What is vacuum abortion and how is it done

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The decision on this procedure should not be delayed.

What is vacuum abortion

Vacuum Aspiration for Abortion is a method of abortion in which the embryo is removed from the uterus with a special suction. This procedure is also called vacuum aspiration. Among surgical methods, it is considered less traumatic, since the uterus is not scraped out with instruments, but the ovum is removed from it using a vacuum. For this, an electric pump or a manual syringe can be used. The procedure is then called electric or manual vacuum aspiration, respectively.

Until what week can you have a vacuum abortion?

The World Health Organization recommends Safe Abortion: Policy and Practice Guidelines for Health Systems to Abort Pregnancies by Vacuum Up to 12-14 weeks. But the earlier the procedure is carried out, the safer and more effective it will be.

Later, the embryo will become too large, which means there is a risk that it will not be possible to completely remove it using a vacuum. In this case, you will have to additionally scrap the uterus with surgical instruments.

When not to have a vacuum abortion

The operation will definitely be refused if the gestational age exceeds Article 56. Artificial termination of pregnancy of the Federal Law of 21.11.2011 N 323-FZ "On the basics of protecting the health of citizens in the Russian Federation" 12 weeks. In addition, there are purely medical contraindications to abortion. Instructions on the procedure for performing an abortion operation.

• Acute inflammatory processes in the genitals, including those caused by sexually transmitted infections.
• Acute inflammation that affects any other organs.
• Acute infectious diseases. Even ordinary ARVI is a contraindication.

To terminate a pregnancy, you will need to cure these diseases, or at least remove them from an acute form.

Where is a vacuum abortion done and how much does it cost?

Vacuum aspiration is part of the compulsory health insurance system, so you will have to pay for it out of your own pocket only if you apply for paid medical services. The cost of the procedure depends on the clinic and can start around 7,000 rubles.

If the gestational age does not exceed the recommended one and the gynecologist, upon examination, has established that the woman is healthy, a vacuum abortion will be performed in any licensed clinic - it does not matter whether it is state or commercial. The main thing is that there is a gynecologist who has the appropriate qualifications and experience in performing vacuum abortions.

But in some cases, the Instruction on the procedure for carrying out an operation of artificial termination of pregnancy, in order to terminate a pregnancy, you will have to go to a hospital at a regional or city hospital, a specialized research institute. The indication for this is a gestation period of more than six weeks, as well as some diseases and disorders. For example:

• scars on the uterus;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• uterine fibroids;
• anomalies in the development of the genital organs.

This is not a complete list of indications. Where it is better to have a vacuum abortion, in each case, the gynecologist will tell you, to whom the woman will come for a consultation.

How is a vacuum abortion done?

First you need a visit to the gynecologist. The doctor will ask about your health, conduct an examination, find out when the last menstruation was, and be sure to send it for an ultrasound scan. It is important to establish the exact timing of the pregnancy and also to ensure that it is not ectopic.

If everything is in order, the period does not exceed 6 weeks and the woman is determined to terminate the pregnancy, they will appoint a time for the procedure.

Typically, a vacuum abortion lasts no more than 10-15 minutes. They spend it like this Vacuum Aspiration for Abortion.

1. The patient will be asked to undress and sit in the gynecological chair as during a routine examination.
2. Next, a vaginal dilator will be placed to facilitate access to the uterus.
3. The vagina and cervix will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
4. A local anesthetic will be injected into the cervix, or a sedative will be injected into a vein. General anesthesia is sometimes suggested, but not recommended by WHO. Safe Abortion: Policy and Practice Guidelines for Health Systems.
5. A dilator will be inserted into the cervix, if necessary. You can also soften and expand the cervical canal with the help of tablets, but they must be taken several hours before the procedure.
6. A thin disposable tube (cannula) attached to the suction will be inserted into the cervical canal. Then, depending on the type of vacuum aspiration, the contents of the uterus, together with the embryo, are pulled out using an electric pump or a manual syringe.

After that, the tissues extracted from the uterus are examined under a microscope. This is to make sure that the embryo is completely removed and no additional curettage is required.

Does it hurt to have a vacuum abortion?

No. During the procedure, you can feel only slight discomfort, similar to the sensations during menstruation. It is associated with the fact that when the endometrium is removed, the uterus begins to contract. The cramping usually goes away within a few hours after the procedure is over.

What to do after a vacuum abortion

After the operation, you will need to lie down in the ward for at least four hours. Instructions on the procedure for performing the operation of artificial termination of pregnancy. It is important that doctors monitor the condition and can react in time if complications arise, for example, uterine bleeding opens.

If all is well, the patient will be allowed to go home. But you have to follow some postoperative rules of Vacuum Aspiration for Abortion.

1. Take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor to prevent infection.
2. Rest. On the day of a vacuum abortion, it is better to lie down, and only the next - to return to your usual activities. And it's worth limiting physical activity for a while.
3. If abdominal cramps are felt, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
4. Do not use hygienic tampons for the first week. Minor bleeding can last up to two weeks, during which time it is best to use pads.
5. Do not have vaginal sex for at least a week after an abortion.
6. It is imperative to use contraceptives and condoms in the future.

When you need to urgently call a doctor

Rarely, vacuum aspiration can lead to complications. Vacuum Aspiration for Abortion will need medical attention in the following cases:

• Heavy bleeding began. It is strong if you have to change two pads every hour for two hours in a row or longer. Such bleeding is also called strong when the blood flows, without abating, for more than 12 hours. Another important symptom is numerous blood clots the size of a table tennis ball and larger.
• The stomach hurts very much. Moreover, the pain does not decrease, even if you lie down in a comfortable position, apply a warm compress to your stomach or take anesthetic.
• The abdomen suddenly swelled up.
• The temperature has risen above 38 ° С and stays at this level for more than four hours.
• The state of health sharply worsened: headache, dizziness, muscle pain, general weakness and weakness appeared.
• Nausea and vomiting continue for several hours at a time.
• You have an unusually heavy or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• The external genitals are swollen, reddened, sore.

Whether to call a gynecologist or immediately call an ambulance depends on how you feel.

It is also worth consulting with your doctor if bleeding, even minor, lasts more than two weeks or if your period has not returned six weeks after the abortion.