Abortion is the termination of pregnancy by various artificial means. In Russia, abortion can be performed up to the twelfth week at a woman’s request. This usually happens if pregnancy was not planned or contraception proved ineffective. If the pregnancy occurred as a result of rape, then the procedure can be carried out up to twenty-two weeks. According to the law, the first day of the last menstruation is considered the beginning of pregnancy. Abortion for medical reasons (for example, fetal death) can be performed at any time. There are several ways to terminate a pregnancy.

It refers to safe methods, reduces maternal mortality and morbidity. In Russia, it is allowed until the sixth week of pregnancy. The procedure consists of taking special medications that cause miscarriage. Everything happens under the supervision of doctors. In 95-98% of women, a medical abortion ends within a few hours. After that, there may be minor bleeding and pain for several weeks. At this point, there is a risk of infection, so you should refrain from sexual intercourse and carefully monitor hygiene.

The procedure is also performed in the hospital. To begin with, drugs that dilate the cervix are used. After that, a special tube is inserted into the uterine cavity, through which the fetus and the remains of the fetal egg are absorbed. This method is not traumatic, it is safe and can be performed for up to twelve weeks. However, in Russia, additional scraping is often used to make sure that there is nothing left inside. Curettage can cause complications and is recommended for use in extreme cases. After a surgical abortion, bleeding and pain may also occur for several weeks.

If careless curettage (scraping of fetal remains) is performed, if the deep layers of the mucous membrane are affected, Ascherman’s syndrome may occur. It provokes the appearance of scars and adhesions in the uterus, which can make it difficult to continue pregnancy. You should not use abortion as a method of contraception – the more often this procedure was performed, the less likely there was to be a further pregnancy. However, the procedure itself, professionally performed once, does not have a significant effect on reproductive function. Abortions performed at home or using traditional methods are dangerous to health. Intentional injury to the abdominal cavity, the introduction of sharp objects into the uterine cavity, as well as the use of herbal decoctions can lead to complications and even death. According to information for obstetricians and gynecologists provided by the World Health Organization, most women experience abortion without mental health consequences. Photo: yaunikalny.ru