Surgical Abortion
Safe, Expert Surgical Abortion Care You Can Trust
At Blue Water Medical, our surgical abortion service combines advanced medical expertise with empathetic support to provide a safe abortion. We prioritise your physical and emotional well being by using medical techniques, including suction curettage, to ensure a quick and minimally invasive procedure.
Most patients opt for intravenous sedation, where you will be asleep. Local anaesthetic is also an option where pain is moderate and eases quickly for faster recovery. Our dedicated team is here to guide and support you every step of the way. From preparation through aftercare, we’re committed to empowering you to make informed decisions with confidence.
What is Surgical Abortion?
Surgical abortion is a safe and effective medical procedure to terminate a pregnancy by removing pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Performed by experienced professionals in a clinical setting, the method varies based on pregnancy stage, using suction curettage or dilation and evacuation (D&E). With a quick recovery time and high success rate, surgical abortion is a widely used and reliable option worldwide.
- Highly Effective: Ensures removal of pregnancy tissue with minimal risk.
- Time-Efficient: A straightforward procedure that is typically completed within 10 minutes.
- Flexible Options: Tailored anaesthetic choices to suit your comfort and lifestyle needs.
- Comprehensive Care: Includes preparation guidance, in-clinic care, and full aftercare support.
Surgical Abortion Procedure Overview
Overview of Abortion Options
When deciding to have an abortion, it is important to know what options are available. At our clinic, we provide two primary methods of abortion:
- Surgical Abortion: A straightforward procedure performed in a professional clinical setting.
- Medical Abortion: A medication-based approach for early-stage pregnancies, legally available in Australia since 2009. For more information on medical abortions (MTOP), you can visit the MTOP page.
Preparing for Your Surgical Abortion
To ensure your procedure goes smoothly, it is essential to prepare in advance. Follow these steps carefully:
Fasting Guidelines
- Avoid all food and drinks (including milk) for at least 6 hours before your appointment.
- You may drink water up to 2 hours prior to the procedure.
What to Bring
- Medicare, Pension, or Health Care Card (if applicable).
- Any current medications.
- A long T-shirt or nightgown.
- Clean underpants and a few sanitary pads.
- Proof of your blood type. If you don’t have this, we can perform a blood test at the clinic.
- Results of any prior blood tests or ultrasounds, if available.
- A support person to accompany you home after the procedure.
Other Considerations
- Shower on the morning of your appointment.
- Arrange childcare, as children are not permitted in the clinic during termination services.
- A parent or guardian must accompany patients under 14 years old to provide consent.
What to Expect During the Procedure
If you proceed with a surgical abortion, here’s what you can expect during your visit:
1. Check-In and Preparation:
- Your visit will take approximately 3 hours. Begin by completing the necessary forms and making payment (cash, EFTPOS, or credit card accepted; cheques are not).
- The doctor will meet with you to discuss your decision, confirm the pregnancy through an ultrasound, take a medical history, and explain the procedure.
- Contraception options can also be discussed at this stage.
2.The Procedure:
- You will change into comfortable attire before meeting the anaesthetist.
- The procedure involves a method called suction curettage:
- A speculum is inserted into the vagina to access and dilate the cervix.
- A thin plastic tube is inserted into the uterus, and gentle suction is applied to remove its contents.
- A vaginal ultrasound confirms that all pregnancy tissue has been removed.
- The procedure typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Anaesthetic Options:
- Intravenous Sedation (most common): This ensures you are strongly sedated, pain-free, and unable to remember the procedure.
- Local Anaesthetic (optional): This involves mild-to-moderate pain lasting a few minutes. You remain fully conscious and may drive home afterward. Read our guide on safety and risk associated with anaesthetic
Post Surgical Abortion Procedure: Recovery, After Care, Support
Once your procedure is complete, you will proceed to the recovery area for observation.
1. Immediate Recovery:
- After the procedure, you’ll relax in our recovery area while our team monitors your well-being.
- Light refreshments will be provided.
- If sedation was used, you’ll need a support person to help you get home, as driving is not permitted for 24 hours.
2. Aftercare at Home:
- Mild cramping and light bleeding are normal. Over-the-counter pain relief such as Panadeine or Nurofen can help.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for one week.
- Most patients are able to resume regular activities, including work or school, the next day.
3. Follow-Up and Support:
- You’ll be provided with detailed aftercare instructions during your visit.
- Schedule a follow-up two weeks later with your GP or at our clinic to ensure a full recovery.
- If you experience any unexpected issues, our 24-hour support line is available at (02) 9605 2247 for immediate assistance.
At our clinic, your safety, privacy, and well-being are our priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Abortion
Is a surgical abortion safe?
Yes, surgical abortion is a safe and common medical procedure when performed by experienced professionals in a licensed clinic. Most patients experience minimal complications, especially when following aftercare instructions.
Which is safer: medical or surgical abortion?
Both medical and surgical abortions are considered very safe when provided by qualified healthcare professionals. Surgical abortion may have a slightly lower risk of needing follow-up treatment for incomplete abortion, especially after the first trimester.
How long does the surgical abortion procedure take?
The actual surgical abortion procedure typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. However, you should expect to be at the clinic for a total of about 3 hours to accommodate preparation, consultation, and recovery.
Will I feel pain during the surgical abortion procedure?
Most patients choose intravenous sedation for surgical abortion, resulting in little to no pain or memory of the procedure. If you opt for local anaesthetic, you may feel some mild to moderate discomfort for a few minutes.
Can a surgical abortion fail?
It is very rare for a surgical abortion to be incomplete. The procedure is highly effective, and a confirmatory ultrasound is used to ensure all pregnancy tissue has been removed.
Is surgical abortion faster?
Yes, surgical abortion is a quick procedure and is typically faster than the medical abortion process, which can take several days to complete.
How long does it take to fully recover from a surgical abortion?
Most people recover within a few days, with the majority able to return to work or school the next day. Light bleeding or cramping may persist for up to a week.
Is it harder to get pregnant after a surgical abortion?
For most people, fertility returns quickly after a surgical abortion. There is no evidence that a safe surgical abortion affects your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Is a surgical abortion better than the pill?
Both surgical and medical (pill) abortions are effective and safe. The best method depends on your health, stage of pregnancy, and personal preference. Surgical abortion is completed in the clinic and is often faster.
Is surgical abortion more painful than birth?
Surgical abortion is much less painful than childbirth. During a surgical abortion, pain management options such as intravenous sedation or local anesthesia are available to minimise discomfort. While some mild cramping may occur during and after the procedure, it is typically short-lived and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
In contrast, childbirth involves prolonged labor and delivery, which can be significantly more painful and physically demanding. If you have concerns about pain during a surgical abortion, your healthcare provider can discuss the best options to ensure your comfort.
When will I get my period after a surgical abortion?
Most patients have their first period 4 to 6 weeks after a surgical abortion. Your cycle may fluctuate for a short time, but regular periods should soon return.
If you have more questions about surgical abortion or want to discuss your options, please contact Blue Water Medical—your trusted clinic for expert abortion care.
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Your Privacy and Comfort Are Our Priority
If you’re considering a surgical abortion, we’re here to provide the understanding, support, and expert medical care you need. At Blue Water Medical, your comfort, privacy, and well-being are our top priorities.
Don’t face this decision alone, contact us today to discuss your options or book a confidential appointment.