In this procedure, pills are used to empty the uterus, similar to a mild miscarriage. These medications are a series of pills taken over two days, and can be used up to 9 weeks (63 days) after the first day of the last menstrual period. This dating is confirmed by an office ultrasound (sonogram.) On day 1 of the procedure, the patient swallows mifepristone pills in the office. This stops the growth of the pregnancy overnight and usually has no side effects. The patient is sent home with the second set of pills, misoprostol, to be taken the following day.

The medication makes the uterus contract to expel the no-longer viable pregnancy. The contractions feel like cramps and are accompanied by moderate bleeding. The cramps can be treated with ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil.) On average, the bleeding and cramping lasts 4 hours. About 50% of our patients choose the medical method.

The name “surgical” is a little misleading, because surgery often brings “cutting” to mind. There are no incisions or cutting with this technique. Rather, with the patient awake or asleep (her choice,) she is positioned as for a pelvic exam or pap smear. A speculum is inserted, and the cervix (tip of the uterus) is slightly opened or “dilated” enough to insert a sterile plastic suction tip, about the size of a drinking straw. Then the uterine contents are quickly suctioned out.

A sonogram is performed at the end of the procedure to make sure the contents have been completely removed. The whole procedure takes less than five minutes.

• Can be used in earliest pregnancy weeks.
• No surgery or anesthesia is needed.
• No injections or medical instruments are used.
• Freedom to choose wherever you feel the most comfortable during the process.
• Some women may feel this option feels more natural.

• Most women typically have less bleeding at home.
• Medical staff will be there to help during the process.
• There is a much lower risk of an incomplete procedure.
• Can be performed in later weeks of pregnancy than the medical abortion.

• You are responsible for taking care of yourself.
• The possibility of a delayed reaction which may require more medication.
• Bleeding and cramping may be heavier than a surgical abortion.

• The procedure can not be performed as early in the pregnancy.
• Instruments must be inserted into your cervix.

Abortion procedures in general are one of the most common surgical procedures nationally and the rate for enduring serious complications is less than 1 percent. The abortion pills have been used in the United States since 2000 and carry a much lower risk of complications than carrying out the pregnancy.

Surgical abortion is a safe procedure that has been performed for over four decades. First trimester surgical abortions are the safest and complications are considered extremely rare; even after eight weeks the risk still remains quite low compared to many procedures.

The abortion pill is 95 to 97 percent effective and if by chance you have this experience a short surgical procedure may be necessary. In some situations women experience delayed response which just means the abortion process takes a little longer than expected.

The surgical procedure has a 98% effectiveness rate. In the case of the abortion failing due to blood clotting, or tissue remaining in the uterus, a repeat procedure can be performed.

On average most women experience heavy bleeding for a few hours, followed by two weeks of bleeding similar to your period.

Light bleeding for about two weeks after the procedure is the most common.

Infection after the abortion is very unlikely and antibiotics are not recommended during the abortion procedure.

There is less than a 1 percent chance of infection directly following the surgical abortion, if needed antibiotics can be prescribed in order to lower the risk.

The medical or pill abortion does not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant in the future. In most cases their fertility is immediately returned.

The medical or pill abortion does not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant in the future. In most cases their fertility is immediately returned.

Most women experience mild to strong cramping during the process. The actual passing of the pregnancy is usually when cramps are the strongest, medication for managing pain can be provided. Mild cramping typically last a few days after completion.

The cramping pain typically last for just a few minutes during and after the short procedure. Pain medication may be offered before and after, sometimes mild cramping may occur for a few days following the procedure.