- Don’t have vaginal intercourse and don’t insert anything, including tampons, in your vagina for two weeks . If you do, use a condom, with lube, to protect yourself from infection.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
When will my menstrual period occur again after a surgical abortion?
Ans: The next menstrual period will occur about 4-6 weeks after the the abortion.
When should I start my birth control?
Ans: Cyclic hormonal birth control method — such as the pill, patch or ring — you should start the method the same day as your procedure.
What complications can occur after a surgical abortion?
Ans: Complications are usually uncommon. But infection can sometimes occur. Heavy bleeding due to an injury can also occur in rare cases. Incomplete abortion is another complication.
How will I know if I have a complication?
Ans: If you have bleeding heavier than a normal period, or if you pass blood clots, or if you are soaking a vaginal pad in 2 hours or less, please contact your doctor immediately. Fever over 100 degrees or chills or if you have severe pain or backache which is not relieved by the painkiller or if you have a smelly vaginal discharge, please contact your doctor.
When do pregnancy symptoms disappear?
And: Pregnancy symptoms like nausea and vomiting usually disappear in about 3-4 days. Breast tenderness may take about 2 weeks to disappear.
When can I resume my normal activities after the procedure?
Ans: You should rest at home after the procedure. Resume normal activities the following day. Avoid activity that causes increased pain.
