Vacuum Aspiration (Suction Abortion)
Vacuum Aspiration, commonly referred to as Suction Abortion, is the primary method used for most abortions in the United States within the first 12 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. During an in-clinic abortion in the first trimester, a vacuum aspiration procedure is performed.
Typically, there is no need to prepare or dilate the cervix for this procedure. However, if the pregnancy is more advanced, usually beyond 10 to 12 weeks, some cervical preparation may be necessary to facilitate access to the uterus. This may involve the insertion of small, sterilized seaweed sticks known as laminaria, which expand after absorbing moisture.
For the procedure, the patient lies on an examination table with their feet in stirrups, resembling a pelvic exam setup. After ensuring comfort and sedation if desired, the healthcare provider inserts a speculum into the vagina to maintain openness and applies an antiseptic solution called Betadine to the vagina and cervix.
An anesthetic is then injected into the cervix to numb it, while a grasping instrument holds it in place. Subsequently, a small tube connected to either a hand-held syringe or a suction machine is inserted into the uterus to remove its contents. The entire procedure usually lasts several minutes.
Following the procedure, the doctor verifies its success and allows the patient to rest under observation for approximately 30 minutes.
