Early Abortion Machine Vacuum Aspiration Procedure

Overview

The early abortion machine vacuum aspiration procedure is one of three available options to end an early pregnancy (the abortion pill and manual aspiration are the other methods). This early abortion method can be used 5 to 12 weeks after your last menstrual period.

This procedure is quick (5 to 15 minutes) and can be safely completed in a regular medical office or clinic.

Machine Vacuum Aspiration Also Known As

• Early abortion
• Aspiration abortion
• Machine vacuum aspiration
• Vacuum aspiration

Before the Procedure

• An osmotic (cervical) dilator may be inserted into the cervix to slowly dilate its opening either a day before or hours before a machine vacuum aspiration abortion.
   
• Misoprostol may be given to help soften the cervix.
   
• Pain or sedation medication might be provided orally or intravenously. Vasopressin (or a comparable medication) could also be mixed with the local anesthetic to lessen or slow bleeding at the injection site on the cervix.

During the Procedure

• Your doctor will insert a speculum.
   
• The cervix will be cleaned with antiseptic and numbed with a local anesthetic.
   
• The uterus is held in place with an instrument that grasps the cervix. The cervix is then dilated to reduce the risk of injury to it.
   
• A hollow tube, called a cannula, is inserted into the cervix. It is attached by tubing to a bottle and a pump.

• When the pump is turned on, it creates a gentle vacuum that suctions the tissue out of the uterus.

During this time, you may feel mild to moderate cramping because your uterus contracts when the tissue is removed. There is some discomfort, yet the cramping should lessen once the cannula is taken out.

You also might feel faint, sweaty or nauseous.

After the Aspiration Abortion

• After a machine vacuum aspiration abortion, the removed tissue may be examined to make sure that all of it has been taken out, and the abortion is complete.
   
• Based on how you are feeling, you can usually resume normal activities the next day. You will probably need to wait about a week for sexual activity or to use tampons.

Possible Side Effects

• After the procedure, you will most likely be bleeding, though there tends to be less bleeding after the aspiration procedure than with the use of the abortion pill. (The bleeding is lighter than a typical period). You could also have some spotting for the first two weeks.
   
• You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
   
• You could also experience more cramps that may occur for a few hours (after the aspiration procedure) to maybe even a few days (as your uterus is shrinking back to its normal size). Your doctor may suggest acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve this cramping.

Effectiveness

The aspiration procedure is approximately 98-99% effective. Yet, in rare cases, an aspiration procedure may not end a pregnancy. This is more likely to occur in manual aspirations performed before 6 weeks, where about 3% fail and require a repeat procedure.

If all of the tissue has not been successfully removed during a machine vacuum aspiration, a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure might be needed.

Final Thoughts

• Machine vacuum aspiration abortion is safe for future pregnancy, as there is minimal possibility of developing scar tissue.
   
• This procedure is typically safe, effective and has a low risk for complications.
   
• Minor complications that could occur include injury to the uterine lining or cervix or infection.