Surgical abortion is a major medical procedure and pregnancy decision. You deserve to understand the process along with the potential risks.
You may be wondering how long a procedure like surgical abortion lasts. It differs for every woman, but the average length is 15-20 minutes, not including the hours it may take to prep and recover at an abortion clinic.
Types of Surgical Abortion
If you’re considering abortion, it’s essential to understand that the gestational age of your pregnancy will determine what type of surgical or medical abortion you will be eligible for. With surgical abortion, there are a couple of different types.
Aspiration Abortion
An aspiration abortion is typically completed in the first trimester (12 weeks pregnant or less). It normally takes around 15 minutes, not including preparation for the procedure and recovery.
Dilation & Curettage (D&C)
A D&C involves dilation and surgical tools to remove a pregnancy. This procedure could last 10 minutes or longer, not including prep and recovery, which usually takes several hours.
Consider the Risks
There are major physical risks to every type of abortion procedure. Some women experience mild or severe risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, here are some possible complications you could experience after abortion:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Some side effects of surgical abortion include:
- Abdominal cramping
- Vaginal bleeding
Protect Your Health
It’s essential to confirm your pregnancy details to determine how far along you are, your pregnancy location, and whether your pregnancy is healthy and viable. All of these details are confirmed through an ultrasound.
Not only do we offer more abortion information, but we also provide no-cost ultrasound exams if you qualify. If your Queen City pregnancy test is positive, our staff can determine if you qualify for an ultrasound exam. Contact us to schedule your no-cost confidential appointment.
Queen City PRC does not perform, recommend, or refer for abortion.