Aspiration Abortion / D&C
Uterine aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C) and dilatation and evacuation (D&E) are some of the most common procedures in Canada. The rate of complications is less than 2 percent and most complications are minor and easily treated. Compared to pregnancy and childbirth, these procedures have few complications. However, like any procedure there are risks you should be aware of.
| Complication | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Infection | Infection of the uterus; antibiotics are given to prevent this | 1–20 in 1,000 |
| Retained tissue | Some pregnancy tissue is left in the uterus; often it comes out on its own, sometimes a second D&C is needed | 5–10 in 1,000 |
| Continued pregnancy | Rare, linked to uterus with unusual shape, very early pregnancy or pregnancy not in the uterus | With a normal uterine pregnancy, occurs less than 1 in 1,000 |
| Hematometra | Blood builds up more quickly than it comes out causing an enlarged, painful uterus. It is unpleasant but not dangerous. It means another D&C will be needed | 1 in 1,000 |
| Hemorrhage | Excessive bleeding; usually can be controlled by giving medication at the hospital | 1 in 1,000 |
| Injury to the uterus | Injury to the uterus or other organs is rare. Referral to a surgeon and repair may be needed | Removal of uterus occurs 1 in 100,000 |
| Allergic reaction | Reaction to any of the medications given to you at the hospital; most reactions can be treated at the hospital | |
| Risk of death | Most deaths are related to general anesthesia or other medical conditions. The risk of death in pregnancy/childbirth is ten times greater | 1 in 1,000,000 |
Medication Abortion
- Retained tissue (some pregnancy tissue is left in the uterus) This occurs more frequently in medication abortions. Sometimes the uterus is unable to expel the tissue and further medical care is necessary.
- Continued pregnancy or failed abortion There is a 2 to 5 percent failure rate with these medications. If the medications fail to induce an abortion, the doctor will discuss booking an aspiration abortion with you.
- Excessive bleeding or hemorrhage This sometimes occurs when the uterus doesn’t contract or if there is retained tissue. If this were to happen, you would be outside the clinic. You should contact us at Opal Clinic if you are experiencing hemorrhage, and you may need to go to the hospital or to the health centre for medical care.
- Infection in the uterus This occurs rarely. You may need antibiotics to manage the infection.
- Allergic reaction Rarely a reaction to the medications occurs. A very severe reaction would require visit to a hospital or health centre.
- Death The risk of death related to abortion is about 1 in 1,000,000 and is most often caused by excessive bleeding. The risk of death during pregnancy and childbirth is ten times greater.