Medical and Surgical Abortion Care
Abortion care is an important healthcare service that many people may seek at different stages of their lives. It’s essential to understand the different aspects of abortion, including how common it is, the different methods available, and the possible effects it might have on a person’s health. At Meenakshi Hospital, we offer comprehensive services regarding medical and surgical abortion. Your treatment options will depend on how many weeks the pregnancy is, your medical suitability and your personal choice.
How Common Are Abortions?
Abortions are more common than many people realize. According to various health organizations, it is estimated that about one in four women will have an abortion during their lifetime. This statistic highlights how common and significant abortion care is for many individuals. Having an abortion is a personal decision, and it’s essential to have access to accurate information and quality care.
Methods of Termination
There are several options a woman can choose from when she needs to terminate a pregnancy. Options include medical abortions, which involve taking medications, and surgical abortions. The choice of what type of abortion depends on availability, or access, how far along the pregnancy is, and patient preference. Both medical and surgical terminations are safe and effective when done in appropriate patients.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Medical abortion, also known as medication abortion or non-surgical abortion, occurs when pills are used to bring about an abortion. The abortion pill involves taking medicines to end the pregnancy. The recommended regimen consists of a combination of medications, starting with mifepristone followed by misoprostol. The first pill (mifepristone) blocks the hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue. The second pill (misoprostol) is taken 24-48 hours later and causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy. A medical abortion can be performed from the time a woman suspects and confirms she is pregnant up until nine weeks from her last menstrual period. Medical terminations are not as effective after 70 days, or 10 weeks, of pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion involves a minor operation that may be done with local anaesthetic, with sedation or rarely with general anesthetic. Surgical abortions are also called in-clinic abortions. The two types of surgical abortions include aspiration abortions, which is the most common type. During this procedure, a healthcare provider uses a gentle suction to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. In some cases, other surgical methods, such as dilation and curettage (D&C), may be used. They are typically more effective than a medical abortion, with a lower risk of an incomplete procedure.
| Feature | Medical Abortion | Surgical Abortion |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Mifepristone and misoprostol pills | Minor operation (Aspiration/Vacuum) |
| Timing | Up to 9-10 weeks | Typically beyond 10 weeks |
| Effectiveness | High (less effective after 70 days) | Highest effectiveness, lower risk of incomplete procedure |
What Happens Before an Abortion Is Done?
Before an abortion, there are several important steps to ensure that the procedure is safe and appropriate for you:
- Consultation: The first step is to meet with a healthcare provider who will discuss your pregnancy and your options.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound may be performed to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy to decide whether medication or a surgical procedure is more appropriate.
- Counselling: Many healthcare providers offer counselling to help you process your feelings and discuss any concerns you may have.
- Pre-Procedure Care: If you're opting for a surgical abortion, you may be given medications to prepare your body.
Does Having an Abortion Affect Your Future Health?
One of the common concerns people have about abortion is whether it will affect their future health, especially their ability to get pregnant in the future. Fortunately, most people who have an abortion do not experience any long-term health problems. According to medical research, an abortion does not affect a person's fertility or increase the risk of future pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage or premature birth. Medical abortion is provided by trained health care providers in private office settings, family planning clinics and hospitals like Meenakshi Hospital, where your health is our top priority.