Vacuum abortion: the whole truth about mini-abortion

While some women dream of carrying and giving birth to a child, others are looking for ways to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Modern medicine and pharmacology provide a huge selection of contraceptives that can prevent conception, but despite this, the number of abortions performed by doctors is constantly growing. According to statistics, about 20 thousand women a year get rid of an unwanted pregnancy. It is difficult to give this act an unambiguous moral assessment, however, from a scientific point of view, an embryo is the first stage of development of the human body and is fully equated to a newborn child, and abortion is murder. Morality does not force a woman to forcibly follow her own interests, but demands that she take responsibility for her actions without paying with the life of an unborn person. On the other hand, such a serious medical intervention as abortion always has an extremely detrimental effect on the woman’s body, especially on the organs of the reproductive system. The consequences can be extremely dire, ranging from hormonal imbalance and the development of various neoplasms, ending with infertility. Therefore, if a woman has doubts about carrying out this procedure, first of all, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist who will tell you about all the possible risks. There are certain periods at which the procedure can be carried out by medical professionals, and various types of abortions are offered; let’s look at them in more detail.

Until what period can a pregnancy be terminated?

Abortion, or artificial termination of pregnancy, is carried out both as prescribed by a doctor due to compelling medical indications, and at the request of the pregnant woman herself, who for one reason or another does not want to bear and give birth to a child. An important condition is the duration of pregnancy; This is the first question that a doctor will ask his patient, because it affects the way the procedure is performed. As a rule, the period should not exceed 12 weeks, but in special cases, termination of pregnancy occurs in the later stages - up to 22 weeks.

Now there are many methods of performing an induced abortion, but basically each clinic offers:

1. medical termination of pregnancy is the safest method, but it can only be done up to 6 weeks;
2. the vacuum method, or cleaning, is used in the early stages. Using negative pressure, the fetus is removed from the uterus;
3. surgical abortion is a classic method, used in later stages. It is performed under general anesthesia with surgical instruments.

When planning an abortion, a woman should be prepared for potential complications. They can be different: both mild, such as bleeding and slight inflammation, and severe, up to the risk of becoming infertile. The timing of termination of pregnancy and the condition of the patient influence this. It is also undesirable to have unprotected sex for a year, since there is a high probability of spontaneous abortion - miscarriage. But doctors should under no circumstances frighten patients - just warn them about the consequences.

Frequently asked questions about vacuum abortion

• Question No. 1
• Question No. 2
• Question #3

Which is better, drug interruption or vacuum?

The optimal method for eliminating an unwanted pregnancy is determined by the doctor. When choosing medical termination or vacuum aspiration, it is necessary to take into account the gestational age, age, reproductive status of the patient, and her state of health. Pharmacological abortion is considered more gentle for a woman’s reproductive and psycho-emotional health.

Does it hurt to do a vacuum?

Modern anesthetic drugs can completely or almost completely eliminate discomfort. At the request of the patient, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which eliminates any discomfort.

Early termination of pregnancy

Termination of pregnancy in the early stages (up to 12 weeks) is considered the least dangerous to health - and in general, the sooner a woman discovers an unwanted pregnancy, the better. The fact is that in the early stages the fetus is very small in size, does not take up much space in the uterus, and the procedure can be carried out quickly, avoiding complications.

A patient who suspects something is wrong first does an ultrasound to confirm the presence of an embryo, as well as a smear to check for infection. Due to the presence of an infection, complications can occur after an abortion, so it will be necessary to treat it before the procedure - and, unfortunately, you will have to lose a lot of precious time.

Basically, up to 5-6 weeks, a so-called mini-abortion is performed - vacuum aspiration. During this procedure, a vacuum is created to clean the uterine cavity. The good thing about this method is that there is no mechanical damage or impact on the uterine mucosa, and termination of pregnancy in the early stages is quite easy.

The medicinal method will be discussed in detail below - you just have to note that it is carried out, as a rule, up to 6-8 weeks. Later, surgical abortion is usually used.

