Termination of Pregnancy: Can Medication Be Used or Should Vacuum Aspiration Be Chosen?
If you want to terminate a pregnancy safely, there are two main methods recommended by doctors: Medication (Medical Abortion) and Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA). Which method is suitable for your gestational age, and which is the safest?
1. Termination of Pregnancy with Medication
Details
- Use Mifepristone + Misoprostol to make the uterine lining unsuitable for embryo growth and stimulate the uterus to contract and expel the tissue.
- Can be used at any gestational age, but for gestational age not exceeding 12 weeks, women can self-administer the medication at home under medical guidance. For gestational age more than 12 weeks, services and overnight stay at the hospital are required.
Advantages
- No need for medical procedures
- Feels more natural as it resembles a spontaneous miscarriage
- Highly safe if used according to medical advice
Things to Know
- There may be bleeding for 7-14 days (possibly more than during a menstrual period)
- There may be abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills, and diarrhea for a short period, which will subside. Pain relief can be taken.
- Follow-up is necessary to ensure the pregnancy has been completely terminated.
2. Termination of Pregnancy with Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
Details
- Uses a vacuum aspirator to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus. It must be performed by a doctor in a hospital or clinic, without the need for an overnight stay.
- Can be performed at a gestational age not exceeding 12 weeks and up to 16 weeks by a skilled doctor.
Advantages
- Takes only 10-15 minutes
- 98% complete abortion rate
- Minimal bleeding, possible abdominal pain, fever, or nausea. Pain relief can be taken.
Things to Know
- Must receive services at a medical facility
- There may be risks of uterine and cervical injury, and infection
3. Comparison of Medication and Vacuum Aspiration for Termination of Pregnancy
| Factor | Medication Termination | Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) |
| Suitable Gestational Age | Any gestational age | Not exceeding 12 weeks |
| Procedure | Take medication and use vaginal suppositories or sublingual tablets | Use instruments to suction tissue from the uterus |
| Time to See Results | 2-3 days | 10-15 minutes |
| Side Effects | Nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding 7-14 days post-abortion | Minimal bleeding, about 3-5 days |
| Need for Medical Facility | Less than 12 weeks can use medication at home More than 12 weeks requires hospital stay | Must be performed by a doctor at a hospital or clinic |
Which Method Should You Choose?
- Gestational age not exceeding 12 weeks → Can choose either medication or vacuum aspiration
- If you want privacy and no procedures → Choose medication
- If you want it done quickly and reduce the risk of heavy bleeding → Choose vacuum aspiration
- Gestational age more than 12 weeks → Terminate with medication, with hospital stay
Remember: Both methods must be done under medical guidance, and follow-up examinations are necessary after termination of pregnancy
Need consultation on pregnancy termination? Contact us here RSA Online: https://abortion.rsathai.org
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