Expert: Doctor Early Options - 8/2/2009

Question
hi i wanted to ask you what is Aspiration abortion an how effective is it what is more affective aspiration or surgical abortion. This is my first time and i don't know what is more effective

Answer
Dear Marta,
I am so glad you asked this question as many people don't understand the differences between Aspiration and Surgical abortion. Aspiration abortion is just as effective as surgical abortion for early pregnancy (first trimester), but with fewer complications.

The Aspiration procedure (also known as Manual Vacuum Aspiration, MVA, or Menstrual Extraction)is usually completed in a regular examination room. It utilizes a handheld device to provide gentle suction.  In an early pregnancy, there is no visible embryo, so the pregnancy resembles a late or heavy period.  The doctor inserts a small sterile tube (called a cannula, about the size of a straw) through the natural opening of the cervix, attaches the handheld device, and applies a gentle pressure.  This "releases" the late period naturally.  The procedure is uncomfortable, but most women don't describe it as painful.  It is very brief - less than 5 minutes - and you recover immediately so you don't have to go to a recovery room.  There is minimal bleeding afterward. The Aspiration is considered a non surgical procedure because it is noninvasive, and does not scrape or cut the natural tissue layers of the uterus or utilize strong suction.

A surgical abortion is usually completed in an operating room setting.  It utilizes an electric suction machine, which applies a stronger suction which is not necessary for early pregnancy.  Some doctors scrape the uterus afterward.  In an early pregnancy, this is not necessary, and can rarely causes complications.  The sound of the electric suction can be frightening, and the scraping can be very painful, so most women choose to be put to sleep, which can also cause extremely rare but serious complications.

Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to find a doctor who performs the Aspiration procedure as it should be provided.  As women are learning more about the Aspiration procedure, some clinics are saying they provide it, but then do the procedure with scraping, in an operating room, under anesthesia.  If this is the case, Aspiration is not much different than surgical abortion!  

If you are lucky enough to be in New York City, my office, Early Options, offers the Aspiration procedure in the most private, professional setting.  Here are some reviews of this office - many patients describe their experience with the Aspiration procedure: http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/47310472  You can also find other doctors from around the country on earlyabortion.com.  

If you are in a location where you cannot find the Aspiration procedure, I would recommend the abortion pill, or making sure that the clinic that is offering surgical abortion does not scrape the uterus, and it is done awake or with twilight anesthesia.

I hope this is helpful, and good luck!

Dr. Joan
Early Abortion Specialist
Earlyabortionoptions.com
New York City