In what cases is abortion performed for social reasons?

There is also a list of indications for abortion that are not related to pathologies of the mother or fetus. The list of social indications includes special circumstances in a woman’s life that make the birth of a child undesirable. Abortion for social reasons can be performed up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The list of social indications is established by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 485:

• A court decision that has entered into force depriving a woman of parental rights to other children;
• The onset of conception as a result of sexual violence;
• The patient is serving a sentence in places of restriction of freedom;
• Death or severe disability of a spouse.

Social reasons for carrying out the procedure also include the lack of financial opportunity and housing conditions to raise a child. The final decision is made only by a commission consisting of the head of the clinic, lawyers and doctors. To confirm the presence of social indications, the patient must provide the commission with relevant certificates.

Late pregnancy termination

In the later stages (from 13 to 22 weeks), abortion can be performed, but only for the health of the woman or the development of the fetus. Artificial termination of pregnancy in late stages is carried out for the following indications:

1. severe pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, central nervous system, urinary system, serious metabolic disorders, blood diseases in women;
2. complications during pregnancy, bleeding and preeclampsia;
3. detected chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn child (for example, Down syndrome), developmental defects and deformities of the embryo, fetal death.

In order to terminate a pregnancy in later stages, two methods are used:

1. a surgical method during which a cesarean section is performed, vaginally or abdominally, depending on the indications;
2. a medicinal method of enhancing the contractility of the uterus - or, in other words, carrying out an artificial birth.

It is necessary to carry out termination of pregnancy in later stages only in emergency cases, because such a procedure can lead to a number of complications - the doctor is obliged to inform the patient about this.

Consequences of late abortion:

1. Cervical rupture is a fairly common complication of surgical abortion. It is not difficult to solve - the cervix is ​​sutured, but problems may arise in the future, when the woman becomes pregnant with an already planned child. Isthmic-cervical insufficiency may develop, and during childbirth the cervix may not fully dilate.
2. damage to the walls of the uterus. Considered a rare event, it is a very dangerous complication of abortion that will require emergency surgery;
3. bleeding - most often occurs after medical abortion;
4. residual elements of the fertilized egg in the uterus - requires immediate treatment.

Also, late pregnancy termination can lead to complications that may arise over time. Among them are the following:

1. inflammatory process of the endometrium, which can be caused by infection during an abortion. Without timely treatment, purulent pathologies may develop, which is one of the reasons for the inability to conceive a child;
2. inflammation in the appendages and fallopian tubes, which can cause tubal obstruction and adhesive disease;
3. disruption of the menstrual cycle due to hormonal imbalance;
4. endometriosis (overgrowth of endometrial tissue);
5. severe course of subsequent pregnancy, threat of miscarriage and birth of a premature baby;
6. the risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy increases;
7. infertility.

To reduce the risk of complications after an abortion, it is important to follow the recommendations of your gynecologist.

Possible consequences: is vacuum mini abortion safe?

As a rule, vacuum aspiration does not cause problems for either the doctor or the woman. However, sometimes negative consequences can still occur.

• Incomplete abortion or continued pregnancy. It happens that parts of the fetus, and sometimes the entire fetus, remain in the uterus. The first condition is indicated by severe pain, discharge with blood clots and an unpleasant odor, the second – by signs of toxicosis.
• Damage to the genital organs: cervix and uterine walls. This happens when using metal dilators and curettes and requires immediate surgical intervention.
• Inflammatory processes. The reason is infection in the female genital organs. Untimely treatment is fraught with serious consequences, including the development of secondary infertility.
• Disorders in the endocrine system and menstrual cycle. After an abortion, a woman’s body, which is primed for pregnancy, experiences a hormonal imbalance, which can affect the functioning of all organs.
• Miscarriage. Dilation of the cervix can weaken it and cause miscarriages in the future.

Therefore, it is very important to undergo a control ultrasound - it is prescribed 1-2 weeks after vacuum aspiration. Moreover, not only if one of the listed symptoms appears, but also if after the operation everything goes well and the woman feels normal.

