apt cta

Make an Appointment

apt cta phn number

Are you thinking about having a surgical abortion? Are you wondering how long the procedure will last?

While every woman’s experience is different, typically a surgical abortion can last about 10-15 minutes, not including the time before and after the procedure. It’s important to consider the serious physical risks of this medical procedure. 

What is Surgical Abortion?

Surgical abortion is a medical procedure that terminates an existing pregnancy by removing the embryo and pregnancy tissue from the uterus. 

How Long Does Surgical Abortion Last?

The length of a surgical abortion depends on the type of procedure. Here is an estimated amount of time for the two main types of surgical procedures.

1. Aspiration Abortion

Most of the time, an aspiration abortion is performed for women in their first trimester (12 weeks pregnant or fewer). An aspiration abortion normally takes fewer than 15 minutes.

2. Dilation & Curettage (D&C)

During a D&C abortion, the cervix is dilated and a sharp instrument or suction device, called a curette, is used to remove the pregnancy tissue. This type of abortion procedure could take up to 10 minutes or longer

Surgical Abortion Risks

Kaiser Permanente notes that there are possible risks, including:

  • Injury to the uterine lining or cervix
  • A hole in the wall of the uterus (uterine perforation)
  • Infection (bacteria can enter the uterus during the procedure)
  • Moderate to severe bleeding (hemorrhage), which can be caused by:
    • Injury to the uterine lining or cervix
    • Perforation of the uterus
    • The uterus not contracting (atony)
    • Uterine rupture (in rare cases, a uterine incision scar tears open when a medicine is used to induce contractions)
    • Tissue remaining in the uterus (retained products of conception)
  • Blood clots

Before an Abortion

When considering an abortion procedure, be sure to first consult with a medical provider or pregnancy resource center. 

When talking with a professional to understand all risks, complications, and impacts, it is important to:

  • Have a complete physical exam
  • Provide a list of currently used medications
  • Communicate any current or past medical conditions/history
  • Confirm pregnancy with quality pregnancy test and ultrasound

Schedule a free and confidential appointment at our center to confirm your pregnancy, learn more about your options, and understand the risks.

What are Signs of Uterine Damage After Abortion?

Uterine damage is one of the major physical risks of getting an abortion. It can be more likely when going through certain types of abortion. However, signs of injury or complication after an abortion can include the following: Signs to Watch For After Abortion Other complications after an abortion include incomplete abortion (requiring another abortion

 How Will Pregnancy Affect Me Mentally?

Upon learning that you are pregnant, you may feel a variety of emotions. Some women feel overwhelmed and scared, while others are excited and happy. There is no right or wrong way to feel; all of these emotions are valid! How Will I Feel? Some women discover that their moods fluctuate while they are pregnant.

7 Top Pregnancy Symptoms

Every woman experiences pregnancy differently. Some women don’t notice pregnancy symptoms, while others are overwhelmed with many symptoms.  Though symptoms can vary, there are symptoms that are commonly associated with pregnancy. Keep reading to learn about the top 7 pregnancy symptoms. 1. Missed period- When a pregnancy implants in a woman’s body, it releases a