If you are in Addison, Illinois, looking into types of abortion, the first thing we want you to know is that our hearts go out to you. Needing an abortion is never a happy place to be. Maybe your current situation or circumstances aren’t what you wanted, or maybe you simply don’t desire to have a child. Whatever your reason, it’s just not the right time. You’re at a place where you have to make decisions and choose a course of action from among your options. There are options, so how do you decide? In this article we’ll share basic information about types of abortion; however, our first recommendation is that you enlist the assistance of Avenue Women’s Center.
Why work with a pregnancy consultant? Avenue Women’s Center has been serving women in DuPage County and its surrounding communities, including Addison, for thirty-six years. It has been our commitment to provide caring, expert service to all our clients, to help each one come to the best decision for herself. For you! To learn more about what we do and how we do it, we invite you to read our blog: Working with a Pregnancy Consultant. Or contact us now. We are available by phone, text, email, or chat, and would be honored to discuss ways that we might assist you.
Now, on to your questions about types of abortion. There are two types of abortion procedures. One is a medical (or medication) abortion utilizing “the abortion pill,” RU-486. The other type is a surgical abortion, of which there are a number of different specific procedures, depending on how far along the pregnancy has progressed. Here is a brief summary of the procedures.
The medical abortion is available early in pregnancy, through the first nine weeks. It consists of a regimen of two separate drugs, the first of which is given by a licensed physician at an abortion provider’s office or clinic. This first pill, Mifepristone (Mifeprex), stops the pregnancy from growing by blocking necessary hormonal nutrients. As a woman leaves the abortion clinic, the abortion provider will typically give her the second drug, Misoprostol, along with directions for taking it about 48 hours later. This medication usually causes intense cramping and uterine contractions which will expel the pregnancy from the uterus. The woman will typically experience heavy bleeding as part of this process. It may last a few hours, or as long as several days. About two weeks later she will need to return to the abortion provider’s office for an examination to confirm that the abortion is complete. If tissue is found remaining in the uterus, a surgical procedure will be needed to remove it. Women are reminded that if they have any questions or concerns during any stage of the process, they should contact their abortion provider.
The medical abortion is allowed only up until 10 weeks gestation (70 days after the first day of the last menstrual period). After that time, a surgical abortion is required to terminate a pregnancy. The specific method used will be determined by how far advanced the pregnancy is. Most commonly used first trimester procedures include vacuum aspiration, suction curettage, and dilation and curettage (D & C). In the second trimester (after about 13 weeks) a more complex procedure would be utilized: dilation and evacuation (D & E).
Any abortion procedure involves a pre-procedure examination by the abortion provider. An ultrasound (sonogram) is required for accurate dating of the pregnancy and to determine eligibility for the various types of abortion.
Admittedly, there is much more it will be important for you to consider in your decision-making process.
- How effective is each type of abortion?
- Are there potential risks?
- Why do some women choose one type of abortion over another?
- What about pain management?
- What kind of recovery should most women expect?
You likely have additional questions not raised here. Again, this is why a private, confidential pregnancy consultation is a good place to start. We offer a safe, comfortable environment for you to get questions answered as you determine the course that is best for you. Many of our services are available at no cost to you.
If you’re in Addison, Illinois, looking into types of abortion, either our Elmhurst or our Wood Dale office will likely be just minutes away for you. We also have offices in Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, and West Chicago. We hope you will contact us and allow us to walk with you through this challenging time. We look forward to hearing from you.
References:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2015, May). FAQ, Special Procedures, Induced Abortion.
- Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/-/media/For-Patients/faq043.pdf
- WebMD. (2017, March). What Are the Types of Abortion Procedures? Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/women/abortion-procedures#1
- American Pregnancy Association. (2017, April) Abortion Procedures. Retrieved from: http://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-procedures/
- American Pregnancy Association. (2017, April). Medical Abortion Procedures. Retrieved from: http://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/medical-abortions/
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.