Cost of medical abortion

The money issue in the modern world always worries people, and the issue of abortion is no exception. Before making an appointment with a doctor, women are interested in the cost of the procedure and the services included in its price.

The price of a medical abortion includes the sum of all incoming services:

1. an accurate test - as a rule, this is a blood test for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), showing not only the fact of pregnancy, but also the duration in weeks;
2. general blood test, smear for infection;
3. initial and repeated appointment with a gynecologist - before and after the procedure;
4. price of drugs;
5. primary and repeat ultrasound.

Treatment of complications that may arise after an abortion, as well as additional time spent in hospital, are usually not included in the initially stated amount.

What is medical abortion? How to reduce the risk?

Medical termination of pregnancy is an induced abortion that does not require surgical intervention. For this purpose, pills are used that kill the embryo and expel the fertilized egg. Medical abortion is usually performed in the early stages; termination of pregnancy in later stages is also possible - but here the drugs are somewhat different.

Medicines are different from each other: they have different compositions, different principles of action on the body, so in no case should you buy them without the recommendation of a gynecologist. The choice of drug depends on the period, age and weight of the woman, whether she has had previous pregnancies or miscarriages, and the presence of concomitant diseases.

The general principle of action of drugs for abortion is the effect on hormonal levels, after which the embryo is rejected from the uterus. They differ in the active substance acting on the fertilized egg, and are divided into two groups:

1. progesterone antagonists. These are drugs that cause the rejection of progestron, a female hormone that, after fertilization, is produced in large quantities by the ovaries and helps the body prepare for conception. Used in the early stages.
2. prostaglandins - these active substances stimulate the process of embryo rejection, causing artificial birth. Late pregnancy termination is carried out using these medications.

How is surgical abortion performed?

The possibility of performing the operation is determined by the gynecologist after examination and determining the exact period of pregnancy. Before an abortion is performed, the woman undergoes training. In the preoperative period, the girl undergoes a urine test, a general blood test, tests for hCG, blood group and Rh factor, as well as screening for infectious diseases (hepatitis, syphilis, HIV). If no contraindications are identified, the doctor sets a date for the intervention, agrees with the patient on the type of pain relief, and, if necessary, gives a referral to an anesthesiologist.

The operation is performed on a gynecological chair using general or local anesthesia. During the intervention, the doctor removes the embryo and performs curettage of the uterus and cervical canal.

The woman spends the early postoperative period in the clinic, under the supervision of medical staff. The patient is prescribed medication, given recommendations regarding the rehabilitation period and set a date for a follow-up visit.

Recovery after an abortion takes 2-3 weeks. During this period, significant stress, sexual contact, thermal procedures, and swimming in the bathroom or open water are contraindicated for a woman. A follow-up examination and ultrasound are performed on the 7th day after surgery. Restoration of hormonal levels and psycho-emotional state (if the outcome of the operation is favorable) takes an average of 3 months.

Where is the best place to have an abortion?

Induced abortion is one of the standard gynecological procedures that can be done in any clinic where a gynecologist is seen - be it a specialized institution or a city antenatal clinic.

Budget clinics often offer to carry out the procedure and treatment in a hospital for free; a private clinic provides services only for money, therefore, for financial reasons, many women go to antenatal clinics or public clinics for an abortion. However, it is better not to skimp on your health and go to a paid establishment. The point is not that the competence of clinic doctors leaves much to be desired - these are just prejudices. A private institution provides complete anonymity, but abortion is an intimate operation, and sometimes a woman does not want anyone to know about it.

The clinic in Lobnya PrivatKlinik will be happy to help you. Trusted gynecologists provide services in various fields, including abortion. Lobnya, st. Okruzhnaya, 13 is the address of our medical center. Call +7(498) 504-27-00 - we will be happy to answer your questions and make an appointment with the best specialists!

