Making a decision to perform an abortion is challenging, and whatever is the reason for it, the procedure should be as easier as possible for you. For that reason, we decided to present you with two possible ways to do it, comparing an abortion pill vs surgery, which will help you decide what procedure you will be more comfortable with and what is the most suitable for your needs.
How Does Abortion Pill Works?
The abortion pill is also referred to as medical abortion. This is one of the safest ways to end the pregnancy, and depending on a method, it can be up to 98% effective.
The pill is taken up to the first twelve weeks of gestation, and the whole process can be completed in two weeks.
Medication abortion is performed using two types of medications, which are Mifepristone and Misoprostol. While Mifepristone blocks the progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the pregnancy, Misoprostol causes the contractions of the uterus that eject the pregnancy. The procedure of taking the pills is divided into the clinical part, where the doctor gives to patient Mifepristone, and in-home treatment, where the patient takes four Misoprostol pills 24-48 hours later.
The procedure can be performed using Misoprostol pills only if the Mifepristone is not available, but you should be aware that this method is less effective. However, using Misoprostol pills only implies taking twelve of them within 12 hours period.
Are There Any Side Effects When Using Abortion Pills?
Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding, so this period is usually described as the toughest and painfulness one. Side effects may include:
- Diarrhea,
- Vomiting,
- Mild fever or chills,
- Headaches, tiredness,
- Dizziness.
In order to mitigate those exhausting side effects, it is recommended to:
- Spend this period at home,
- Take the painkillers prior to the procedure,
- Not drink alcohol after the abortion pill,
- Have a hot bath or shower,
- Ensure some of your close family members or friends are there with you,
- Ensure having an emergency place in case of any complications.
How to Act in Case You Are Experiencing Harsh Symptoms?
In case you are experiencing some of the side effects listed below, you should ask for urgent medical advice and demand further instructions:
- Excessive heavy bleeding (where more than two pads are filled per hour within two hours),
- Intensive pain,
- Continuous vomiting,
- Fever higher than 38 degrees celsius that lasts longer than 12 hours.
What Time is Needed to Get Back to Your Everyday Routine?
An answer to this question is conditioned by the individual experience of every woman. Most women feel comfortable returning to their everyday routine after 24-48 hours after the procedure is finished. Although seeing a doctor is not mandatory, it is recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment two weeks after the procedure is done with your health provider to confirm that everything is fine.
What Happens to Your Periods?
Periods are usually got into normal after 4-6 weeks after taking the pills. In case that the period is still absent after this period has passed, then you should see your doctor, check if the pregnancy is still active, and ask for further advice.
How Does Surgical Abortion Works?
Surgical abortion by vacuum aspiration is another method used to end a pregnancy. It is recommended to perform it up to 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Surgical abortion by vacuum aspiration is a minor surgical procedure where the uterus is emptied using gentle suction. This method is a safe way to end the pregnancy, where 95-99% of these surgical procedures end as it was intended.
There are two ways of how surgical abortion is performed. Depending on the equipment of the clinic you choose, this abortion will be carried out by manual and electrical vacuum.
What Can You Expect During the Procedure?
Since the whole process is performed using medical instruments, it is very likely the patient could feel minor pain and discomfort, so you should consult your doctor whether to take a painkiller, have a local anesthetic, or mild sedation.
The whole process takes 5-10 minutes to be completed, and it is recommended to take a rest for additional 30-40 minutes while the anesthetic has worn off.
What Time is Needed to Get Back to Your Everyday Routine?
Since abortion by vacuum aspiration is a minor surgical procedure, it is very likely you will be able to get to your daily routine the next day.
What Can You Expect After the Procedure?
After the procedure is finished, it is normal to experience cramps, similar to those in the period, that can last for several hours to a couple of days. It is also normal to experience some irregular bleeding or spotting. Still, it is highly recommended only to use pads and avoid any menstrual cups or tampons.
Is There a Risk of Surgical Abortion?
Although surgical abortion is one of the safest surgical procedures, still, you should be aware that every surgical procedure takes some risk. Although the complications are very rare, still you should be aware of the potential risk this surgical procedure brings:
- An incomplete abortion occurs when the uterus is not properly emptied and when a small piece of the pregnancy or lining remains in it. This may cause problematic bleeding or cramping, and in some cases, it will be needed to repeat the procedure.
- Infection is the rarest complication to happen since every patient is provided with antibiotics that usually protect the patient from any risk of infection.
- Perforation of the uterus is also the rarest complication to happen, especially when the whole process is lead by an experienced surgeon.
What Happens to Your Periods?
Similar to medical abortion, periods are usually got into normal after 4-6 weeks after the procedure is done. In case that the period is still absent after eight weeks, then you should see your doctor and ask for further advice.
What to Choose: Abortion Pill vs Surgery?
Although both ways are very safe and bring little risk, there are still some details that can help you decide easier what procedure is more convenient for you. So, let’s go through the final comparison of abortion pill vs surgery.
The time when procedures can be performed
Surgical abortion should be performed up to 14 weeks of pregnancy, while the abortion pill can be taken up to the first 12 weeks of gestation.
Duration of procedure
While surgical abortion takes up to 10 minutes, a medical abortion can take up to a few days. So, if you’re not ready to deal with it in days, then surgical abortion may be a better solution for you. Besides, surgical abortion involves only one visit to the clinic where medical staff supports the whole procedure.
Physical Consequences
Cramping and bleeding are consequences of both methods, however, with medical abortion, they can last longer. Furthermore, surgical abortion enables using sedatives, and anesthesia which reduces the pain during the procedure itself. The abortion pill is, on the other hand, a non-invasive procedure, and it enables you to be in the company of your closest people that can give you comfort and support.
Here at abortion clinic Fort Lauderdale, we strive to give to all our women needed emotional and practical support, so if there is any dilemma you have, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our medical team will take care of you, answer all your questions, and provide you with all information needed.
