The duration of an abortion depends on the type of procedure and gestational age, but the actual procedure itself usually takes between 5 to 20 minutes. However, the total time spent at the clinic or doctor's office will be much longer.
Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
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Medication Abortion (Abortion Pill): This typically takes 1-2 days to complete. The first medication is taken at the clinic, and the second is taken at home 24-48 hours later. You may experience cramping and bleeding for several hours as the abortion occurs.
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In-Clinic Abortion (Suction Aspiration or D&E):
- The procedure itself usually lasts between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on the gestational age and the specific technique used. Aspiration abortions are typically shorter.
- However, your appointment will take much longer, usually 3 to 5 hours, due to the following:
- Paperwork and Counseling: You'll need to fill out forms and discuss your decision with a counselor or healthcare provider.
- Examination: A medical exam, including an ultrasound, will be performed to confirm the pregnancy and gestational age.
- Preparation: Your cervix may need to be prepared, often with medication, which can take several hours. This softens the cervix, making the procedure easier and safer.
- The Abortion Procedure: As mentioned, this is the quickest part.
- Recovery: You'll need to stay in the recovery room for about an hour after the abortion to be monitored.
In summary: While the abortion procedure itself is relatively quick, plan to spend several hours at the clinic to allow for all necessary steps.
