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Home › Differences between Medical and Surgical Abortion

Different types of abortion: surgical or medical 

Deciding to have an abortion can be challenging, and choosing which type of abortion procedure is best for your circumstances can add to the confusion.

Most people having an abortion can choose how it will be carried out. Your choice will depend on your individual circumstances and how you feel about the different options. 

It is important to understand the two options: surgical or medical.

At MSI Australia, we offer the following options:

  • Surgical abortion: available from 6 weeks gestation, up to 20 weeks gestation in some states.
  • Medical abortion (in clinic or by telehealth): available between 6 to 9 weeks gestation (63 days)

Surgical abortion

Surgical abortion is one of the most commonly performed and safest surgical procedures a woman can have.

Most commonly performed in the first trimester, up to 14 weeks gestation, surgical abortion has a low complication rate.

Surgical abortion can be performed in the second trimester and involves a more complex procedure.

Surgical abortion in the first trimester is most often carried out under twilight sedation, although the option of a local anaesthetic is available. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the doctor inserts a small tube into the uterus and uses gentle suction to remove the contents and lining of the uterus.

The procedure takes around 10 minutes; however, from arrival at the clinic to completion of the process, you should allow for 4 – 5 hours.

After the anaesthetic has worn off and you have received your aftercare advice, you will need to be driven home by a support person. We can call them and let them know when you will be ready to be picked up. Read more about surgical abortion here.

Why choose surgical abortion?

Surgical abortion is a very safe and highly successful option for ending a pregnancy in the first trimester. The advantages of choosing a surgical abortion include:

  • It is a safe and simple procedure, and provided by specialised, expert clinicians at MSI Australia 
  • The procedure takes only a matter of minutes
  • It usually involves only one visit to the clinic
  • There is usually less bleeding and cramping than with a medical abortion
  • It can be performed under twilight sedation, or local anaesthetic
  • It has a very low complication rate and a high success rate
  • You can continue to breastfeed, whereas you will need to cease breastfeeding during a medical abortion

Medical abortion

Medical abortion has been more widely available in Australia since 2012 and is available between 6 to 9 weeks gestation (63 days).

Medical abortion involves taking two types of medication at different times to end a pregnancy.

  • The first medication is taken in the consultation with your doctor in clinic or taken by you at home. This medication is an anti-hormone, which acts by blocking the effects of progesterone – the hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue.
  • 24 to 48 hours after taking the first medication, the second medication is taken by placing the tablets between the cheek and gum for 30 minutes before swallowing any remaining fragments with water.
  • The second medication opens the cervix and assists the uterus to expel the pregnancy. This should occur between 30 minutes to 24 hours after taking the second medication. Most people can expect to experience vaginal bleeding, cramps and the passing of pregnancy tissue within 4 hours. We will provide you with pain and nausea medication.

Before being prescribed the medication for medical abortion, most women have an ultrasound to determine gestation, and confirm tht you are no more than nine weeks pregnant and to exclude ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in the tubes). Some women will just need blood tests. At our clinics, we generally provide an ultrasound at your appointment unless you have a complex health history.

Most women are suitable for a medical abortion, although a few medical conditions may mean you are not suitable. For example, if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood-thinning medications, adrenal gland problems, or corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, medical abortion is unsuitable for you and you will require a surgical abortion.

If you have an incomplete aborton or ongoing pregnancy following taking the abortion medication, you will require a surgical abortion (if you have a medical abortion with us, you will not have to pay for the cost of the surgical abortion). Read more about medical abortion here.

Why choose a medical abortion?

If your pregnancy is under nine weeks gestation and you prefer not to undergo a day procedure, then a medical abortion is a good option. Other reasons women choose medical abortion:

  • It requires no anaesthetic
  • The medication can be taken at home
  • As a non-surgical procedure, there are no surgical risks associated with medical abortion

Choosing the best option for you

The decision to have a surgical or medical abortion requires you to consider your circumstances, medical history and personal preferences. If you are still unsure, you can call our contact centre on 1300 003 707 to better understand your options.