The Surgical Abortion

Learn more upon the steps and procedures within Surgical Abortion

The Surgical Abortion

Choosing to have an abortion can be one of the most difficult decisions a woman may have to make in her lifetime. We respect your decision and are here to help support, comfort, and guide you through the process. Our team of professionals is committed to providing individualized care to women in a safe and compassionate atmosphere.

The surgical abortion procedure is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in Canada. The rate of complications is less than 1% and most complications are minor and are able to be easily treated.

Before the abortion procedure, it is important to know how far along you are in your pregnancy. The duration of your pregnancy will be confirmed at our clinic by an ultrasound and examination by the doctor.

The entire surgical procedure takes approximately 5 to 8 minutes. You are not put to sleep for your surgical abortion. Before starting the procedure, you will be offered an intravenous (IV) painkiller and sedative to help minimize discomfort and anxiety during the surgical procedure.

After the doctor completes a brief examination, he/she will insert a speculum into the vagina to hold the vaginal walls open during the procedure. The doctor will clean the area, do testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and then numb the cervix with local anaesthetic. The cervix is gently opened and a vacuum aspirator is used to remove the pregnancy from the uterus, stronger cramps may be felt at this time.

During the surgical abortion, your nurse will monitor your comfort level and vital signs while providing support and guidance through your procedure. Most women are able to carry a normal conversation with their nurse and doctor during this time.

Trimester 1

First Trimester Surgical Abortion Procedure

If your pregnancy is 7 to 12 weeks, the doctor will perform a brief examination before beginning the procedure. Once completed, he/she will insert a speculum into the vagina to hold the vaginal walls open during the procedure. The doctor will clean the area, do testing for STIs, and then numb the cervix using local anaesthetic. The cervix is then gently opened by inserting and removing tapered rods of increasing diameter. Once the cervix is opened, the doctor will insert a hollow tube attached to a manual or vacuum aspirator. The manual or vacuum aspirator provides gentle suction that will remove the pregnancy from the uterus. The entire procedure takes about 5-8 minutes to complete.

Trimester 2

Second Trimester Surgical Abortion Procedure and Cervical Preparation

If your pregnancy is 12 to 18 weeks, the surgical abortion procedure will remain the same. However, cervical preparation may be needed to soften the cervix to ensure a safe surgical abortion. There are two methods used to soften the cervix. Based on the doctor’s examination and how far along you are in your pregnancy, your doctor will decide the safest option for you.

OPTION 1:

You may be given a medication called Misoprostol to soften the cervix and allow for easier cervical dilation. This medication usually takes 2 hours to allow the cervix to fully soften. You will need to remain in or around the clinic during this time until the procedure can be completed.

Trimester 2

Second Trimester Surgical Abortion Procedure and Cervical Preparation Continued...

OPTION 2:

The cervix may need to be softened and gently opened by the insertion of a ‘laminaria.’ The laminaria is a small stick that will be left in overnight, where it will absorb the moisture of the cervix and allow it to gently open. You will need to return to the clinic the next day at your scheduled appointment time. The doctor will remove the laminaria and you will be given a medication called Misoprostol. This medication usually takes 2 hours to work in further soften the cervix. Your surgical abortion will then performed and may take up to 10-15 minutes.

Surgical Abortion or Manual Vacuum Aspiration Abortion

The surgical abortion can be performed for pregnancies between 4 to 7 weeks. For more information about the surgical abortion, please visit the following link:

Get more information on the surgical abortion by reading the Surgical Form

For more information about the surgical abortion, please visit the following website

CONTACT US

Get in touch with us. Call our office to speak with one of our staff members about your options now.

We are located in Brampton, Ontario. Just north of Mississauga, west of York Region (Vaughan, Markham, etc.), east of Guelph, and south of Barrie.

The Surgical Abortion