What is Abortion? Methods, Benefits and Recovery Process

Abortion or medically known as curettage is the process of cleaning the inside of the uterus by medical or surgical means. It is usually performed to end unwanted pregnancies, clean the uterus after a miscarriage or treat some intrauterine problems. Abortion can be performed both as a medical necessity and within the framework of family planning. Abortion procedures performed with modern techniques are generally short-term, safe and minimally risky procedures. Abortion is performed using methods such as vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C).


 

What is Abortion?

Abortion is the process of terminating a pregnancy or cleaning the inside of the uterus with medical or surgical methods. In addition to terminating unwanted pregnancies, abortion can also be performed to clean the tissues inside the uterus after a miscarriage, control excessive bleeding, or treat abnormalities such as intrauterine polyps and myomas. Curettage is an important gynecological procedure used in cases of medical necessity.

Basic Purposes of Abortion:

• Termination of Pregnancy: Safe termination of unwanted pregnancies.
• Post-Abortion Cleaning: Cleaning of remaining tissues in the uterus after a miscarriage.
• Medical Reasons: Procedures performed due to excessive bleeding, abnormal growths in the uterus (myoma, polyp) or hormonal disorders.

Abortion is generally considered a minimally risky procedure and is safely performed with modern techniques.

Why is Abortion Performed?

Abortion can be performed for various reasons. Abortion, which is usually done to end a pregnancy, may also be necessary for medical reasons.

Main Reasons for Abortion:

• Unintended Pregnancy: Abortion is performed for women who do not want to get pregnant or who want to end their pregnancy in line with family planning.
• Post-Miscarriage Cleaning: In women who have a miscarriage, when the uterus does not completely empty, the remaining tissues in the uterus may need to be cleaned.
• Excessive Bleeding and Uterine Problems: In women who experience excessive bleeding due to hormonal problems, myomas, polyps or other abnormalities, the inside of the uterus may need to be cleaned.
• Pregnancy-Related Health Problems: In cases where the pregnancy threatens the mother's health or when the fetus develops a problem that is incompatible with life, medical abortion may be recommended.

Such cases may necessitate abortion as a medical necessity.

Abortion Methods

Abortion can be performed with different techniques. The appropriate method is selected considering the duration of pregnancy and the patient's condition.

Abortion Methods:

1. Vacuum Aspiration: It is a safe method used in the early stages of pregnancy (usually 5-12 weeks). The uterus is emptied with the help of a vacuum.
2. Dilatation and Curettage (D&C): This is a method used in more advanced pregnancies or in cases where the intrauterine tissues need to be cleaned more extensively. The cervix is ​​dilated and the intrauterine tissues are cleaned with a tool called a curette.
3. Medical Abortion: The uterus is emptied on its own using medication. It is usually preferred in early pregnancies.

The method to be used is determined according to the duration of pregnancy and medical requirements.

How is an Abortion Performed?

Abortion is a short-term procedure usually performed in an outpatient clinic environment. Vacuum aspiration is the most commonly used technique and takes about 10-15 minutes.

Abortion Stages:

1. Anesthetic: Abortion is usually performed under local or general anesthesia. In local anesthesia, only the uterus and the surrounding area are numbed; In general anesthesia, the patient is put to sleep.
2. Widening the Cervix: The cervix is ​​widened to allow surgical instruments to reach the uterus.
3. Emptying the Uterus: The tissues inside the uterus are removed with the help of vacuum aspiration or a curette.
4. Control: After the procedure is completed, it is checked whether there is any remaining tissue in the uterus.

This procedure isIt usually takes 10-15 minutes and the patient can return to normal life in a short time.

In What Situations Is Abortion Performed?

Abortion is usually performed to end unwanted pregnancies. In addition, some medical conditions may also require abortion.

Common Areas of Use of Abortion:

• Unintended Pregnancy: Termination of pregnancy within the framework of family planning.
• Post-Abortion Cleaning: Cleaning the inside of the uterus that has not emptied completely.
• Excessive Bleeding and Uterine Problems: When hormonal disorders, polyps, myomas and intrauterine tissues need to be cleaned.

