Abortion has been a topic of contention for generations, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate. While pro-life activists say that life begins at conception and that unborn children should be protected, pro-choice advocates say that women have the right to decide what happens to their bodies. So before going to the medical abortion vs surgical abortion let us understand what abortion is.
What is abortion?
The procedure of removing a woman’s fetus or embryo from her uterus before it develops is known as abortion. You can use Medical or surgical procedures to accomplish this. The majority of countries allow abortion, while others have restrictions.
This blog will guide you to explore surgical abortion vs medical, which is better, the risks involved in both features, and which is a safer option than the other.
What is medical abortion and surgical abortion?
Medical abortion: Medical Abortion is to consume medications to terminate a pregnancy. “Medical abortion” refers to the use of two distinct medications, misoprostol and mifepristone, to terminate a pregnancy. It is a low-risk, non-invasive method of ending a pregnancy and an alternative to surgery. It is therefore about 99% effective. Mifepristone 200mg and Misoprostol 200mg, together known as the MTP Kit, are the two medications used in medical abortions for ending a pregnancy.
Surgical abortion: If it has been fewer than 14 weeks since the start of your last menstrual cycle, you can undergo a surgical abortion, also called a “vacuum aspiration abortion”, in a single day. Local anesthesia and oral painkillers are used during the procedure, which is performed in the doctor’s office. In a surgical abortion, the pregnancy also referred to as the “contents of the uterus” is surgically removed through the vagina. Dilatation and evacuation and vacuum aspiration are the two types of surgical abortion.
Medical vs surgical abortion Comparison Chart
| Comparison | Medical Abortion | Surgical Abortion |
| What is it? | A combination of drugs makes the lining of your uterus eliminate and terminates the pregnancy. | Your uterus is emptied by a doctor using suction. |
| How does it work? | You will take drugs that let you get through the pregnancy at home. | In a hospital, surgery center, or office, the pregnancy is removed with gentle suction. |
| How long is each appointment? | In-person appointments last one to three hours, whereas telehealth appointments last 15 to 30 minutes. | The appointment will take about three to four hours if you are between six and twelve weeks pregnant. Longer or more frequent visits are typically needed for later abortions. |
| Is it painful? | The majority of patients have severe cramping. Other adverse effects, such as nausea, may also be experienced by some. | During and/or after the brief procedure, the majority of patients have some cramps. Each patient may experience these pains at varying intensities. |
| How many clinic visits are required? | At least two appointments are necessary: one for health education, examination, and medication, and another to verify the success of the abortion. Both of these can be accomplished through telemedicine for a lot of folks. You can pick up or send medications. | Usually takes one to two sessions, depending on whether you choose to have the treatment done while awake or sleeping. Usually, a follow-up appointment is conducted over telehealth. |
| How much will I bleed? | After beginning the procedure, patients typically experience severe bleeding for several hours and continue to bleed for a period of an average of two weeks. | Following the operation, patients typically experience mild bleeding for up to two weeks at home. |
| What kind of anesthesia will I receive? | It is not necessary to use anesthesia. The majority of patients are content with using heat packs and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen. If necessary, we suggest taking Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and/or Norco to relieve pain. Additionally, antiemetic drugs may be administered. | Your cervix will receive local anesthesia, or numbing medicine, from the doctor. Ibuprofen and Norco/Ativan are among the oral drugs available as needed to help you relax and manage your discomfort. You have the option to have the surgery performed in a hospital setting while you are sedated, if you would like. |
| How effective is the method? | Between 95 and 97 percent of women experience positive results from the drugs. Due to patient choice, prolonged or heavy bleeding, or ongoing pregnancy, 3–5% of patients will require a suction curettage abortion. | Only over 2% of individuals require a repeat surgery or other intervention; 98 percent of suction curettage abortions are effective. |
| At what point in my pregnancy can I apply this technique? | 4–10 weeks have passed since the start of your most recent menstrual cycle. Once a patient is aware of their pregnancy, a medical abortion can be carried out. It reduces bleeding at earlier gestations and is more effective. | This is accessible at our facility six days after the start of your most recent period and from five weeks to twenty-three weeks. The operation might not work as well if it is done before six weeks. |
| Must I have somebody with me? | Not at the clinic, but at home, you should ideally have a phone and someone with you in case of emergencies or concerns. | No, although you will need a transport home if you want to take a narcotic or an anti-anxiety drug for the in-office surgery. Someone ought to come get you. Inform the clinic ahead of time if you are unable to have someone take you home, and they will work with you to determine your options. |
| May I bring a support person with me? | Yes, you are allowed to have one friend, partner, or family member with you while you receive health education and learn about medical abortion. The day you insert the second drug into your vagina should ideally be spent at home with someone there. It is advised that you have someone on standby who can assist you if necessary if someone is unable to be physically present with you the entire time. | Yes, you are allowed to have one friend, partner, or family member with you while the operation is explained and health education is provided. |
Medical vs surgical abortion procedure
Let us see medical abortion vs surgical abortion procedures one by one in the below details:
Medical abortion procedure:
- The two medication combinations that jointly cause miscarriage symptoms or result in abortion are Mifepristone 200mg and Misoprostol 200mg.
- The first prescription, for Mifepristone 200mg, is taken at home or the clinic, and the second prescription, for Misoprostol 200mg, is taken at home 24 to 48 hours later.
- For up to three weeks, this medication may produce mild to severe cramping and bleeding.
- Three weeks later, a follow-up consultation is required to ensure the termination is complete, and a second ultrasound evaluation might be required.
- It suits ladies with a BMI over 40 because it does not require an anesthetic.
Surgical abortion procedure:
- Procedure performed in our operating room
- Performed under intravenous sedation (twilight)
- Pregnancy tissue is gently removed from the uterus
- Although the operation usually takes ten to fifteen minutes, you will spend roughly three hours in our clinic overall (including recovery time).
- Antibiotics must be taken at home; the prescription will be provided by Clinic 66.
Surgical vs medical abortion pros and cons
Medical Abortion
Medication that causes uterine contractions, which results in a miscarriage, is used in non-surgical abortions, often known as medical abortions. A non-surgical abortion can be performed between weeks five and ten of pregnancy.
Pros: Medical abortion can be done at home as well as at a licensed clinic. This means that you spend far less time and pain than a surgical abortion. Additionally, a medical abortion allows you to get ready at your leisure. You do not have to wait for a clinic appointment to take the medication; you can take it whenever it is most convenient for you.
Cons: It takes time to have a non-surgical abortion, and you can have intense cramps and heavy bleeding for a few hours after taking the drug. After that, you can bleed for three weeks or longer. This is typical.
Surgical Abortion
One method of ending a pregnancy is surgical abortion. It is carried out throughout weeks five through fourteen of pregnancy.
Pros: Abortion by surgery is a rapid and safe process. The entire procedure is the least risky and takes eight minutes or less. To reduce your agony during a surgical abortion, we can hydrate you. However, you can suffer short-term discomfort lasting up to ten minutes if you decide to have the surgery without sedation.
Cons: Despite being safe and successful, a surgical abortion does not allow for companionship. Additionally, you need to make a ride-sharing arrangement. Before and after the pregnancy is terminated, you should anticipate spending a few hours at the clinic. You still have to spend time at the clinic being watched, even though the surgery is brief and the pain is minimal.
Cost of medical abortion vs surgical abortion
The median out-of-pocket, or “self-pay,” cost for pharmaceutical abortions rose from $495 in 2017 to $568 in 2021, per a report by the Abortion Facility Database Project.
According to a Planned Parenthood report from April 2022, a medication abortion at their clinic typically costs about $580.
Aid Access is an additional choice. They distribute abortion drugs to every state in the union. Despite the $150 cost of the treatment, financial aid is offered.
Is medical abortion or surgical abortion better?
It will be better to decide which is better, medical abortion or surgical abortion by looking at their advantages and disadvantages, which are displayed below:
Advantages of Medical Abortion
- Compared to surgical abortion, this technique can be more comfortable and less expensive.
- Medical abortion is more discreet and does not require general anesthesia.
- Compared to surgical abortion, this might result in less pain and blood.
- The process does not take very long. You are not required to take time off work or visit a clinic or hospital.
Risks of Medical Abortion
Medical abortion carries hazards, just like any other surgical abortion. These consist of:
- Following a medical abortion, infection is a frequent consequence.
- Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain are indicators of an infection.
- For up to four weeks following the surgery, you can experience bleeding or spotting. Contact your practitioner if you bleed heavily (more than a pad per hour).
- Following a medical abortion, some women suffer uterine damage.
- This may involve infection, perforation, or scarring. Call your doctor right away if you encounter any of these symptoms.
- After a medical abortion, death is an extremely uncommon consequence. However, abortion frequently results in death as well.
Advantages of Surgical Abortion
Compared to medical abortion, surgical abortion is a more invasive process, yet it offers the following benefits:
- It has a higher chance of successfully ending a pregnancy.
- Unlike a medical abortion, it can be performed later in pregnancy.
- There is no need for drugs.
- Either a clinic or a hospital may execute the procedure.
- Compared to a medical abortion, it is typically more comfortable.
Risks of Surgical Abortion
Compared to medical abortion, surgical abortion is a more invasive process, yet it offers the following benefits:
- Harm to the cervix or uterus.
- A uterine perforation occurs when one of the tools used unintentionally creates a hole in the uterus.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Infection of the fallopian tubes or uterus.
- Scarring of the uterus inside.
- Breathing issues brought on by a medication or anesthesia reaction
Conclusion of medical abortion vs surgical abortion
There is no clear answer to the question of whether medical abortion pills are safer than surgery. While some people believe that surgery is safer than medicinal abortion, others disagree. In the end, your situation will determine the safest course of action.
The decision between medicinal and surgical abortions is ultimately a personal one, even though each has pros and cons. While some women would prefer surgery, others could feel more at ease with a medicinal abortion.
Before choosing the best kind of abortion for you, it is critical to consider all of the advantages and disadvantages. It must consider the doctor before performing a medical abortion or surgical abortion.
