Abortion

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Abortion procedure

Suction curettage

Most women who undergo surgical abortions done in appropriate medical facilities recover without any physical complications.

Some women feel ambivalent about ending a pregnancy, and may need psychological and emotional support at the time of their procedure. It's important to seek counseling before making this very difficult decision.

Physical recovery usually occurs within a few days, depending on the stage of the pregnancy. A small amount of vaginal bleeding and mild uterine cramping should be expected for a few days.

A hot bath or use of a heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen may help relieve discomfort. Strenuous activity should be avoided for a few days following an abortion. Tampons may be used after 3 days. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 2 to 3 weeks. A normal menstrual period should occur 4 to 6 weeks after the operation.

It's important to begin using birth control immediately after the abortion procedure. It is possible to get pregnant again even before having a normal menstrual period.

Review Date: 02/18/2005
Reviewed By: Alison Stuebe, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.