First Trimester Abortion: Vacuum Aspiration
(also known as Suction Aspiration)
In the first trimester, usually 6 to 13 weeks LMP, vacuum aspiration is the medical term for the standard surgical abortion procedure. The abortion is performed by the doctor in the clinic. The actual procedure takes less than five minutes to complete. After you have changed into a surgical gown and placed your knees in the stirrups, the doctor will insert the speculum and then begin the procedure that involves three main steps: (1) an injection to numb the cervix which is the opening to the uterus, (2) insertion of a soft flexible tube through the cervix into the uterus, (3) suction created by an aspirating machine to remove the pregnancy and tissue.
After the procedure, depending on which optional pain medications (sedation options) you have chosen, you are able to leave the clinic within 20 minutes to two hours. The complete abortion appointment takes three to four hours. You may return to work or school the next day.
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