Comparison between Medication Abortion and Aspiration Abortion to Terminate Early Pregnancy

Abortion is a very legal and safe way to end a pregnancy. Typically, there are two early abortion methods available to women: Medication Abortion and Aspiration Abortion. A medication abortion is also known as ‘medical abortion’ or ‘abortion with pills’. It involves taking pills to terminate a pregnancy. Aspiration abortion, which is also known as suction or surgical abortion, is a method that uses invasive techniques in the uterus and vagina to remove the pregnancy.

How early can you get an abortion?

Medication Abortion: Up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual cycle.

Aspiration Abortion: Up to 12 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual cycle.

What will happen?

Medication Abortion:

Usually, the early pregnancy termination pill (Mifepristone) is taken in person at the clinic or at a doctor’s clinic. Majority women feel normal after taking Mifepristone, even though some experience nausea. At home, 24-48 hours afterwards, a second pill, misoprostol, is taken either buccally or vaginally, as instructed by your healthcare provider.

The abortion starts 1-4 hours after taking the misoprostol. Women experiences heavy cramping and bleeding that lasts for a couple of hours. You will have a follow-up appointment about a week later to be sure that the abortion is complete.

Aspiration Abortion:

The procedure takes place either in the clinic or in a hospital. The real abortion procedure takes 5-10 minutes. A doctor inserts surgical instruments inside your vagina and uterus to eliminate the pregnancy parts. A revisit is necessary only if you experience problems, or if you would like to see a healthcare provider.

How painful it is?

Aspiration Abortion and Medication Abortion: Women might experience mild to very severe abdominal cramping during the early termination of pregnancy, which may be managed (or helped) with pain medicine.

What amount of bleeding you may have?

Medication Abortion:

While passing the pregnancy, it is common to have a heavy bleeding with clots. Later than, lighter bleeding may continue off and on for one to two or more.

Aspiration Abortion:

Generally, lighter bleeding lasts for one to seven days. It may continue off and on for a few weeks.

How much does it cost?

For both types of pregnancy terminations, the exact costs depend on location, the timing, and facility. A medical abortion approximately costs between $190 to $490, whereas an aspiration abortion (in the first 12 weeks) costs approximately between $300-$950.

Can the Abortion fail?

Medical Abortion: The drugs work 98-99% of the time. If the drugs fail, woman will need to have an aspiration abortion.

Aspiration Abortion: It works 99% of the time. If it fails, woman will need to have a repeat aspiration abortion.

Does it affect fertility?

No, neither of the types decreases your chances of getting or staying pregnant in the future.

It is Safe?

Medication Abortion: Two drugs have been utilized since 2000 in the United States and the late 1980s in Europe. Severe problems are rare. Abortion pills process carries in any case 10 times less probability of health complications instead carrying pregnancy to term.

Aspiration Abortion: This is a common process that has been in use for more than 40 years. Termination of Pregnancy in the first 8 weeks is the safest, and issues with any early abortions are rare. An invasive technique carries at least 10 times fewer risks of health complications than continuing a pregnancy.