(also known as medication abortion, mifepristone, mifeprex, or RU486)

Aspiration Procedure

(suction or vacuum aspiration)

1. How far along in the pregnancy can I be?

Up to 9 weeks from the first day of your last period (63 days).

Our office performs aspiration procedures up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last period (70 days). 

2. How long does it take?

·    Usually 2 visits to our office.

·    Take mifepristone on Day 1.

·    Insert misoprostol in the vagina 6-72 hours later.

·    It usually takes several hours for the abortion to occur.

·    A follow-up visit to our office (on day 4 to 14) is mandatory.

·    Usually one visit to our office

·    The abortion procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes.

·     A follow-up visit at your primary care doctor’s office or at our office in 2-3 weeks is recommended only if you are having any problems.

3. How painful is it?

From mild to very strong cramping (similar to menstrual cramps) off and on throughout the abortion. Pain pills help.

From mild to very strong cramping (similar to menstrual cramps) during the abortion. Numbing medicine and pain pills help during and after the procedure.

4. How much will I bleed?

Heavy bleeding with clots is common during the abortion. Afterwards, lighter bleeding with clots lasts 9 to 16 days or more. Overall, the amount of bleeding is similar to that of an aspiration abortion, although it takes longer.

Usually light bleeding from 1 to 7 days, but may continue off and on up to 2 weeks. Overall, the amount of bleeding is similar to that of the abortion pill, but most of the blood loss occurs within the 5 to 10 minute aspiration procedure.

5. How much does it cost?

$400.  In some cases additional lab tests may be billed by an outside lab.

$400.  In some cases additional lab tests may be billed by an outside lab.

6. Can the abortion fail?

Success rates are 96-99%. 

Success rate varies with the length of pregnancy and protocol used. When it fails, an aspiration abortion is necessary.

Aspiration abortion has a 98-99% success rate. 

Less that 2% of the time the procedure fails and needs to be repeated.  A pregnancy less than 6 weeks may increase the chances of failed aspiration abortion.