Health Library

The Health Library is a collection of health and wellness resources created for learning and accessibility. Select a topic below for related health information or search for a topic in the search bar for more information on other medical conditions.

Surgical Abortion

  • Deciding to end a pregnancy is never easy. Every woman has a different reason for an abortion, and emotional reactions are common. After an abortion, it is normal to feel relief, sadness, grief, or guilt. These feelings can change from woman to woman. Natural hormonal changes that occur in your body during pregnancy...

  • Explains what abortion is. Covers when abortion can be done and different abortion choices. Discusses safety and future fertility. Also covers how to know if abortion is right for you.

  • There are two methods of vacuum aspiration (also called suction aspiration): Manual vacuum. This procedure can be used around 5 to 12 weeks after the last menstrual period (early first trimester). It involves the use of a specially designed syringe to apply suction. This method is not available...

  • Care before a surgical abortion Before a surgical abortion, your doctor will: Evaluate your past health, including any medicines you are taking. Do a physical exam, including a pelvic examination, to evaluate your health, how long you have been pregnant, and the location and health of the embryo or...

  • Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is done in the second 12 weeks ( second trimester) of pregnancy. It usually includes a combination of vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C), and the use of surgical instruments (such as forceps). An ultrasound is done before a D&E to determine the size of the uterus and the...

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