Comparison of surgical and medical abortion

On the table below you can see a summary of the differences between medical an surgical abortion, which helps you to compare the methods and to make your personal decision.

How to choose between medical an surgical abortion?

 

Method Surgical abortion Medical abortion
Done by: An experienced doctor (the doctor carries the responsibility) The patient, who takes the tablet independentely (more responsibilty for the patient, also more confrontation)
Duration A couple of minutes Several days:
1st day: Mifegyne
3rd day: Prostaglandin
Expulsion usually happens without bein noticed (additional surgery is needed in 2% of the cases)
Additional medication Local or general anaesthesia Possibly painkillers
bleeding weak Usually a bit stronger and longer lasting than menstruation
complications very rare: injury of the uterus, infections, incidents during anaesthesia Very rare
Side effects Possibly nausea after surgery Cramplike pain, nausea, rarely: vomiting, diarrhea
Effects on fertility possible but extremely rare in case of complications none observed
when can it be done as soon as a pregnancy test is positiv until the 14th week of pregnancy approved for early abortion as soon as a positve pregnancy test until the 63rd day (9th week), but effective throughout pregnancy
Advantages Procedure is very fast and complications are very rare Can be performed very early, no anaesthesia needed, the patient does not hand over the control over her body
Disadvantages Only possible from the 6th week of pregnancy onwards, the patient surrenders the control over her body, anaesthesia may be needed the patient needs some time, the treatment takes a couple of days , stronger bleeding, possibly pain