Anonymous Submission
I just returned from the doctor after undergoing a surgical abortion. I opted to not have sedation and I am really pleased with my choice. I found out I was pregnant very early and when I decided to terminate the pregnancy I went to a private clinic.
I was certain of my choice but still very anxious and I was told that I was too early in my pregnancy to have a surgical abortion (he could have done it but there was not enough fluid build up which could make it difficult to complete safely. I had to reschedule an appointment for 9 days later and this wait was by far, the most difficult part of this experience.
On the day of the appointment I had an internal sonogram (a plastic tube is placed in your vagina). This was not painful at all (only a little pressure). I then went to another room where the abortion was performed. There was a doctor and a nurse in the room and the nurse told me everything the doctor was doing. They first put a speculum in (just like a pap smear) and sprayed some disinfectant. They then injected some lidocaine. I felt two “pricks” but it was nothing horrible. It make me jump because even though they tell you its coming, it still shocks you a bit!
He then dilated the cervix using something that I assume was metal because I could hear metal but didn’t see it. I did feel some cramping but (on a scale of 1-10 I would say it was a 5). The nurse then explained that they were going to place the suction tube. Placing it in caused some cramps (maybe a 6) and when the tube/machine was turned on it was a “7”. I think that the vibration of the machine felt “funny” more than it really hurt.
Then it was done! In all it took 7 minutes. I put a pad in my underwear and drove myself home. It’s still soon after but I do not regret my choice and I do not anticipate doing so. I guess I will follow up if I do. Oh, the bleeding afterwards is (so far) not bad. I am about 3 hours after the procedure and have the same pad in my underwear. I feel a little bit on cramping (I have taken 800 mg of IBUprofen) but if I had not taken the day off of work I would not feel bad going back.
I am going to spend the rest of the day watching 4 Weddings on TLC which I feel more guilty about than choosing to have an abortion. I was about 8 weeks pregnant at the time of my abortion.