- Dates
- Indications for the procedure
- Contraindications
- Preoperative examination
- How is a mini-abortion performed?
- Complications and their treatment
- Pregnancy after vacuum aspiration
Any termination of pregnancy negatively affects women's health and psychological state.
But there is a more gentle method of performing this operation. This is a mini-abortion or vacuum aspiration. It is carried out using a special instrument equipped with a catheter, which is inserted into the uterus. Despite the obvious advantages of this method, the prefix “mini” does not mean a complete absence of complications and consequences. In addition, vacuum aspiration has a limited time frame during which it is permitted.
What is a mini abortion?
Using a special instrument consisting of a vacuum pump and a handpiece, it creates negative pressure in the uterus. Thanks to this, it is possible to mechanically remove the fertilized egg and decidua from the uterine cavity.
The advantages of a mini abortion include:
- High performance. It is extremely rare that there is a need for repeated manipulation. As a rule, this happens if an incomplete abortion occurs.
- Low morbidity. Such an abortion is completely safe, since when the fertilized egg is removed, the cervical canal is not expanded with the help of dilators, and the uterine cavity does not come into contact with a sharp curette.
- Mini-abortion speed. If you do not take into account preliminary preparation, which includes examining the patient, then the duration of a vacuum abortion will be 20-30 minutes.
- Can be performed without general anesthesia.
- No heavy bleeding, quick recovery.
Disadvantages of mini-abortion:
- The operation is performed almost “blindly”, because the doctor cannot fully guarantee that a complete termination of pregnancy will occur. In 2 cases out of 100, the fertilized egg remains and continues to develop.
- If a mini-abortion was performed by an incompetent doctor, then there is a risk of complications, the most common of which is infertility.
Kinds
The word “abortion” refers to any termination of pregnancy before 22 weeks. Recently, in Russia, termination of pregnancy at more than 22 weeks is considered premature birth. Fetuses born during these periods must be nursed in equipped Perinatal Centers.
Any interruption means an operation not only at the request of the woman (artificial), but also spontaneous fetal loss, better known as miscarriage.
Induced abortions are also divided into:
- Medication.
- Vacuum mini-abortion.
- Surgical.
Let us briefly describe each of them and take a closer look at what a vacuum abortion is.
Medication
The softest, most gentle, “velvet” abortion has been known in our country for more than 40 years. In the beginning, it was assumed that taking prostaglandins would be a miracle cure for ending an unplanned pregnancy. The antigestagens that replaced them turned out to be more effective (Mifepristone, Pencrofton). But the best effect was achieved by combining antigestagens with uterine contractions.
There are some disadvantages - high cost, as well as limited time for implementation (can be done up to 7 weeks).
Surgical
Surgical abortion is recognized as a severe neurohormonal and mechanical injury. It also has several types:
- Artificial - at the request of the woman without specifying the reasons, made before 12 weeks. It is performed with preliminary expansion of the cervical canal and removal of the fertilized egg using a vacuum aspirator and a special round sharp knife - a curette.
- Termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. Can be completed at any time. The list of indications for termination is set out in the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and implies that the woman has diseases that threaten her health and life during pregnancy prolongation or serious abnormalities in the child (developmental defects, hereditary, chromosomal abnormalities).
- Artificial abortion up to 22 weeks for social reasons. As a rule, they are sent if a girl became pregnant as a result of forced sexual intercourse, and a court decision was made to deprive her of parental rights. Indications for the operation are also imprisonment, disability, and even the death of the husband.
Many girls assume that by terminating a pregnancy, they can get rid of many problems. But some of them then cannot get pregnant for a long time (and sometimes their entire lives). And psychological trauma certainly remains.
Vacuum aspiration
Vacuum termination of pregnancy is performed in 2 options. In the first case, a vacuum abortion can be performed up to 21 days of missed period, that is, within a period of no more than 5 weeks. The second option is vacuum abortion up to 12 weeks with preliminary dilation of the cervical canal.
It’s worth talking about vacuum aspiration in more detail, because many girls undergo this operation.
Indications
The most important indication remains the woman’s desire to terminate the pregnancy. But sometimes the doctor himself prescribes a mini-abortion when the following indications occur:
- frozen pregnancy;
- anembryony;
- pregnancy poses a danger to the life and health of the woman herself;
- previous influenza, rubella and other infections that occurred during pregnancy;
- social indications, which include pregnancy that occurred as a result of sexual contact against the woman’s will, being in prison.
