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Most women could recover quickly within a few days, while some women take several weeks to recover. Although you might be able return to work as normal after a few days, you need to be aware of the physical warning signs, how to take care of yourself afterwards as you recover and how soon could you possibly get pregnant again. Here are the basic things you can do on taking care of yourself:
v  Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated
v  Stay off work for a few days if you can
v  Take vitamins, eat healthy food, and rest well
v  Take the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor
v  No swimming or tub baths for 2 weeks
v  Don’t lift anything over 5kg for 2 weeks
v  Avoid sexual intercourse for 2-4 weeks

How soon can I get pregnant again?
You can ovulate as soon as two weeks after an abortion, which means you could get pregnant again within two weeks after another unprotected intercourse. After the 2-4 weeks is over, you should avoid any sexual intercourse unless you’re feeling physically recovered, and don’t let yourself be pressured into having sex again before you are physically and emotionally ready. You should have a serious discussion about the course of action for future pregnancies. 

How important is that 2 weeks check-up after surgery?
It’s important to see that your cervix has ‘closed’ completely to prevent infection in your uterus. This usually takes 2 weeks or longer after a surgical abortion. Once your cervix has returned to its normal condition, then it is safe for you to swim, take a bath, have intercourse, etc. But when your cervix is still open, there is a chance that bacteria can get up into your uterus, and cause painful and possibly damaging infections.

Managing your emotions in the weeks that follow:
The pregnancy hormones that your body generates to keep you pregnant start to dissipate after the pregnancy has been terminated. Depending on how far along in the pregnancy you were, and how sensitive you are to hormones, you may have pregnancy hormones still in your body for up to a year after an abortion. For the first 2-4 weeks following the abortion, your hormones are unstable and you might experience emotional rollercoaster.

1. Aspiration & Suction
Aspiration is a surgical abortion procedure performed during the first 6 to 14 weeks gestation. It is also referred to as suction aspiration, suction curettage or vacuum aspiration. Your doctor will give you medication for pain relief and possibly sedation. It is the most commonly preferred procedure compared to other methods.
rA tenaculum (surgical instrument with long handles and a clamp at the end) is used to hold the cervix in place for the cervix to be dilated by absorbant rods that vary in size. The rods may also be put in a few days prior to the procedure. When the cervix is wide enough, a cannula, which is a long plastic tube connected to a suction device, is inserted into the uterus to suction out the fetus and placenta. The procedure usually lasts 10-15 minutes, but recovery can require staying at the clinic for a few hours. Your doctor will also give you antibiotics to help prevent infection.Risks
Common side effects of the procedure include cramping, nausea, sweating, and feeling faint. Less frequent side effects include possible heavy or prolong bleeding, blood clots, damage to the cervix and perforation of the uterus. Infection due to retained products of conception or infection caused by an STD or bacteria being introduced to the uterus can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness and possibly scar tissue.

What does surgical abortion involve?
Surgical abortion is the most common type of abortion and it is a quick procedure where a suction instrument is used to empty the uterus.

Does surgical abortion hurt?
As everyone experiences pain differently, it is impossible to generalize on how women feel. It is likely that women may experience some discomfort which is often likened to a period pain. Most women describe this as strong cramps that subside after about an hour.

Will a female doctor perform my abortion?
Both female and male doctors can carry out this procedure. If you particularly would prefer to see a woman doctor, please mention your preference when making an appointment.

How long does surgical abortion take?
Surgical abortion takes approximately 1 hour or less. The length of stay at the hospital or clinic varies but is usually just a maximum of a few hours. If an abortion is being carried out at a later stage, the person may need to stay for the day.

Does the abortion has any risk or effect on my future fertility?
There is no direct evidence that an abortion has any effect on future fertility or any other aspect of general health. However, any surgical procedure or medical treatment carries some risks and it is important that are aware of your health condition before deciding to carry-out the procedure.

How much does a surgical abortion cost?
Usually it costs around RM800-RM4500 depending on a specific surgical requirements. The fees charged for your abortion includes the pre-operative medical history, personal counseling, as well as the surgical procedure or the additional medication for the treatment. However, your specific cost will be determined according to following:
Other treatment if your blood Rh factor is negative
Health conditions (including costs for lab work)
Different type of abortion procedure
Length of your pregnancy

Which procedure is suitable for me?
Each woman who plans to terminate a pregnancy needs to choose the kind of abortion that is right for her. Both surgical and non-surgical options are safe, effective, and highly acceptable to women. Medical abortion (Mifepristone & Misoprostol) is recommended for up to 9 weeks pregnancy. Surgical abortion procedures are typically performed beginning around 6 weeks – 14 weeks.

Why most women prefer non-surgical abortion?
Surgery involves external & physical methods to remove the unwanted pregnancy. Medical abortion is preferred because it’s regarded as a natural way of terminating the pregnancy:
The medication causes natural miscarriage that she may feel more comfortable
The woman wants to have more control over the abortion with privacy
The woman prefers not to have surgery that involve intrusive of sharp instrument
The woman may be more familiar with a medical abortion