How long does vacuum aspiration take

The risk of problems from the procedure is rare. But some problems may include:. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.

Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. Top of the page. Surgery Overview 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. Machine vacuum. This procedure is a common method used in the first 5 to 12 weeks first trimester of pregnancy.

It involves the use of a thin tube cannula. The syringe is attached to the tube and used to remove the contents of the uterus.

It takes less than ten minutes. When is the procedure done? This procedure is done early in pregnancy in the first seven to eight weeks from the start of your last period. What to expect.

Next, the local anesthetic solution is injected around the cervix in two or more places. Although many women are apprehensive about this step, injections into the cervix are usually less painful than injections in other parts of the body. You may feel pressure or a pinch, or nothing at all. You may also feel a slight burning sensation as the medicine is injected into the cervix and brief cramping and nausea. Some women also experience ringing in the ears and tingling in the lips or tongue.

I experienced some pain with the procedure, but mostly, it was just a series of new sensations. I had never been so aware of my uterus. I spent an hour lying down to recover. I remember being elated—it was over! The only way to describe it was relief!

Once the cervix is numb, the provider will gradually stretch the opening of the cervix by inserting and removing dilators tapered rods of increasing size. You will probably feel pressure and perhaps some cramps on and off. Dilating typically takes less than two minutes. Next, the cannula — a sterile strawlike tube — is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. The size of the cannula depends on how pregnant you are; it may range from the size of a small drinking straw to that of a large pen half an inch.

The clinician connects the cannula to a handheld vacuum device manual vacuum aspiration or an electric vacuum device and then moves the cannula back and forth to draw out the pregnancy tissue.