Vacuum abortion can be performed not only to stop the development of pregnancy in the early stages, but also to eliminate certain gynecological problems:
- to perform endometrial biopsy;
- to remove the fertilized egg after surgical or pharmacological abortion;
- retention of parts of the placenta after delivery or cesarean section;
- menstruation disorders;
- concentration of blood or serous fluid in the uterine cavity;
- poor-quality spontaneous abortion.
Contraindications
Since a mini-abortion is an invasive intervention and a minor surgical operation, it has certain contraindications, which include:
- pregnancy that develops outside the uterus;
- fever;
- infectious process (even a “cold” on the lips);
- acute or chronic diseases in the acute phase of organs, concentrated in the pelvis;
- blood clotting disorder;
- less than 6 months have passed since the previous abortion.
Vacuum abortion is not performed if there are contraindications:
- Pregnancy exceeds 5 weeks.
- Malformations of the uterus.
- A neoplasm on the uterus, as a result of which its cavity is deformed.
Preparing for surgery
- The gynecologist examines the woman and collects her medical history in order to get an idea of the individual characteristics of her body, which will have to be taken into account in the future.
- After that, he gives her directions for tests that need to be completed as soon as possible: - General blood test. - General urine analysis. — An analysis that determines the level of the hCG hormone. — Vaginal smear for microflora. - Ultrasound, which will help determine the exact duration of pregnancy and whether it exists at all - having an abortion with an unconfirmed pregnancy is not only pointless, but dangerous for the patient’s health. — Test for blood clotting reaction. — Tests for sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis, HIV.
After this, the woman is given an information sheet on which all possible risks are indicated, and is asked to sign a document stating that she agrees to medical intervention, is aware of the risks and will not make any claims if anything happens.
How is the procedure performed?
The procedure must be performed by a specialist in a hospital setting. The method is used in the first 5 weeks after conception. Anesthesia for a mini-abortion can be local or general. General anesthesia is rarely used. Most often, an anesthetic drug is injected into the cervix. When it has expanded, the doctor suctions the fertilized egg using a cylindrical metal tip.
The cervix is opened to insert the pump tube. It is at this moment that a woman experiences maximum discomfort. Due to the use of such instruments, the duration of the manipulation is 20 minutes. But here a lot depends on the duration of pregnancy. If the period is long, then removing the fertilized egg will take longer.
Most often, such abortions end successfully. The woman has no bleeding, uterine perforation or inflammation. During the manipulation, the uterus may contract, but after an abortion, the spasms go away and no longer bother the woman.
After an abortion, a woman is prescribed antibiotics. Thanks to them, it is possible to exclude the development of an infectious process. A woman can return to her normal life the very next morning after the intervention.
Complications
During a vacuum abortion, injury to the uterine wall with sharp metal instruments may occur - perforation of the uterus. A dilator, vacuum tip, or curette can perforate the uterus. In case of damage to internal organs and blood vessels, immediate entry into the abdominal cavity is required. Depending on the nature of the damage, the scope of surgical intervention is determined.
In the case of uncomplicated perforation without damage to organs and blood vessels, the woman remains under the supervision of a hospital doctor. She is prescribed antibiotics, acronyms, and local hypothermia.
Early complications after a vacuum mini-abortion:
- Hematometra.
- Progressive pregnancy.
- Incomplete abortion.
A hematometra is formed due to the fact that the cervical canal closes early. Blood with clots accumulates in the uterine cavity, it increases in size and takes on a spherical shape. This is accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen. The expansion of the canal and emptying of the cavity are indicated.
Progressive pregnancy can be confirmed with a control ultrasound. The danger of this complication is more often observed with a mini abortion.
Incomplete abortion means that during the vacuum abortion, parts of the fetus remained in the uterine cavity. They prevent the uterus from contracting to normal size, causing bleeding and cramping pain. Infection quickly sets in and endometritis occurs. Under the guise of antibiotics and detoxification therapy, it is necessary to remove everything that remains in the uterus.
Late complications:
- Placental polyp.
- Inflammatory diseases.
A placental polyp is formed when elements of the fertilized egg grow into the uterus and is manifested by bleeding from the genital tract. Treatment is surgical (curettage of the uterine cavity).
The danger of any abortion is the possibility of long-term complications. Expected consequences of mini-abortion:
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Miscarriage due to isthmic-cervical insufficiency.
- Cervical dysplasia.
- Atresia (fusion) of the cervical canal.
- Secondary infertility.
- Uterine fibroids, endometriosis.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- During subsequent pregnancy, pathology of the placenta (previa, placental abruption).
- Rh conflict (when a pregnant woman has Rh negative blood).
Many women are left with psycho-emotional trauma for a long time after an abortion.
