Abortion - surgical

 

Alternative Names

Suction curettage; Surgical abortion; Elective abortion - surgical; Therapeutic abortion - surgical

Definition

Surgical abortion is a procedure that ends a pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the mother's womb (uterus).

Surgical abortion is not the same as miscarriage. Miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends on its own before the 20th week.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Reasons a surgical abortion might be considered include:

  • Your baby has a birth defect or genetic problem.
  • Your pregnancy is harmful to your health (therapeutic abortion).
  • The pregnancy resulted after a traumatic event such as rape or incest.

The decision to end a pregnancy is very personal. To help you weigh your choices, discuss your feelings with a counselor or health care provider. A family member or friend can also be of help.

Risks

Risks of surgical abortion include:

  • Damage to the womb or cervix
  • Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
  • Scarring of the inside of the uterus
  • Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
  • Not removing all of the tissue, with the need for another procedure

After the Procedure

You will stay in a recovery area for a few hours. The health care providers will tell you when you can go home. Because you may still be drowsy from the medicines, arrange ahead of time to have someone pick you up. 

Follow instructions for how to care for yourself at home. Make any follow-up appointments.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Complications (problems) rarely occur after this procedure.

Physical recovery usually occurs within a few days, depending on the stage of the pregnancy.  Vaginal bleeding can last for a week to 10 days. Cramping usually lasts for a day or two.

You can get pregnant before your next period, which occurs 4-6 weeks after the procedure. Be sure to make arrangements to prevent pregnancy, especially during the first month after the procedure. You may want to talk with your health care provider about emergency contraception.

References

Annas GJ, Elias S. Legal and ethical issues in obstetric practice. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 54.

Jensen JT, Mischell Jr DR. Family planning: contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy termination. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 13.

Review Date: 11/8/2012
Reviewed By: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

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