Suction curettage is a method to interrupt an unwanted pregnancy. It is the most common, most gentle method and is performed by a gynecologist under general anesthesia. The suction curettage is performed between the 7th and 16th day of the period. An ultrascan recording is used to determine whether the woman is within this period. If you are a few days late, there is a risk that the treatment will go wrong. If the woman is a few days late, the treatment will be postponed.The treatment consists of a suction curettage with a very thin spatula and takes a few minutes. After the treatment, the woman should rest for some time.

Suction curettage up to 13 weeks

The most common form of pregnancy interruption is suction curettage. This is normally used in pregnancies up to 13 weeks after the first day of the last bleeding. Before the treatment, the cervix is disinfected and locally anesthetized. The cervix is then stretched slightly, allowing the insertion of the suction rod, which sucks up the fertilized egg. The woman may experience strong but short menstrual cramps. The procedure takes no longer than 5 to 15 minutes.After the treatment , the woman stays in a room to rest, in the presence of a nurse. When the woman is allowed to go home, she will receive a prescription for antibiotics and a letter with information. This letter contains information that she must adhere to in the coming weeks.

Side effects

Most women do not have any bleeding after the procedure. In the first few days, abdominal cramps and minor blood loss may occur, comparable to a normal menstruation.

Suction curettage from the 13th week

If the woman is more than 13 weeks pregnant, it is also possible to perform suction curettage. The uterus is further stretched. In some cases, medication, namely Prostaglandin, is taken approximately one and a half to two hours before the treatment. This medication prepares the cervix for the treatment. After this, the fertilized egg is removed with the appropriate instruments. The remains are sucked up with a suction stick.This treatment takes longer, about 15 to 45 minutes. The woman must stay in the hospital longer after the procedure.

Anesthesia

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. It is also possible to opt for full anesthesia, so that the woman does not experience anything during the operation. If the woman has not eaten or drunk anything for 4 hours before the procedure, full anesthesia is possible. After the treatment, the woman must rest for up to two hours in the hospital.

Check

It is important that the woman comes for a check-up 3 weeks after the treatment. In the hospital or at the doctor’s office. It is investigated whether there are infections and what has been noticed after the treatment. It is possible that the pregnancy has not yet been interrupted. The chance is less than 1 percent. A suction curettage must then be performed.

Complaints and complications

There is a greater risk of complications, especially in advanced pregnancies. The following complaints may occur:

• high fever
• severe abdominal pain
• a lot of blood loss
• nausea after anesthesia
• injury to the uterus
• infections