Abortion is a safe method used in the treatment of these conditions.

Benefits of Abortion

Abortion is an effective method for the safe termination of unwanted pregnancies and the treatment of intrauterine problems.

Main Benefits of Abortion:

• Safe Pregnancy Termination: Modern abortion methods make pregnancy termination safe.
• Uterine Cleaning: Infection and other complications are prevented by cleaning the tissues remaining in the uterus after a miscarriage or excessive bleeding.
• Fast Recovery Process: It is a procedure performed in a short time and the patient usually returns to normal life in a short time. can return.

Abortion, when performed correctly, provides a fast and safe solution.

Post-Abortion Recovery Process

Post-abortion recovery is usually fast, but there are some important points that patients should pay attention to.

Things to Consider During the Recovery Process:

• Light Bleeding: Light bleeding or spotting may occur for a few days after an abortion.
• Pain Management: Mild abdominal pain may occur, which can usually be relieved with painkillers.
• Avoiding Sexual Intercourse: It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse for at least 2 weeks after an abortion.
• Risk of Infection Attention: Hygiene rules should be observed and the doctor's recommendations should be followed.

Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.

Risks of Abortion

Abortion is generally a safe procedure, but it does carry some risks. However, these risks have been minimized under modern methods and sterile conditions.

Possible Risks of Abortion:

• Infection: There may be a risk of infection if it is not performed under appropriate hygienic conditions.
• Uterine Perforation: This rare complication may occur if the uterine wall thins.
• Excessive Bleeding: Excessive bleeding after abortion can be seen, although rare.

Most of these risks are quite rare in abortion procedures performed by experienced physicians.

Preparation Before Abortion

Some preparations may be required before abortion. These preparations ensure that the procedure goes smoothly and the recovery process is comfortable.

Things to Do Before Abortion:

• Ultrasound: An ultrasound can be done to get clear information about the pregnancy period and status.
• Food and Medication: If general anesthesia is to be applied, it may be necessary not to eat or drink water before the surgery.
• Blood Tests: Tests deemed necessary by your doctor are performed.

Following your doctor's recommendations ensures that the preparations before the abortion go smoothly.

Candidates for Abortion

Abortion is a viable option for women who need to end a pregnancy. However, certain health conditions may require or prevent an abortion.

Candidates for Abortion:

• Women with an Unwanted Pregnancy: Women who want to end their pregnancy through family planning.
• Women Who Need to Terminate a Pregnancy for Medical Reasons: In cases that threaten the mother's health or if the fetus has problems that are incompatible with life.
• Women Who Have Had a Miscarriage: Women who need to have the remaining tissue in the uterus removed after a miscarriage.

Your doctor will determine if you are a candidate.

Post-Abortion Things to Pay Attention to

Post-abortion healing process things to pay attention toThere are some important points to follow. Following these rules reduces the risk of infection and speeds up the healing process.

Things to Consider After Abortion:

• Sexual Intercourse: Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 2 weeks after an abortion.
• Hygiene: The genital area should be cleaned carefully to prevent infection.
• Pain and Bleeding: Mild pain and bleeding are normal, but if you experience excessive bleeding or severe pain, consult your doctor.

These precautions speed up the healing process after an abortion and reduce the risk of complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does an abortion take?

It usually takes 10-15 minutes. However, if general anesthesia is used, the procedure may take a little longer.

2. When can I return to my normal life after an abortion?

You can usually return to your normal activities within 1-2 days.

3. Is an abortion painful?

It is performed under anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. However, there may be mild cramps after the procedure.

4. When can sexual intercourse begin after an abortion?

It can usually begin after 2 weeks, depending on the doctor's recommendation.

5. Does abortion pose a risk for repeat pregnancies?

Modern abortion methods generally do not affect fertility. However, repeating the procedure frequently may pose some risks.

6. Is bleeding after abortion normal?

Yes, there may be light bleeding for a few days after an abortion. However, if there is excessive bleeding, a doctor should be consulted.