Vacuum Aspiration for Abortion

Surgery Overview

There are two methods of vacuum aspiration (also called suction aspiration):

• Manual vacuum. This procedure can be used around 5 to 12 weeks after the last menstrual period (early first trimester). It involves the use of a specially designed syringe to apply suction.
• Machine vacuum. This procedure is a common method used in the first 5 to 12 weeks (first trimester) of pregnancy. It involves the use of a thin tube (cannula). The cannula is attached by tubing to a bottle and a pump, which provides a gentle vacuum. The cannula is passed into the uterus, and the pump is turned on. Then the tissue is gently removed from the uterus.

What To Expect

Vacuum aspiration is a minor surgical procedure. A normal recovery includes:

• Irregular bleeding or spotting for the first 2 weeks. Use sanitary pads until you stop bleeding. Using pads makes it easier to monitor your bleeding.
• Cramps similar to menstrual cramps. You may have them for several hours and maybe for a few days, as the uterus shrinks back to its nonpregnant size.

After the procedure:

• If your doctor prescribed medicines, take them as directed.
• Rest quietly for the day. You can do normal activities the next day, based on how you feel.
• Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) can help relieve cramping pain. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex. If you don't want to get pregnant, use birth control when you start having sex again.

Why It Is Done

Vacuum aspiration is done in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Vacuum aspiration can be done for:

• An induced therapeutic abortion.
• A failed or incomplete medical abortion.
• Death of the embryo or fetus (also called spontaneous abortion or miscarriage).

How Well It Works

First-trimester surgical abortions are safe and effective and have few complications.

In rare cases, an aspiration procedure doesn't successfully end a pregnancy. This is more likely to happen during the earliest weeks of a pregnancy.

Risks

The risk of problems from the procedure is rare. But some problems may include:

• Failure to end the pregnancy.
• Tissue remaining in the uterus (retained products of conception).
• Injury to the cervix.
• A hole in the wall of the uterus (uterine perforation).
• Heavy vaginal bleeding.
• Infection.