Therapeutic abortion is the intentional termination of pregnancy. It is done before the fetus is able to survive on its own. A surgical therapeutic abortion is either performed by one of three methods:
A therapeutic abortion is done to:
The earlier in a pregnancy the abortion is done, the better the chances of a procedure with no complications.
If you think you might be pregnant, see your physician. The earlier you find out, the more time you have to make an informed choice about the pregnancy. Early symptoms of pregnancy include the following:
Your doctor may:
Talk to your doctor about your current medications. Before the procedure certain medications may need to be stopped such as:
Local anesthesia with sedation may be used.
The doctor may inject a numbing agent in or near the cervix. Dilators are used to stretch the cervix opening. A tube is inserted into the uterus. The tube aspirates (sucks) out the contents.
The doctor may inject a painkiller into or near the cervix. Dilators are used to stretch the cervix opening. A tube attached to a suction machine is inserted into the uterus. The uterus contents are suctioned out. The doctor may use a curette (a narrow metal loop) to remove the tissue lining the uterine walls.
This procedure is similar to a D&C except that it is done during the second trimester. The fetus and other products of conception are removed from the uterus with medical instruments and suction.
You will spend some time in a recovery area.
The length will depend on the procedure. In general they are about 5-20 minutes.
Women report cramps similar to menstrual cramps.
Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil) can reduce most of these symptoms. Do not take aspirin .
The procedures are very safe. Risks increase if you wait later in the pregnancy to terminate. Risks also increase if sedation or general anesthesia are used. Problems resulting from abortion include:
Most cases do not require a hospital stay.
After a therapeutic abortion:
Sudden hormone changes may intensify natural feelings of guilt, anger, sadness, and regret. Most doctors can offer or refer you to follow-up counseling, if you choose.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://sogc.medical.org/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References:
Abortion. Planned Parenthood website. Available at: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/medicalinfo/abortion/main.xml . Accessed on December 9, 2008.
Surgical abortion. The Abortion Clinic Directory website. Available at: http://www.abortionclinic.org/topics/articles/article_99.asp . Accessed December 9, 2008.
The Women’s Health Centre: therapeutic abortion. Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region website. Available at: http://www.rqhealth.ca/programs/in_hospital_care/womens_health/therapeutic.shtml . Access December 9, 2008.
Last reviewed December 2008 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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