| Manual Aspiration (Early Abortions) |
| An early suction abortion can be performed from 4 or 5 weeks from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period (LMP) until about 7 LMP. It is performed by using a hand-held syringe that creates enough suction to remove the embryonic tissue through a thin tube. Developments in ultrasound technology make it possible to do procedures this early without an increased risk of a missed abortion. Not all of our physicians use this procedure. |
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| Vacuum Aspiration |
| The procedure is performed between 7 and 15 weeks LMP. The physician numbs the cervix (opening to the womb or uterus) and dilates it to an opening about as big around as your finger. A hollow plastic tube with an opening in one side of the tip is inserted into the uterus. It is connected to a vacuum aspirator, which produces a gentle suction and empties the uterus. Medically speaking, this is a very safe, simple procedure, which takes about 4 to 8, minutes. It is the most common type of abortion performed. |
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| D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) |
| This procedure is used in the second trimester of pregnancy (15-24 weeks LMP) and requires that a woman be at a clinic several hours on two consecutive days. On the first day, the physician inserts a sterile fiber into the cervix, which absorbs moisture from the woman’s body. Overnight it expands and enlarges the opening in the cervix. On the second day, the woman returns to the clinic and the procedure is completed using small forceps and gentle suction. |
Granite City, Illinois 62040
10 minutes from St. Louis 