What to Expect After a Surgical Abortion

In-clinic, or surgical, abortions are a safe, effective way to end a pregnancy.

If you come to Eve Medical of Miami for a surgical abortion, you’ll undergo one of two kinds. An early suction appointment is performed from week 4-5 from your last menstrual period up until week 7. This procedure uses a handheld syringe to remove the embryonic tissue through a very thin tube.

Vacuum aspiration or dilation suction is the most common abortive procedure done from weeks 8-14, using ultrasound guidance to ensure all the embryonic tissue is removed.

Regardless of which type you have, our team at Eve Medical of Miami does everything possible to preserve your safety and comfort. Read on to understand what to expect after your procedure and how to care for yourself.

Physical recovery

We’ll have you rest in a recovery room for about an hour after your surgical abortion. If you underwent sedation, you will need someone to drive you home.

Expect to experience some cramping, spotting, or bleeding after the surgical abortion. Regular hygiene products, such as tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup, catch any bleeding. We sometimes advise you to use pads so we can track how much you’re bleeding. Expect to possibly spot for several weeks, but it’s not unusual to experience no bleeding.

You’ll be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection. Even if you’re feeling good, it’s important to take all the medication.

We’ll provide you with a 24-hour phone line to call with any questions or concerns.

The day of the procedure, plan to rest. You can resume regular activities the next day in most cases. It’s OK to need a few extra days, however. You can even have sex whenever you feel ready.

We will schedule a follow-up appointment in 2-4 weeks.

Concerning symptoms

Most women have no complications following a surgical abortion. If you have cramps that don’t respond to pain medications, have a fever of 100.4 F or higher, or soak two pads or more per hour for two hours, call Eve Medical of Miami for immediate help.

Emotional response

Women have a range of emotions following a surgical abortion. It’s normal to feel relieved or sad. Having feelings is normal, but if they prevent you from doing your regular activities or make you feel exceptionally alone and isolated, call Eve Medical of Miami for help.

Longer-term fertility and birth control

The surgical abortion marks the beginning of a new cycle. Expect your period to resume its normal schedule in 4-8 weeks following. For women not using birth control, periods should resume in 8 weeks or sooner after your abortion. If you are using birth control, we can help you understand what to expect from your ongoing menstrual cycle.

It’s possible to get pregnant right after a surgical abortion. We can help you find the right kind of birth control for you — and start right away if you like. It’s even possible to have an intrauterine device that prevents pregnancy implanted at the same appointment as your abortion. IUDs provide effective birth control and are convenient — there are no pills to take or devices to insert prior to intercourse.

If you’re scheduled for a surgical abortion or are considering one, call Eve Medical of Miami with any questions. We can help you through the process. Alternatively, schedule an appointment on our website so you can come in for a consultation.