Surgical Abortion

Considering Surgical Abortion? Get the Facts First.

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s crucial to have accurate, complete information about all your options. If you are considering surgical abortion, it is important to know how it works and understand the risks. This knowledge can help you make an informed decision.

Disclaimer: Marisol Health does not provide or refer for abortion services. Our services are provided to clients without regard to age, race, income, nationality, religious affiliation, disability or other arbitrary circumstances. In keeping with our non-profit, pro-woman mission, Marisol Health does not provide or refer for abortion services.

What is Surgical Abortion?

Surgical abortion is a medical procedure that terminates a pregnancy through surgical intervention. The specific technique used depends on factors such as gestational age, medical history and individual circumstances.

Portrait of worried young woman waiting for the result of the pregnancy test

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Types of Surgical Abortion Procedures

First Trimester (1-13 Weeks)

A suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion is performed during the first trimester, typically up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. Here’s how it works:

Before the procedure, small instruments or a medication is used to open (dilate) the cervix.
Misoprostol may also be given to soften the cervix.
During the procedure itself, a suction device is used to remove the fetus.

Second Trimester (14 - 27 weeks)

A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical abortion most often performed in the second trimester. This procedure is usually performed under anesthesia. It’s more complex than a suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion due to the fetus’s size.

Here’s how it works:

Cervix Dilation: The day before, sponge-like sticks (laminaria) are inserted into the cervix, absorbing moisture to expand and open it gradually. Medication may also be used overnight to soften the cervix.
Procedure: During the procedure itself, a suction device and tools like forceps are used to remove the fetus.

Third Trimester (28 - 40+ weeks)

A dilation and extraction (D&X) is a surgical abortion performed in the third trimester. It’s the most complex of all three procedures.

Here’s how it works:

Cervical dilation: The cervix is gradually and deliberately dilated, usually over a sequence of days, often using osmotic dilators.
Repositioning the fetus: The fetus is moved to a footling breech position (feet-first) either instrumentally or manually.
Breech extraction: The fetus is extracted through the birth canal feet-first, up to — but not including — the head.
Reducing the head: The intracranial contents are partially evacuated to reduce the size of the fetal head, allowing it to pass through the cervix.

Surgical Abortion Side Effects and Risks

Both surgical abortion procedures carry risks such as:

Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.[4]
Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.[5]
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[6]
Intense Pain: Studies show second-trimester abortions like D&E can be more painful than expected.[7]

How Much Does Surgical Abortion Cost?

The cost of surgical abortion varies depending on several factors, including the type of procedure, your gestational age, and your insurance coverage. Generally, you can expect the following price ranges[5]:

First trimester abortion: Costs typically range from $600-$800 on average.
Second trimester abortion: Early in the second trimester, the average cost is $715. Later on, prices can range from $1,500-$2,000.
Third trimester abortion: Early in the third trimester, prices range from $4,000-$15,900. Later on, prices range from $10,000-$25,000 (sometimes higher).

Additional costs may include consultation fees, laboratory tests, ultrasounds, and follow-up care, which can add to the total expense.

*Important Note: These are approximate ranges based on various Colorado abortion providers. Pricing may vary considerably depending on your specific medical circumstances and the provider you work with.

Why You Need an Ultrasound Before an Abortion

Before considering any abortion procedure, it’s crucial to receive an ultrasound.

An ultrasound provides the information needed to make a safe and informed decision by:

Confirming the Pregnancy

Home pregnancy tests can sometimes show false positives because of certain medications, medical conditions, or user error. An ultrasound provides definitive confirmation of pregnancy.

Ruling Out Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes.

This condition poses a life-threatening risk and doctors cannot treat it with abortion. An ultrasound can identify ectopic pregnancies that require immediate medical attention.

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Abortion Information in Colorado

When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. Take time to gather all the information you need to make an empowered choice.

Get the care and support you deserve at Marisol Health. We provide pregnancy resources, so you can make an informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy:

Our Services Include:

Pregnancy tests – Confirm your pregnancy with medical-grade testing
Ultrasounds – Determine gestational age and confirm pregnancy viability
A safe, non-judgmental place to explore your pregnancy options and process your emotions
Compassionate support from trained staff who understand what you’re going through
Resource connections to help you access additional support services
Information about all your options including parenting and adoption resources

Give us a call at 970-818-5745 in Northern Colorado or 303-665-2341 in Denver or schedule your appointment online. All services are confidential!

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Please be aware that Marisol Health does not provide or refer for abortion services. We are dedicated to giving you accurate information and helpful care. This will assist you in making the best choice for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a first-trimester abortion take?

A suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion takes up to 10 minutes. However, you’ll spend several hours at the clinic for preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery.

How long does a second-trimester abortion take?

A dilation & evacuation can take about 20 minutes.[6] However, you’ll spend several hours at the clinic for preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery.

How long does the third trimester procedure take?

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Is the second trimester abortion painful?

Pain levels vary from person to person, but late-term abortions often involve more discomfort than early-term procedures due to the pregnancy’s progression.

Studies show that abortions can be more painful the further along you are in pregnancy. Studies have found that women who received late-term abortions experienced more pain than they expected during their procedures.[4]

Is the third trimester abortion painful?

Pain levels vary from person to person, but late-term abortions often involve more discomfort than early-term procedures due to the pregnancy’s progression.

Studies show that abortions can be more painful the further along you are in pregnancy. Studies have found that women who received late-term abortions experienced more pain than they expected during their procedures.[4]

Can I get pregnant again right after a surgical abortion?

On average, women can ovulate three weeks after an abortion[7], even if they’re still bleeding. If a woman is sexually active around that time, she could get pregnant again.

What are the surgical abortion side effects and Risks?

Every surgical abortion procedure carries risks such as:

Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.[1]
Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.[2]
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[3]
Intense Pain: Studies show second-trimester abortions like D&E can be more painful than expected.[4]

Will surgical abortion affect my ability to get pregnant in the future?

Abortion can cause two conditions that affect fertility: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)[3] and Asherman’s Syndrome.[8] Women who have had multiple surgical abortions are at greater risk of developing Asherman’s Syndrome.[2]

Both conditions can have a negative impact on fertility and make it harder to get pregnant in the future.

Sources

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2024, July 6). Elective Abortion: Does it Affect Subsequent Pregnancies? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
Dzuba, I. G., Chandrasekaran, S., Fix, L., Blanchard, K., & King, E. (2022, May 12). Pain, Side Effects, and Abortion Experience Among People Seeking Abortion Care in the Second Trimester. Women’s Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148646/
As advertised by abortion providers.
As advertised by abortion providers.
Schreiber, C. A., Sober, S., Ratcliffe, S., & Creinin, M. D. (2011). Ovulation resumption after medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol. Contraception, 84(3), 230–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2011.01.013
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, January 8). Asherman’s Syndrome. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16561-ashermans-syndrome