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Most elective abortions take place between 8 and 12 weeks of gestation. The traditional procedure consists of dilating the cervix and removing the contents of the uterus by suctioning the inner walls of the uterus.
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Recently, medications have become available to terminate an early pregnancy (prior to 7 weeks of gestation). These medications include mifepristone, methotrexate, misoprostol, or a combination of these medications. Most women who use medication do so because of a desire to avoid anesthesia and surgery if at all possible.
Side effects of medication may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, warmth or chills, headache, more visits to the doctor’s office, prolonged vaginal bleeding, and more aware of cramping than with surgical abortion. With medication, passage of the products of conception most likely will occur at home, but some women may still require surgical evacuation (D and E) to complete the abortion. The success rate has been shown to be around 95%.
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