General Sex Questions

What are the different types of abortion?

According to the British National Health Service "Abortion is when a pregnancy is ended so that it does not result in the birth of a child. Sometimes it is called 'termination of pregnancy'". Terminations are performed medically or surgically. Both options are safe and effective and national guidance recommends a choice of methods where appropriate (refer to the legalities within respective country).

MEDICAL:

• Taking medication to end the pregnancy:

The Abortion Pill: The process is 2-stage. Mifepristone and Misoprostol Combination.

This procedure can be done up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Mifepristone is a pill ingested orally at a clinic and you can be allowed to go home. This blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to break down and stopping the pregnancy from continuing. After 2 days misoprostol is either placed between the cheek and gum or is placed in the vagina. You will stay at a clinic throughout this process and may also be kept overnight. However, there may be some instances where the medical termination can be carried out at home under certain circumstances. This causes the womb to contract, causing cramping, bleeding and the loss of the pregnancy, similar to a miscarriage. Methotrexate and Misoprostol Combination.

This procedure can be done up to 7 weeks of pregnancy. This method is not so common as it takes longer that the above-mentioned method. It is usually used in ectopic pregnancies – pregnancy outside the uterus. Methotrexate is a drug which stops the cells in the embryo from multiplying. Misoprostol is then administered, 4 to 6 days later at home, which causes the uterus to contract and cramp, releasing its contents.

SURGICAL:

• A minor procedure is done to remove the pregnancy.

Vacuum Aspiration. This procedure is done up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. It entails removing the pregnancy by gentle suction. This can be done with a local anaesthetic (up to 14 weeks) or under general anaesthetic (up to 15 weeks). After this visit you will be allowed to return home. Dilation and Evacuation

This procedure is carried out between 15 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. It is carried out with a general anaesthetic. The pregnancy is removed using narrow forceps inserted through the vagina, together with gentle suction. If you are 23 weeks or more, you will need to be administered an injection, through your abdomen, before the procedure in order to stop the fetal heartbeat. This injection is called a feticide and works immediately unless it is injected in the fluid surrounding the foetus, in this case it might take some hours for the heartbeat and movement to stop.

After this visit you will be allowed to recover under observation for a couple of hours before you will be allowed to return home.