The phase of pregnancy and patient health status influence the type of abortion that is chosen. Generally speaking, the procedure of abortion becomes more challenging and complex as the fetus grows. Regardless of the method chosen to terminate conception, one has to appeal to the Committee for Termination of Pregnancy before undergoing any abortion treatment.
There are two safe ways to terminate a pregnancy – medical abortion and surgical abortion. Read on to know more about each type of procedure and its pros and cons.
Medical abortion
For this type of abortion, the patient has to take medications at varying periods of the pregnancy. Two drugs are required for this kind of abortion: misoprostol and mifepristone. A specialist could advise taking them directly by ingesting or through vaginal insertion.
Misoprostol causes the uterus to drain, starting a few hours after the medications, while mifepristone prevents the conception from progressing.
As the womb drains, a woman will suffer cramps and leakage, which may seem like extremely heavy menstruation. In some cases, intense cramps can also follow.
Pros
- Operation is not necessary
- It can be done in the early phases
- Anaesthesia is not required
- Less follow-ups are needed compared to medical abortion
- Less costly compared to surgical abortion
Cons
- It could lead to terrible cramps.
- Pills cannot be used after nine weeks of conception
- An attendee is required until the pregnancy is fully terminated
Risks
- The pregnancy may not terminate
- If any of the uterine tissue does not pass, it may cause excessive bleeding and necessitate a uterine clearing operation.
- A haemorrhage might happen, resulting in severe blood loss that could be fatal.
- If physicians do not promptly diagnose an infection in the womb, it may become severe and need antibiotic treatment.
Vacuum aspiration (Surgical Abortion)
Vacuum aspiration, which terminates pregnancy using mild suction, takes a few minutes to complete. You must then take an hour-long break in the recovery room.
The operation begins by inserting small shafts called dilators into the vulva. A tool is then inserted in order to widen the cervix. The cervix will next be used to put a catheter into the uterine. The womb is gently emptied using a vacuum tool or a portable instrument. In case anaesthesia is not given, the patient may experience pain similar to period cramps.
Pros
- A pain-free procedure
- Hardly takes 5-10 minutes to complete
Cons
- This method cannot be used after 12 weeks of pregnancy
Dilation and evacuation (Surgical Abortion)
The process for this type of surgical abortion is similar to Vacuum Aspiration. However, unlike Vacuum Aspiration, this procedure can be carried out after 12 weeks of conception.
Pros
- A safe and effective way to terminate a pregnancy
- Available after 12 weeks of pregnancy, unlike Vacuum Aspiration or medical abortion
Cons
- A general anaesthetic is necessary for this procedure
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Ending Thoughts
Carefully consider the implications, risks and downsides of each method before deciding which one to choose. The method of termination will depend on the phase of pregnancy and, most importantly, the approval from the Committee for Termination of Pregnancy. A timely request and approval from the committee will ensure a swift abortion treatment.
