SURGICAL ABORTION

A surgical abortion is a very safe and effective day surgery procedure in which a pregnancy is terminated by evacuation of the uterine contents

Once you are asleep, the doctor performing the procedure will gently insert a speculum into the vagina. A speculum is a medical tool used during a pap spear designed to open up the vagina, so the doctor has easy, unobstructed access to the cervix.

The doctor will then dilate the cervical opening to allow a tube to pass through and into the uterus. The contents of the uterus will then be evacuated through the tube via suction.

The procedure is very quick and typically takes between 5-10 minutes. You will be under anaesthetic and asleep for approximately 15 minutes in total.

After the surgery is completed, you will wake up in recovery where you will spend about an hour before being discharged home. In this time our friendly nurses will monitor your recovery and provide you with some light refreshments, water and any pain medication or heat packs for cramping should you need them.
 

Rh (D) Immunoglobulin (anti D) Injection is recommended to be given to Rhesus Negative women at the time of termination of pregnancy to avoid subsequent antibody formation.

Does it hurt?

You will be asleep for the duration of the procedure and therefore will not feel anything. Once you wake up in recovery you might experience some cramping and tenderness, but this is similar to or less than normal period cramps. 

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How long will I be in the facility?

For pregnancies up to 12 weeks gestation the typical time window that you will be in the facility is 4-6 hours, If the pregnancy is between 12- and 16-weeks gestation, Misoprostol tablets are given prior to the procedure to assist in softening and dilating of the cervix, as well as initiating uterine contractions, this may add time to your visit.

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What gestation does your doctor terminate up to?

Our doctor will terminate pregnancies up to 16 weeks gestation.

What to bring

• If you have a letter from your GP or ultrasound scan results, bring these with you

• Your Medicare card

• Photo ID

• Some sanitary pads and an extra pair of underpants.