An unplanned pregnancy is never an easy situation to deal with. Some people may find that they can carry the pregnancy to term, while others choose to terminate. Once the decision is made, regardless of the choice, there are inevitably more decisions that follow. If the option you have chosen is to abort, then your next decision will likely be whether to move forward with a surgical abortion or a medical abortion. Understanding the benefits, risks, possibilities and both procedures is important and essential for you to be able to make a decision that is well informed and right for your specific circumstance.

MEDICAL TERMINATION

  • Medical abortion involves the combination of 2 drugs used to cause the pregnancy to miscarry.
  • Around 5% of medical abortions can be unsuccessful. If the pregnancy continues, or if there are retained products of conception, further intervention which may include a surgical procedure, will be required.
  • Side effects to the drugs can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache and fever. Pain and bleeding are also side effects of this procedure.
  • Medical abortion can be performed as soon as a pregnancy can be confirmed as intrauterine, but can only be performed 9 weeks into the gestation period in accordance with TGA recommendations.

 

SURGICAL ABORTION TO 14 WEEKS

  • Surgical abortion involves the doctor using suction to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
  • A suction tube and curette are used to remove the pregnancy tissue.
  • While surgical abortion requires sedation, the recovery period is typically short. Patients may experience cramps and bleeding, which may require pain relief.
  • A postoperative antibiotic is usually prescribed to help prevent infection.

 

If you are still undecided as to which abortion option is right for you and would like more information, contact us.

Our highly experienced and compassionate team offers support and advice on surgical abortion and termination, medical abortion, early pregnancy health, fertility advice, reproductive health, Femscreen, contraception, the pill, Hormone Releasing Intrauterine System (IUS), vasectomy, sterilisation and more.

Contact one of our five gynaecology clinics in Wollongong, Canberra, Newcastle, Gosford or Sydney, today!