The only real way to reduce the number of abortions is sex education, which should begin in school and in the family from adolescence in both sexes. Knowledge about physiology, sexual hygiene, and contraception is no less necessary than school curriculum subjects.
Married couples have every opportunity to plan a pregnancy.
When to expect your period
After a mini-abortion, a woman may experience vaginal discharge on the 2nd day. Hormonal changes in the body occur. As a rule, they will go no more than 7-10 days. Discharge may occur in combination with nagging pain in the lower abdomen. This pain is very similar to that experienced during menstruation. If the discharge lasts more than 10 days after the abortion and does not stop, then you should immediately go to the hospital.
Even after surgery, there is a risk of pregnancy. If there are subjective signs of pregnancy - swelling of the mammary glands, symptoms of toxicosis, then you should not put off going to the hospital.
Menstruation after a mini-abortion should be expected in 25-30 days. There may be a disruption in your menstrual schedule. At this time, it is important to think about reliable contraception to prevent re-conception.
Recommendations after the procedure
After undergoing a mini-abortion procedure, a woman must follow simple rules (see rehabilitation after an abortion):
- exclude sexual activity for 2 weeks (optimally 4 weeks);
- resolve the issue of contraception (oral hormonal pills are recommended, which the doctor selects for the patient at the appointment even before the manipulation);
- avoid pregnancy for at least six months;
- control check with a gynecologist and ultrasound after 10 days;
- do not overheat (exclude visiting the bathhouse, sauna and taking a bath);
- avoid hypothermia;
- If pain occurs after the procedure, consult a doctor immediately;
- immediately after vacuum aspiration, start taking water pepper tincture (reducing) and antibiotics (according to indications);
- If subjective signs of pregnancy persist (nausea and vomiting, breast engorgement), visit a gynecologist as soon as possible.
Author:
Sozinova Anna Vladimirovna obstetrician-gynecologist
Sex and pregnancy after abortion
Sexual relations in a woman should be postponed until the uterus is completely healed. This requires 2-3 weeks. In the first 1.5 months, it is necessary to use contraception to protect against infection and prevent the development of pregnancy.
If after a vacuum abortion a woman takes a pregnancy test and it is positive, then the fertilized egg was not completely sucked out and the pregnancy persisted. The most dangerous thing is when pregnancy develops outside the uterus. For this reason, after performing aspiration, you must consult a specialist 14 days later.
Termination of pregnancy using the vacuum method is the safest of all existing methods of aspiration. After such manipulation, the woman’s body is subjected to minimal stress.
Vacuum abortion has certain risks
- Early complications. They begin to manifest themselves immediately after the termination of pregnancy or directly during it. Among them: - Bloody discharge
.
They appear in almost all women after an abortion and can continue to occur for up to a month. It is usually weaker in nature than menstrual discharge and is not accompanied by pain. You need to monitor their color, consistency and smell - if they change, you need to see a doctor and check if anything has changed for the worse. — Rupture of the cervix
.
It is possible if they tried to further expand the uterus with instruments before the abortion, and the surgeon’s hand trembled at the wrong moment. As a rule, this rarely happens, it is more likely to be related to medical negligence, and requires immediate action, otherwise it can lead to infertility. — Pain after a vacuum abortion
.
They arise due to the dilatation of the cervix and are similar in nature to pain during menstruation. They can occur both before and after an abortion, but if they appear after some time - after two days, for example - you need to urgently consult a doctor. - Incomplete abortion
.
It occurs when the fertilized egg is not completely removed and leads to the development of a quasi-pregnancy, which must be interrupted in any case, most likely by conventional surgery. - Heavy bleeding
.
It can manifest itself as a result of too strong separation of the fertilized egg or careless actions of the surgeon and can even lead to removal of the uterus, because blood loss usually needs to be stopped at any cost. — Symptoms of malaise
. Dizziness, weakness, fever, headaches - all the symptoms that the body usually rewards a person who has undergone an unpleasant operation. - Late complications. They can occur months or even years later after an abortion - nevertheless, it is quite a strong stress for the body and, in particular, the hormonal system. Flirting with such things can lead to disaster. — Menstrual irregularities
.
They can occur as a result of hormonal disorders or on their own. The cycle changes, the discharge becomes different, or the process itself proceeds with more severe pain. In any case, this is a reason to panic and see a doctor. — Hormonal shift
.
Causing many unpleasant consequences (balding or increased hair growth, pain during menstruation, changes in appetite, weight changes, skin problems, problems with the ability to become pregnant again), it is an indication for going to the doctor and long-term treatment, otherwise infertility may occur. — Infections and inflammations
.
