While every surgical procedure involves some risk, the truth is that abortion is one of the safest and most common out-patient surgeries in the U.S. – 10 times safer than carrying a pregnancy to term and delivering vaginally. Early Surgical Abortion: Specialized surgical abortion care for 3 – 5 weeks of pregnancy.

There are two types of surgical abortion: aspiration abortion and dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion. Women up to 14 to 16 weeks pregnant can have an aspiration abortion, while D&E abortions are typically performed at 14 to 16 weeks or after.

Risks

• A hole in the wall of the uterus (uterine perforation). This is rare.
• Tissue remaining in the uterus (retained products of conception). This usually causes recurring cramping belly pain and bleeding within a week of the procedure.
• Blood clots.

Having an abortion feels different for everyone — it can be super painful or just a little uncomfortable. Your level of discomfort can depend on the medications you get, how far into your pregnancy you are, and how much cramping and pain you have. For most people, it feels like strong period cramps.

Recovery time The bleeding usually stops within 6 weeks. Recovery may take longer for late-term abortions. If complications develop, recovery can take much longer, and people may need hospitalization or surgery. This is unusual though, and most women will recover within a few weeks.

Most women can return to normal activities in 1 to 2 days after the procedure. Avoid strenuous exercise for about 1 week. Do not have sexual intercourse for at least 1 week, or longer, as advised by your doctor. When you start having intercourse again, use birth control, and use condoms to prevent infection.

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure to remove tissue from inside your uterus. Doctors perform dilation and curettage to diagnose and treat certain uterine conditions — such as heavy bleeding — or to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion.