What abortion methods are used in the first trimester?
A. 1. Sharp curettage uses mechanical dilators to open the cervix and metal instruments called curettes to scrape the sides of the uterus. This procedure is also referred to as: dilatation or dilation and curettage (D&C) and surgical abortion. It often requires heavy sedation or general anesthesia and, because of increased risk of complications, should only be used when neither vacuum aspiration nor medication abortion is available. 2. Vacuum aspiration removes the uterine contents by applying suction through a cannula that has been inserted through the cervix into the uterus. Other terms for vacuum aspiration include: suction abortion, vacuum curettage, suction curettage, menstrual regulation (MR) and mini-suction. According to the World Health Organization, vacuum aspiration is typically used through 12 or 15 weeks, depending upon instruments available and provider training and skills. Vacuum aspiration can be subdivided into two types: Electric vacuum aspiration (EVA) uses suction f
