Having a procedural abortion is a SAFE & EFFECTIVE option for ending a pregnancy.

A procedural abortion is also called vacuum aspiration. The procedure uses suction to gently remove the pregnancy.

While the procedure itself last only minutes, additional time is needed for registration, paperwork, lab services and recovery. Please plan to be in our office for 3-4 hours for your abortion care appointment. (If your last menstrual period was more than 12 weeks ago, please plan to be in our office for up to 5 hours).

What to Expect

  1. You will receive lab work (height, weight, blood pressure, finger prick)
  2. Our ultrasonographer will complete an ultrasound to date the pregnancy
  3. You will receive 2 pre-medications an hour before the procedure
  4. The procedure itself takes only 5-10 minutes and can be done awake or asleep
  5. You will recover in the patient lounge until you feel ready to go home
  • Cervical preparation takes place prior to the procedure through administration of misoprostol which softens the cervix
  • IV sedation is administered (asleep).
  • Sterile medical instruments, a dilator and cannula, are gently inserted through the vaginal cavity, into the cervix opening and into the uterus.
  • The cannula is connected to a device that will provide the gentle suction needed to safely remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. This may make a slight, annoying sound.
  • Following the procedure, we allow ample recovery time in our patient’s lounge. You will be discharged with written and oral instructions on how to take care of yourself and what to do if you have a problem.

Are you interested in receiving an IUD or Nexplanon during your procedural abortion?

Ask us about how you can get a long-acting birth control option during the procedure.

IF you ARE having I.V. Sedation — remember:
  • NOT eat, drink, chew gum (nothing by mouth) 8 hours prior to your appointment. Be sure to drink water before you begin to fast.
  • Please bring someone with you to drive you home…you cannot drive yourself home.
  • Plan to be at the center at least 3-4 hours. You will have a 30 minute recover time in the patient lounge.

AFTER your abortion procedure

  • Use a pad for the first week after the procedure.
  • Comply with the clinician’s instructions for follow-up visits and any needed re-tests.
  • You will be given aftercare instructions that include no sexual activity for at least 1 week.
  • It is possible to get pregnant again as soon as 1-2 weeks after your abortion. Use contraception and talk to us about different birth control options.

After two (2) weeks you will complete your follow-up wellness report: either online, by phone or in person. After four (4) weeks you will take a urine hCG hormone test which will be provided to you.