There are two non-surgical methods to end early pregnancy: the Abortion Pill, and the Aspiration Procedure. Both of these methods allow the uterus to naturally release the pregnancy tissue without causing damage to the wall of the uterus. The Abortion Pill induces your period by blocking pregnancy hormones and causing the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy lining. The Aspiration Procedure uses a gentle pressure to cause the natural release of the pregnancy through the opening of the cervix and into a small handheld device.
Why is the aspiration procedure not considered surgery?
- Natural gentle pressure is applied. (No strong electric suction. No scraping or damage to the uterine wall. No scarring).
- Eat and drink before your visit. (No need to fast).
- Completed in a regular medical office (No Operating Room).
- Minimal Discomfort (No need to be put to sleep).
- Immediately resume normal activities (No Recovery Room).
- Resume sexual activity and the use of tampons in 24 hours (No need to heal for weeks after the procedure).
The Aspiration Procedure is not surgery because there is no cutting and no scraping. A thin sterile tube about the size of a pencil is inserted into the cervix (the natural opening to the uterus) and gentle pressure is applied. There is no change to the natural uterine wall and thus there is minimal possibility of developing scar tissue. The Aspiration Procedure is non-invasive and is safe for future pregnancy.
No Operating Room
The Aspiration Procedure is best offered in a private family doctor’s office, or a “primary care” setting. All care can be conducted in a private examination room and the procedure can be completed on a comfortable examination table. A companion of your choice can be by your side, and talk to you during the procedure. In this setting, you will experience the procedure like a regular gynecologic examination or Pap test.
No Recovery Room
After the Aspiration Procedure there is no recovery time. The uterus does not need to “heal” since there has been no change to the uterine lining. You can resume your normal activities and use tampons, bathe and have sexual intercourse after 24 hours. When you leave the office, you may have light period-like bleeding.
