Medical abortion or Surgical abortion- What’s the difference?
Unwanted pregnancies can often force the women to take the decision of abortion. Taking the decision of aborting the baby and choosing the correct method for it can often prove to be challenging. Thus, with this article, we will decode two of the most common options for abortion the surgical methods and the medical methods. Apart from understanding the meaning of these methods, we will understand the advantages and disadvantages of these methods.
Medical Abortion
It is a medical procedure that is required to end any pregnancy with the use of medications. In this kind of abortion, the surgery or anesthesia are not required to be performed. Thus, it can be started at home only with follow-up visits to your doctor. This procedure is very safe and most effective for you provided that you are at the initial stages of your pregnancy. Usually, this option is chosen when the abortion is required to be kept private and the woman desires to complete an early miscarriage or end an unwanted pregnancy. However, a woman is eligible for Medical abortion only till the 70 days, or 10 weeks, of pregnancy.
One important thing to be understood here is that it is a major decision that has severe emotional and psychological consequences. Thus, before moving ahead it is important to understand the various things like side effects, possible risks, a complication associated with it and alternatives available.
What are the advantages of this method?
- This is the safest and most effective method for early pregnancies.
- This process induces a miscarriage-like process.
- This abortion can be conducted more privately comfortably.
What are the disadvantages of this method?
- One of the major drawbacks is that it cannot be completely predicted about when you will bleed and pass the pregnancy.
- In comparison to the surgical procedure, the bleeding occurring can be heavy.
- The rate of failure rate is high in this case
- Infection
- Fever
Surgical Abortion
This is the in-clinic abortion in which the uterus of the women emptied. These methods are more effective than a medical abortion, with a lower risk of an incomplete procedure. There are mainly two kinds of surgical abortions-
Aspiration abortions (the most common type of surgical abortion) - This is the more commonly used surgical method and is also called the vacuum aspirations.
In this procedure, after making the patient numb the surgeons insert a speculum and examine your uterus. Further, he will stretch the cervix with dilators either before or during the procedure. To continue the procedure a tube will be inserted through the cervix into the uterus, which is attached to a suction device. This will empty the uterus. During this procedure, the women may feel the moderate amount of cramping.
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortions - This procedure is typically used after
the 15th week of pregnancy. This procedure is just similar to the above
procedure but the in this procedure after the removal of a tube the doctor will
use the small metal loop-shaped tool called a curette to remove any remaining
tissue that is lining the uterus.
What are the advantages of this method?
- This is the quick and predictable method in comparison to medical options.
- In this procedure, less bleeding occurs also the cramping duration is less.
- Best suited for after 7 weeks pregnancy.
What are the disadvantages of this method?
In the surgical procedure, the equipment’s are inserted inside the woman’s vagina and uterus which may result in severe consequences. However, the chances are pretty low.
Conclusion
Thus, the stage of your pregnancy combined with several other factors will determine the type of abortion method you should opt for. Moreover, make sure to take the guidance of your gynecologist in this regard.
