MEDICAL VS SURGICAL: WHICH ABORTION PROCEDURE IS THE OPTION FOR YOU

Medical abortion vs surgical abortion. Selecting the kind of abortion method that is most appropriate for your situation can complicate an already difficult decision to have one.

Surgical and medical procedures are both good, safe techniques. To help you better understand the options accessible to you, this article aims to define and explore the distinctions between surgical and medicinal abortion.

Surgical Abortion

Many thousands of women have surgical abortions each year; it’s a widely used and safe technique. It is most frequently done in the first trimester and has a low rate of complications up to 12 weeks of gestation. Up to 20 weeks gestation can pass during the second trimester of pregnancy when the surgical operation is carried out. Yes, there is a more involved process involved here.

A local anaesthetic is an option for first-trimester surgical abortions, which are typically performed under conscious sedation. The operation is known as a “suction curette” because the surgeon uses gentle suction to remove the uterus’ lining and contents once the anaesthetic has taken full effect by the insertion of a tiny tube.

The surgical abortion takes about 10 minutes, but it can take up to 5 hours from the time a patient arrives at the surgery to the time they are ready and recover from the anaesthesia. You’ll need to be transported home once the anaesthesia wears off and you’ve been given some aftercare instructions.

What are the risks of surgical abortion ?

Although one of the safest procedures is a surgical abortion, there are risks associated with any surgery. Major issues are uncommon, even if they can happen. The following are a some of the risks:

Incomplete abortion : When a tiny portion of the pregnancy or lining is still inside the uterus, an incomplete abortion takes place. This could lead to troublesome bleeding or cramps, necessitating another operation.

Ongoing pregnancy : Although it is rare (1 in 500), ongoing pregnancy is more common in operations lasting less than six weeks.

Infection : Less than 1% of women suffer an infection, despite the fact that infections are extremely rare. To lower the risk, antibiotics are typically administered along with the treatment.

Cervix Damage : Is rare and, when it does occur, rarely causes long-lasting repercussions.

Perforation of the uterus : The most dangerous consequence could occur where the surgical instruments puncture the wall, however this is thankfully uncommon in cases performed by a skilled surgeon.

After a surgical abortion, women who endure significant bleeding, fever, or excruciating agony or discomfort should see a doctor right away.

Why choose surgical abortion?

All things considered, surgical abortion is a fairly successful and safe method of ending a pregnancy in the first trimester. The following are benefits of selecting a surgical abortion:

• Can be carried out towards the end of pregnancy.
• Very quick process—less than ten minutes.
• Fewer cramps and bleeding than during a medical abortion.
• Throughout the entire process, medical personnel are there.
• Conscious sedation is an option, which lessens discomfort and awareness during the procedure.
• Has a high success rate and a low rate of complications.
• While you will have to stop breastfeeding during a medical abortion, you are still able to continue breastfeeding.

Medical Abortion

Most women now have greater access to medical abortion up until nine weeks of pregnancy. Your circumstances and personal preferences will determine whether you have a surgical or medical abortion.

In South Africa, the provision of medical abortion has increased women’s privacy when it comes to their access to termination alternatives. Women who live in rural places or do not have access to an abortion clinic can now easily get an early termination thanks to the more recent introduction of medical abortion via telemedicine.

Two drugs are used in combination to accomplish the abortion, both of which help to end the pregnancy. Your doctor gives you the initial prescription, or you take it at home. As an anti-hormone, this drug works by preventing progesterone from doing its job, which is a hormone required for a pregnancy to continue.

You take the second drug buccal 24 to 48 hours after taking the first one. The second drug helps the uterus discharge the pregnancy by opening the cervix. This should happen 30 minutes to 24 hours after taking the second medicine, however most women should expect mild cramping and bleeding in the vagina within 4 hours of taking the second medication.

Though there are a few medical issues that could need you to confirm your eligibility, almost all women are qualified for a medical abortion.

What are the risks of medical abortion ?

Up to nine weeks of gestation, medicinal abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy; yet, just like surgical abortion, medical abortion has certain dangers.

• The most frequent consequence of an incomplete abortion is when the pregnancy is not entirely removed from the uterus. If the cramping or bleeding doesn’t go away, surgery might be necessary.
• Ongoing pregnancy.
• Infection
• Excessive bleeding

It is typical for vaginal bleeding and cramping to occur a few hours after taking the second medicine (misoprostol). Each patient experiences cramps and bleeding differently.

Why choose a medical abortion?

• Medical abortion requires no anaesthetic.
• Medical abortion is a non-invasive procedure.
• There’s more privacy compared with a surgical abortion.
• There’s no surgical risks associated with medical abortion.
• You are at home and can have the support of friends and/or family if you choose.
• Medical abortion feels ‘more natural’, as it is similar to having a heavy period or miscarriage.

How Merlin Women Clinic Can Assist You

Should you decide to end your unintended pregnancy, Merlin Women South Africa provides a safe abortion services. Make an appointment for the Telemedicine service by calling (069 327 07830) or by contacting one of our conveniently placed facilities.