12.3 Aspiration

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    Vacuum aspiration (either manual or electric) is the alternative to medication abortion. 

    12.3.1 Precautions

    • Purulent cervicitis or pelvic infection:
      • delay aspiration if possible, until antibiotic treatment (Chapter 9, Section 9.6.6) has been completed.
      • if aspiration cannot be delayed, start antibiotic treatment before starting the procedure.
    • Coagulation disorders: risk of haemorrhage. Aspiration must be performed in a facility where emergency surgery and blood transfusion are available.

    12.3.2 Equipment

    Chapter 9, Section 9.5.3.

    12.3.3 Technique

    • Follow precautions common to all intrauterine procedures (Chapter 9, Section 9.1.1).
    • Start antibiotic treatment in case of infection if the abortion cannot be delayed. For antibiotherapy, see Chapter 9, Section 9.6.6.
    • For antibiotic prophylaxis, cervix preparation (if necessary), premedication, preparation of equipment, paracervical block and the procedure, see Chapter 9, Section 9.5.4.

    Note: if the patient desires an IUD as her method of contraception, it can be inserted after aspiration, as long as no pelvic infection is present.

    12.3.4 Patient follow-up

    Immediate

    • Settle the patient comfortably during the monitoring period (at least 2 hours).
    • Monitor vital signs and blood loss.
    • Pain management: paracetamol and/or ibuprofen (Appendix 7).
    • The patient can go home if the vital signs are stable, if she can walk and she has been given the following information:
      • Cramps continue for a few days.
      • Bleeding lasts for 8 to 10 days.
      • Menstrual periods will resume within 4 to 8 weeks.
      • Fertility returns rapidly; ovulation can occur as early as 10 days post-abortion. Begin contraception that same day (Chapter 11, Section 11.5).
      • Personal hygiene: cleansing with soap and clean water once daily; no vaginal douches.
      • Seek immediate medical attention in case of severe pain or heavy bleeding, foul smelling discharge or fever.

    Post-abortion consultation

    • No routine post-abortion consultation is required.
    • The woman is encouraged to come back at any moment in case of concerns, complications or questions.
    • The woman is invited to return for contraception if she did not start a method immediately at the time of the abortion.

    12.3.5 Complications

    See Chapter 9, Section 9.6.6.

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