Medical vs. surgical abortion: Which is better for you?

The topic of abortion has been debated for centuries, with people on both sides of the argument having strong feelings. 

Pro-choice advocates argue that women have a right to choose what happens to their own bodies, while pro-life advocates argue that life begins at conception and that unborn babies should be protected. 

So, what is abortion?

Abortion is the process of termination of a pregnancy of a woman by removing the fetus or embryo from her uterus before its survival. This can be done through medical or surgical procedures. Abortion is legal in most countries, but there are restrictions depending on the country.

This guide will explore the different aspects of abortion, the benefits, and risks involved in both procedures, and which option is safer than the other.

What Is Medical Abortion?

This procedure is done by inducing medication in the vagina. It can be done in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. 

The medications used for medical abortion are mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone halts the hormone progesterone, which is required for the pregnancy to continue. 

What Is Surgical Abortion?

Surgical abortion as the name suggests is a medical procedure to abort your pregnancy. You can opt for this in the first, second, or third trimester of your pregnancy.

A surgical abortion involves using medical instruments to remove the fetus and other tissue from the uterus.

For those who are pregnant between 8 to 24 weeks, for them surgical abortion can be performed in two ways.

1. Vacuum Aspiration 

The vacuum aspiration abortion procedure uses gentle suction to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. The suction is created by a handheld instrument called a cannula. 

The cannula is inserted into the uterus through the vagina. The pregnancy is then removed by sucking it out with the cannula.

2. Mid-trimester Termination of Pregnancy (MTPT) 

Mid-trimester termination of pregnancy (MTPT) is a type of surgical abortion that is performed in the third trimester of pregnancy. 

It is done when there are concerns about the health or well-being of the mother or the fetus. MTPT involves using medical instruments to remove the fetus and other tissue from the uterus.

Medical vs. Surgical Abortion

Advantages of Medical Abortion

• This procedure may be more affordable as well as comfortable than surgical abortion.
• Medical abortion do not require general anesthesia and it is more private.
• This may cause less pain and bleeding than surgical abortion.
• It is not a long process. You don’t have to go to a clinic or hospital and you don’t have to take time off work. 

Risks of Medical Abortion

Like any medical procedure, medical abortion has risks. These include:

• Infection is a common complication after medical abortion. Signs of infection include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain.
• You may have spotting or bleeding for up to four weeks after the procedure. If you experience heavy bleeding (more than a pad per hour), call your practitioner.
• Some women experience damage to the uterus after a medical abortion. This can include scarring, perforation, or infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor straight.
• Death is a very rare complication after medical abortion. But in many instances abortion can cause death as well.

Advantages of Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is a more invasive procedure than medical abortion, but it has several advantages:

• It is more likely to be successful in terminating a pregnancy.
• It can be done later in pregnancy than a medical abortion.
• No medication is required.
• The procedure can be performed in a hospital or clinic setting.
• It is generally more comfortable than a medical abortion.

Risks of Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is a more invasive procedure than medical abortion, but it has several advantages:

• It is more likely to be successful in terminating a pregnancy.
• It can be done later in pregnancy than a medical abortion.
• When you abort a baby with surgical abortion you don’t need to take any medication.
• The procedure can be performed in a hospital or clinic setting ensuring your confidentiality and security.
• It is thought to be more comfortable than a medical abortion. 

 Is Medical Abortion Safer Than Surgery?

If you are wondering – is abortion pill safer than surgery, there is no definitive answer to this question. Some people feel that medical abortion is safer than surgery, while others feel that surgery is safer. Ultimately, the safest option for you will depend on your individual circumstances.

Final Verdict

Though medical and surgical abortions have their respective advantages and risks, in the end, the choice between the two is a personal one. Some women may feel more comfortable with a medical abortion while others may prefer surgery.

It is important to weigh all of the pros and cons of each type of abortion before deciding on which is right for you.