Contents:
- Medical Video: Speak Out: Teen Vogue Defends Late Term Abortion
- What is abortion?
- What are the methods of abortion?
- What complications can occur?
- How fast is the recovery process after abortion?
Medical Video: Speak Out: Teen Vogue Defends Late Term Abortion
Definition
What is abortion?
Abortion or pregnancy termination is a procedure that is performed to end the pregnancy period prematurely. In some countries, abortion is considered legal and women may have an abortion before the pregnancy is more than 24 weeks. In Indonesia, abortion is considered illegal except with the doctor's approval based on certain medical reasons or considerations, such as physical and psychological conditions of pregnancy complications that can endanger the life of the mother.
Prevention & warning
What are the methods of abortion?
Early medical procedure (up to week 9)
This procedure adopts a natural miscarriage process and is carried out at week 9 or earlier. This procedure begins with the administration of mifepristone tablets which will reduce pregnancy hormone levels. Two days later, the patient will be given 4 prostaglandin tablets. This drug can make the uterus (uterus) shed the embryo. Similar to menstruation, this process is accompanied by bleeding and abdominal cramps. Painkillers and anti-nausea tablets can be given to overcome this problem.
Vacuum aspiration procedure (up to week 14)
This procedure uses a tool in the form of a suction tube to remove the embryo through the vagina. Usually, this procedure is carried out under general anesthesia and takes less than 10 minutes. The patient may feel some symptoms of pain and discomfort such as during menstruation.
Medical termination (from week 13)
This method is similar to an early medical procedure. Usually patients will be given several doses of prostaglandin directly through the mouth and vagina. The patient will be hospitalized for about two days. The doctor will discuss pain relievers that are suitable for the patient.
Dilatation and evacuation surgery (D & E) (from week 14)
Dilation and evacuation surgery is usually carried out under general anesthesia and takes less than 20 minutes. This procedure involves emptying the uterus through the vagina using tubes and special tools.
Process
What complications can occur?
For all types of terminations, common complications that can occur are:
● pain, which can usually be controlled with painkillers
● bleeding, such as menstruation
● blood clots
● infection
● pregnancy continues, so another procedure is needed
● psychological problems
For final medical termination, there is also the risk of placental retention or other procedures needed to empty the uterus.
For dilatation and evacuation surgery, the risks of complications include:
➢ a hole in the uterus that might damage the closest structure
➢ damage to the cervix
If the information you get is not clear, discuss the risk of this complication with your doctor.
Complications
How fast is the recovery process after abortion?
After surgery, you are allowed to go home on the same day, except in some cases of termination, you need to spend the night in the hospital. Rest at home for one to two days and take painkillers if needed. For several days, you may feel cramps and bleeding like when you menstruate. You can discuss with your doctor or medical officer about contraceptive needs, antibiotics, or injections if your blood type has a negative resus. The abortion that has been done should not affect the patient's fertility. However, if pregnant again, patients experience an increased risk of preterm birth. Some women become emotional after undergoing an abortion. If this feeling becomes more or too long, make sure you tell the doctor.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
