A surgical abortion ends a pregnancy by having a provider remove the contents of the uterus. Your provider will use a vacuum aspiration and other instruments to remove the pregnancy tissue from your uterus.

Surgical abortions can be done up to 18 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy in Saskatchewan. At or after 19 weeks, you will be referred to a clinic outside of Saskatchewan.

Surgical abortions are 97% effective if done before 7 weeks of pregnancy and 99% effective if done between 7-12 weeks of pregnancy.

• At your first appointment, your provider will arrange an ultrasound to check how far along your pregnancy is. You will also do blood tests to check if you have anemia, what your blood type is, and if you have any sexually transmitted infections. Your provider will help you explore your pregnancy options: pregnancy, adoption, and abortion. They will also talk to you about your health history and your plans for contraception (ways to prevent pregnancy) in the future. You may get a physical exam, such as a pap test. Depending on your health, you may need to see a specialist. You can also see a counselor if you would like to.
• Once your medical provider has made sure that you are pregnant, that you would like a surgical abortion, and that you have no health issues that would prevent you from getting a surgical abortion, they will make an appointment for your surgical abortion.

• You cannot drive to and from a surgical abortion. You can have someone drive you, take a taxi, or take public transit to get to an abortion. You need someone to help you get home afterwards. The hospital will not discharge you until you are in your support person’s care.
• If you need a ride to and from a surgical abortion, contact us and we can put you in touch with a volunteer who can drive you.

• Surgical abortions are done in hospital. They take about 10 minutes. Your medical provider will put medical instruments in your vagina and uterus to remove the pregnancy. You will be at the hospital for around 4 hours.
• Most surgical abortions do not need follow-up appointments.

• A lot of people feel very tired after surgical abortions. You should plan to spend the rest of the day, and ideally the next day as well, resting.
• After your abortion, you can expect to have some mild nausea in the first few hours. You can take medications such as Gravol to settle your stomach. You can eat and drink as normal, but you should wait until you are hungry or thirsty without nausea. Drink plenty of water once you can.
• You will have a small amount of vaginal discharge for up to two weeks.
• You may have cramping for the first two or three weeks. If you have cramps, you can try drinking warm liquids, using heating pads, walking around, changing positions often, bringing your knees to your chest with your hips pointing up, or taking one to two ibuprofen tablets every four hours.
• You may experience bleeding or spotting for two or three weeks, as your hormone levels return to normal. If you are not used to wearing pads, it may feel as if you are bleeding more than normal. Bleeding sometimes increases when you get up in the morning, sit on the toilet, or are being active. It can also increase when you drink alcohol or use marijuana. If you experience bleeding, do not take Aspirin (as it can increase bleeding), and try lying down with your feet up.
• It is important to use contraception after an abortion: you can get pregnant as early as seven days after an abortion, even before your first period.

• After the abortion, you should call a doctor or go to the hospital if:
  • You have severe bleeding:
    • Passing clots bigger than a golf ball for two or more hours
    • Soaking more than two large sanitary pads in an hour, for two hours in a row
    • Bleeding heavily for twelve hours in a row
  • You have signs of infection, such as a headache, muscle aches, dizziness, or a general feeling of illness.
  • You have a severe pain in the belly that is not relieved by pain medicine, rest, or heat
  • You have hot flushes or a fever of 38C (100.4F) or higher that lasts longer than four hours
  • You have vomited for more than 4-6 hours
  • You experience sudden belly swelling or rapid heart rate
  • You have increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal discharge that smells bad
  • You have pain, swelling, or redness in your genitals.
• If you cannot get a hold of your medical provider, you can call 811 to talk to a registered nurse. If your symptoms are severe, go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.
• Call a pro-choice medical provider if you have:
  • No menstrual period within 8 weeks after the abortion
  • Signs and symptoms such as constant sadness, feelings of worthlessness, lack of interest in usual activities, or changes in sleep patterns. Hormonal changes that occur after a pregnancy can cause depression.

• You can bring one support person with you to a surgical abortion.
• If you would like someone to come with you and support you during your abortion but do not have anyone, you can contact us and we will put you in touch with an abortion doula.

• Do not wear jewelry or bring a large amount of money with you.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• You will be at the clinic for approximately 2 to 3 hours. You may consider bringing:
  • A phone charger and your phone
  • A comfort item, such as a blanket
  • Headphones
  • A book, magazine(s), or something else to do while you wait
  • Your IUD, if you are getting it placed at the same time as your abortion
  • A list of questions you may have for your abortion provider

• Regina Women’s Health Centre
• Sex Life Sask
• Saskatoon Community Clinic