EC Microbiology

Introduction: One of the most common procedures performed among women is abortion. One in five pregnancies in the U.S. ended in abortion in 2014, while one in 4 women have had an abortion in their lifetime. Therefore, it is important for the physician to understand the various approaches and options available for abortion, their safety, restriction and ethical implication, and women's health simultaneously. There are various methods available for abortion which can be broadly classified as medical and surgical abortion. Medical abortion is usually carried out in early pregnancy and later stages require surgical interventions.

Aim of the Study: The present review discusses the various methods and approaches to safe abortion, indications, and contraindications of the various methods and techniques of performing an abortion, along with their possible complications and their management.

Methodology: The review is the comprehensive research of PUBMED from 1983 to 2022.

Conclusion: Overall, abortion is a safe and effective procedure, especially when the laws regarding abortion are less restrictive in countries. Another barrier to safe abortion is the stigma associated with abortion which leads to maternal mortality rates worldwide. To ensure women have better access to reproductive health care, such as modern methods of contraception as well as different methods of abortion, it becomes essential to understand various approaches to abortion. The approaches and techniques used depend on the gestation period. The two widely used methods are medical and surgical abortion. A medical abortion uses two main drugs, namely mifepristone, and misoprostol. Medical abortion usually poses a lower risk of mortality and complication. Surgical methods include surgical aspiration either manually or electrically. With advanced pregnancy, dilation and evacuation or dilation and extraction followed by aspiration become the choice of treatment. Complications associated with surgery increase with gestational age. Vaginal bleeding is the most common complication, with nausea, vomiting, pain, and fever as secondary complications. With proper technique, safe abortion can be attempted.

Keywords: Medical Abortion; Aspiration Abortion; Dilation; Evacuation

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