Abortion Procedures Surgical

Overview

A surgical abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy by gently emptying the uterus (womb). It uses suction or other small instruments to remove the pregnancy tissue. It is a common and safe procedure when done by a trained healthcare provider.

Yes. Millions of people around the world have abortion procedures every year. It is one of the most common gynecological procedures.

It affects people who are pregnant and decide, with their healthcare team, to end the pregnancy. This can be for personal, medical, or other reasons.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Mild cramping and light bleeding for a few days
• Spotting or light bleeding that can last up to 2 weeks
• Mild soreness in the lower belly

Symptoms in children

• This procedure is not for children. It is for adults and teens who are pregnant and have decided with their healthcare provider.

Symptoms in older adults

• Recovery may take a little longer for older adults, but the same precautions and care instructions apply.

Causes

Main causes

• A person may choose surgical abortion because they have a serious fetal condition discovered during pregnancy.
• Continuing the pregnancy could put the person's physical or mental health at risk.
• A person may have personal, financial, or family reasons for ending the pregnancy.
• The pregnancy may not be viable (cannot develop into a baby).

Risk factors

• Having the procedure later in pregnancy increases the risk slightly.
• Having certain medical conditions, such as severe anemia or blood clotting problems, may increase risk.
• Not being able to access a safe, legal setting with trained providers increases risk of complications.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or foul-smelling discharge after the procedure, contact your provider or go to urgent care the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Before the procedure, talk to your healthcare provider about all your options and ask questions.
• After the procedure, attend your follow-up appointment to make sure you are healing well.

Diagnosis

This is not an illness, so there is no 'diagnosis.' Instead, you receive a full assessment to confirm the pregnancy and your health before the procedure.

Tests that may be done

• An ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and its stage
• A urine or blood pregnancy test
• Blood tests to check for anemia and blood type
• A check for vaginal infections that could increase risk

What to expect at your appointment

Your clinician will explain the procedure, get your consent, and make a plan together. You may be offered pain relief. The surgical abortion itself is usually quick and done with local anesthesia to numb the cervix.

Treatment

A surgical abortion is a medical procedure that removes pregnancy tissue from the uterus. It is one of two main types of abortion, the other being a medication abortion. The surgical method is often quick, and most people go home the same day.

Self-care at home

• Rest for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Use sanitary pads instead of tampons for the first few weeks.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and baths for a week or two.
• Do not have vaginal sex until your provider says it is okay.
• Take pain relief as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Medical treatments

Your healthcare team may offer pain medicine to keep you comfortable during and after the procedure. They may also give you antibiotics to lower the risk of infection. These medications are chosen for your specific situation. Do not stop taking them without talking to your provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgical abortion may be the preferred method when a medication abortion is not possible or not wanted, when the pregnancy is further along, or when urgent care is needed. Your healthcare team will help you decide which approach is right for you.

Living with this condition

You can usually go home a few hours after the procedure. Recovery varies, but most people feel back to normal within a few days. You can often return to work or school in 1 to 2 days.

Lifestyle tips

• Take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep.
• Avoid heavy lifting for at least a week.

Diet and exercise

You can eat your normal balanced meals to help your body recover. Light activity like walking is fine. Avoid vigorous exercise for about a week, or until your healthcare provider says it is safe.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is very common to have mixed feelings after an abortion, including relief, sadness, guilt, or even anger. These feelings usually settle over time. If they begin to interfere with your daily life, please seek support.

Prevention

This is a procedure, not a disease, so there is no 'prevention' for abortion itself. However, unintended pregnancies that may lead to this decision can be greatly reduced with effective contraception. Talk to your healthcare provider about the options that might be right for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• If signs like heavy bleeding or infection are not treated promptly, they could lead to severe blood loss, infection of the womb, or damage to the uterus.
• Delayed treatment of a rare complication called retained tissue (when pregnancy tissue is not fully removed) can cause pain, bleeding, and infection.

Long-term outlook

When done in a safe, legal setting by trained healthcare professionals, surgical abortion is very safe. The risk of serious complications is low. Most people recover fully, and fertility usually returns to normal within a few weeks. You can still become pregnant in the future, if that is what you want.

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