Clinic-based procedural care
There are different surgical abortion procedures and the method used depends on how long you have been pregnant and your personal choice. Surgical abortions are performed as a day-care procedure so you will not have to stay in the clinic overnight. Discharge times differ depending on the length of the pregnancy and on the anaesthetic used. SURGICAL ABORTION – LOCAL ANAESTHETIC (MVA) This procedure is known as a Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and is recommended for women who prefer to be awake throughout the treatment and whose pregnancy is up to 10 weeks in gestation. Gel is applied to the cervix (neck of the uterus) to help numb the area before a local anaesthetic is injected. The cervix is then gently stretched using dilators and the contents of the uterus are removed through a suction tube. The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes to perform and you are able to eat and drink as normal up until the time of treatment.
What to expect
Procedural abortion is performed in an appropriate healthcare setting by qualified professionals. The exact method and anaesthesia approach depend on clinical assessment, pregnancy duration, patient preference and applicable guidelines.