What Are the Differences between Surgical Abortion and Medical Abortion?

The main differences between surgical abortion and medical abortion lie in the different methods used, the applicable time periods, the extent of the abortion, and the risks and side effects. Medical abortion refers to the expulsion of the embryo through the use of medication, while surgical abortion involves the use of instruments to suction out the embryo. In simple terms, this is the process involved.

The benefit of medical abortion is that it does not involve the use of surgical instruments, thus avoiding any instrument-related damage. However, the drawback of medical abortion is that it cannot be used in cases where the pregnancy is too advanced. Generally, it is suitable for pregnancies where the menstrual period is less than or equal to 49 days, or when the gestational sac is less than 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. In cases of larger pregnancies, medical abortion may not be effective or may result in incomplete abortion.

Another disadvantage of medical abortion is the higher risk of incomplete abortion, which occurs in approximately 5 to 10% of cases. Surgical abortion can also result in missed suction or residual tissue, but the probability is generally less than 1%, which is relatively low. The advantage of surgical abortion is that it is generally more thorough and efficient, with the embryo being suctioned out in a single procedure. Additionally, with the availability of painless surgical abortion, there is no discomfort involved.

However, the disadvantage of surgical abortion is that it can cause greater damage to the endometrial lining compared to medical abortion. Therefore, the choice between the two methods should be carefully considered by both partners, weighing the pros and cons to make an informed decision.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion, also known as artificial abortion, is a manual method used to terminate early pregnancy due to unplanned pregnancy, medical conditions that make continuation of pregnancy unsuitable, or to prevent congenital malformations or genetic diseases in the fetus. Surgical abortion mainly includes vacuum aspiration and curettage, which can have certain impacts on women's reproductive health. Therefore, clinical diagnosis is necessary to determine the appropriate surgical procedure.

Risks and Side Effects of Medical Abortion

Medical abortion can have significant risks and side effects. It can disrupt the female endocrine system and cause harm to the ovaries. There is also a risk of secondary uterine damage. If the medication does not flow smoothly, residual placental tissue can lead to bleeding, which may require hospitalization for uterine evacuation to prevent life-threatening complications. Additionally, the infection rate is higher after medical abortion, and female genital bleeding can last from ten days to over a month. During this period, the entire reproductive tract is highly susceptible to infection, which can lead to inflammation of the female reproductive tract, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other conditions that may have an impact on women's future fertility.