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Abortion Procedures - Frequently Asked Questions Historically, surgical abortion procedures were performed at 6 weeks gestation or further. With new medical equipment and surgical instruments, along with advanced technical training, the surgical procedure can now be performed as early as 3 to 4 weeks into a pregnancy. This means the surgical procedure can be performed before the first menstrual period is missed. Patients will have an ultrasound exam performed prior to the procedure and usually the surgery is performed under sonographic guidance. This confirms that the pregnancy is completely removed during surgery. Another name for early abortion procedure is “Menstrual Extraction”. In countries around the world, lay women have performed this procedure on each other. It has been safely practiced for over 50 years internationally. This early abortion was introduced in the United States in the mid 1970’s and the surgical technique has advanced in its effectiveness and safety throughout the 80’s and 90’s. Early Surgical Abortion or Menstrual Extraction Procedure: 3 to 6 weeks from the Last Menses Misoprostol is a prostaglandin which is known to cause the uterus (maternal womb) to contract. It can be given orally or vaginally to prime (open and soften) the cervix. This allows for easier opening of the cervix (lower portion of the maternal womb) when the surgery begins. There is a significant decrease in cervical lacerations or tears, the patient experiences less cramping or bleeding, and a lower incidence of tissue remaining inside the uterus after completion of surgery. Upon completion of cervical preparation, you are taken to an exam room and placed in the same position as if having a Pap Smear. There will be supportive staff with you in the exam room at all times. The Physician places a speculum (the same type used for your Pap Smear) inside your vagina and then numbs the cervix (lower part of the uterus (mother’s womb) with a local anesthetic. Most women have minimal to no discomfort with this portion of the procedure. The cervix is then dilated (stretched open) with dilators if necessary. Quite often it is not necessary to dilate the cervix due to the cervical priming technique described above. Mild cramping may occur with dilating the cervix which can last a few seconds. A sterile curette (thin tube) is placed through the cervix and this is connected to the aspirator. This part of the procedure lasts about 30 seconds. All instruments are then removed. The surgical procedure takes 3 to 8 minutes to perform. The patient is dressed and escorted to the recovery room. After 10 to 15 minutes in recovery and for patients who did not receive IV Sedation or having any post-procedure problems, they are discharged home. Patients return to their normal activities a few hours following the procedure. Patients may have sex the next day if they elect to do so. Complications Early surgical abortions have a very low complication rate. All surgeries carry certain risks. Complications occur in far less than 1% of early abortion procedures. They include retained gestational tissue, heavy bleeding, passage of large blood clots, severe cramps, laceration of the cervix, cervical tears, uterine perforation (creation of a hole in uterus), bowel or bladder injury, elevated temperature, pelvic infection, and maternal death. We have experienced no maternal deaths in any of our medical facilities. No hospitalizations have occurred due to complications from this procedure. After extensive evaluation, the majority of randomized medical studies show no evidence of an increased incidence of breast cancer among women who choose to undergo an abortion procedure or higher rate of mental health problems compared to women who carry an unwanted pregnancy to term and keep their child. A patient may request an exclusive or private appointment with Dr. Pendergraft by contacting him by E-mail preferable: Drpendergraft@gmail.com or call him directly at 321-445-2545 or call office location nearest you by clicking locations. Same day appointments can be arranged. Have a Question? Dr. Pendergraft is available to answer your sexual health related question by
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