Dear jessica05,

Most abortions are done by vacuum aspiration, which empties the uterus with suction. This method is performed in a clinician's office or in a hospital.

The two most common methods are manual vacuum aspiration, and dilation and suction curettage. Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) can be done as soon as a woman knows she is pregnant and up to 10 weeks after her last period. Here is how it works:

• The clinician may inject a painkiller into or near the cervix and may offer other painkillers.



• The opening of the cervix may be stretched with dilators - a series of increasingly thick rods. Or the woman may be given a medication. Or the woman may be given special absorbent dilators that will absorb fluid slowly and stretch open the cervix. Sometimes absorbent dilators are worn over night and work as the woman sleeps.



• A tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. A hand-held instrument gently empties the uterus.

Dilation and suction curettage (D&C) is also called vacuum aspiration. It can be performed throughout the first trimester. Here is how it works:

• The clinician may recommend sedation and may inject a painkiller into or near the cervix and may offer other painkillers.



• The opening of the cervix is stretched with dilators. Or the woman may be given a medication or have absorbent dilators inserted.



• A tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. This tube is attached to a suction machine.



• The suction machine is turned on. The uterus is emptied by gentle suction.



• A curette (narrow metal loop) may be used to clean the walls of the uterus.

A woman will return to her clinician for a follow-up visit following both of these procedures.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.