No matter how small the probability of infection, it still exists. The temperature may rise, pain in the pelvic area may occur, and an abscess or tumor may even develop. - Infertility
. It occurs not so much as a result of a vacuum abortion (although such cases do occur), but rather as a result of the resulting complications.
Any complications are a reason to urgently visit a doctor. If neglected, they can lead to the most unpleasant consequences.
Home interruption
Mini-abortion at home is possible with the help of herbs. But using such methods is very dangerous, as there is a risk of complications.
You can perform an abortion at home using the following recipes:
- Sherukha. It is necessary to pour boiling water over it, and then finely disturb it to make a paste. Get juice from it. Then dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:2. Place the infusion on the stove to simmer for 2 minutes. The daily dosage is 30 ml, divided into 3 doses.
- You can perform an abortion at home using plants that contain toxins. Tansy is considered such a plant. To obtain a decoction of tansy, you need to take 100 g of herb, add 4 cups of boiling water. Place on the stove and boil for 5 minutes. Wait 2-3 hours, filter and take 10 ml every 5 hours. This method of abortion is based on the fact that toxins negatively affect the fetus, as a result of which it dies. The female body tries to get rid of the dead fetus. But there is a risk that it will not be possible to terminate the pregnancy, and the baby will be born with pathologies.
- An ancient method of terminating a pregnancy involves filling a bathtub with hot water. Sit there and stay there until the water cools down or you can add a new portion of hot water. Under the influence of hot water, the tone of the uterus increases, and the fertilized egg breaks off.
Consequences
There is practically no risk of complications and consequences after performing a vacuum abortion. Naturally, the more similar procedures were performed, the higher the likelihood of complications developing.
The most common complications include:
- Perforation of the uterus. With a vacuum abortion, puncture of the uterus rarely occurs, because the doctor does not use metal instruments for this. This type of complication occurs during manipulation and is accompanied by sudden acute pain.
- Inflammation of the uterus or appendages. It begins to make itself felt 4-5 days after aspiration. The reason for its development is a violation of the rules of asepsis and failure to perform an examination before an abortion. In addition, the inflammatory process may be the result of a woman’s failure to comply with a number of requirements in the postoperative period.
- Hormonal imbalance. Very often, a disruption in the hormonal system occurs in girls at a young age or in those who have not yet given birth. This is due to hormonal changes after termination of pregnancy. This complication can cause ovarian dysfunction and menstruation disorders. Rarely, hormonal imbalance leads to infertility.
- Partial removal of the fertilized egg. An abortion is a surgical procedure that the doctor performs blindly. The possibility of incomplete removal of the fertilized egg cannot be ruled out. This will lead to heavy bleeding and the development of a placental polyp, which requires curettage of the uterine cavity.
- Progressive pregnancy. When performing a vacuum abortion in very early stages of pregnancy, there is a risk that the embryo will not detach from the uterine wall and will progress further.
- Hematometra. Those women who have not given birth have a rather narrow cervical canal. This causes it to fill with a blood clot and pool blood in the uterine cavity. This pathological process is called hematometry. If positive dynamics are not observed after drug therapy, then the cervical canal is expanded with further curatage.
Mini abortion is a modern method of terminating pregnancy in women who either want to get rid of a child or do so as prescribed by a doctor. Before the operation, the woman must undergo an examination so that the doctor is sure that there are no contraindications. If the operation was successful, and the woman strictly followed all the recommendations during the rehabilitation period, then there will be no complications and she will be able to give birth to a healthy baby in the future.
Benefits of vacuum abortion
- Rapidity. The whole operation takes no more than ten minutes, and is outpatient - that is, after it, the woman is able to walk home on her own feet, and the next day she will go to work, which is important if her work does not require a long absence.
- Less injury. It is much easier to damage the wall of the uterus by scraping the fertilized egg from it than when the egg itself simply comes off. In addition, the cervix suffers less, which does not always need to be further dilated for the insertion of a catheter.
- Painless. Since the operation is performed under anesthesia, local or general, the woman may not even really remember it. The only pain she is likely to experience will be pain from cervical dilatation, but this is usually no worse than menstrual pain and is relieved by antispasmodics.
- Less risks. Like every type of abortion, vacuum abortion also has possible complications, but it is quite difficult to get infertility after it. If the woman is healthy and her body is strong, the operation can be tolerated without any special consequences.
- Fast recovery. And the sooner the deadline, the sooner. The body recovers quickly, not at all like after a surgical abortion.
- Very early dates. You can have a vacuum abortion on the second day after your missed period.