Under no circumstances should you hastily go for an abortion: you should think carefully, weigh the pros and cons, evaluate the timing of termination of pregnancy - we must not forget that termination of pregnancy in the later stages is extremely dangerous. And most importantly, you need to remember that a mistake can cost health and happiness in the future!

How much does a vacuum abortion cost?

Each clinic sets prices for vacuum aspiration at its own discretion. When choosing a medical center, be careful. The price list often indicates the cost of the procedure itself without tests, ultrasound and anesthesia. In our clinic, the cost of the procedure at the all-inclusive rate is 15 thousand rubles. This includes absolutely all tests, examination and pain relief!

Benefits of Vacuum Aspiration

Despite the possible consequences, mini-abortion is considered gentle and therefore the more preferable method of surgical termination of pregnancy. And this is quite understandable.

• Damage to the mucous membrane and cervix, except in rare cases, is minimal, so the woman recovers faster after surgery.
• In the first weeks of pregnancy, the psychological connection with the life born inside is not yet so strong, and abortion becomes less stressful for the woman than in later stages.
• The patient can go home a few hours after aspiration and return to her normal life the very next day.

But be that as it may, a woman should remember that even a tiny embryo is already a new person. Therefore, you should foresee possible methods of contraception in advance and thereby save yourself in the future from the awareness of guilt in front of your unborn child.

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In what cases is it recommended to have an abortion for medical reasons?

There are a number of women’s health conditions in which bearing and giving birth to a child can lead to serious complications and even death of the patient. In such cases, it is recommended to terminate the pregnancy. Doctors also insist on artificial removal of the fetus if ultrasound and genetic screening show a high risk of chromosomal mutations.

Reasons for abortion

Abortion for medical reasons is performed in the following conditions:

• Active stage of tuberculosis.
  While carrying a child, the load on the cardiovascular, respiratory and excretory systems of the body increases significantly. If a woman is sick with tuberculosis, the disease begins to actively progress. This leads to high mortality among pregnant women suffering from tuberculosis. The lactation period is also dangerous for such patients. Natural weakening of the immune system, anemia, and a decrease in the amount of nutrients entering the female body - all this causes severe relapses of tuberculosis.
• Transfer of rubella.
  Exposure to rubella while pregnant significantly increases the risk of congenital chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. This is due to the ability of the pathogen to penetrate the placental barrier. The likelihood of having children with hydrocephalus and delayed mental and mental development increases several times.
• Oncological diseases.
  When cancer is detected, the patient is almost always prescribed chemotherapy or radiation therapy. When carrying out such treatment, there is a toxic effect on the fetus. This can cause its abnormal development or even death. It is also not recommended to continue pregnancy if the patient needs regular x-rays of the pelvic organs.
• Severe forms of diabetes.
  In addition to impaired carbohydrate metabolism, diabetes mellitus often causes kidney pathologies. This is due to the high load on the urinary system. During pregnancy, the load on the kidneys also increases many times over. As a result of the combination of these factors, there is a high risk of worsening nephropathy or complete kidney failure.
• Severe mental disorders.
  Doctors do not recommend giving birth to patients suffering from dementia, psychosis, or schizophrenia. Such mental disorders make it impossible to fully care for the baby.
• Certain types of heart defects.
  There are a number of heart defects that cause severe circulatory problems. Such defects include pulmonary stenosis, tetralogy of Fallot, and coarctation of the aorta. The probability of death of such patients during pregnancy reaches 50%, and therefore conception is strictly contraindicated.
• Autoimmune diseases.
  With autoimmune diseases, the body actively fights against itself. Rheumatoid lesions, systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune pathologies greatly increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. There is also a high risk of delayed or fading fetal development.
• Blood diseases.
  Pregnancy is contraindicated in leukemia, since treatment involves the use of chemotherapy drugs. Bleeding disorders and thromboembolic disorders are also dangerous. They can lead to miscarriage, massive blood loss, and death of the woman.

In each case, the decision on the need for an abortion is made by a council of doctors, headed by an obstetrician-gynecologist.