When you’ve decided to end an early pregnancy, you should know that you do have choices on how to proceed.
Choosing between early medical abortion and early surgical abortion in New Jersey, or D&C, is a very important decision that deserves consideration of everything involved, from privacy to your recovery and financial details.
Both Options Are Highly Effective at an Early Gestational Age
Medical abortion, also referred to as the abortion pill because it involves medication to end a pregnancy, is used up to 10 weeks of gestation.
A surgical abortion is available throughout the first trimester and beyond.
Both of these choices are highly effective when performed at an appropriate time by a reputable abortion doctor.
Medical abortion has success rates of 95% (or higher with an additional visit), and surgery has approximately a 99% success rate in a single visit.
Costs Vary Between the Two Methods
You can expect to spend up to $800 without insurance coverage for the abortion pill, while an early D&C generally costs up to $1,000 or more in the first trimester.
If you have New Jersey Medicaid, it covers both options for eligible patients, and many private insurance plans provide coverage as well.
Cash-pay discounts are often available for patients without insurance.
Recovery Time Is Similar, but Not Exactly the Same
Recovery after the abortion pill typically involves up to a week or more of cramping and bleeding as the pregnancy passes.
You should be able to return to light activities within a day but may experience symptoms for up to two weeks.
An early surgical abortion involves a shorter recovery, with mild cramping and light bleeding for a few days.
Like with a medication abortion, you can resume activity the next day typically after an early surgical abortion in New Jersey.
Anesthesia Options Are Available With Surgery
Surgical patients may be able to choose from conscious sedation, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia, depending on the individual situation.
People who prefer to be sedated during the experience often choose the D&C for this reason, because there is no anesthesia used with the abortion pill.
Consider an Early Surgical Abortion in New Jersey for These Advantages
This choice may be more appealing for benefits such as:
- The procedure being completed quickly in one visit
- Significantly less bleeding and cramping than medication
- Higher success rate in a single appointment
- Availability of anesthesia for maximum comfort, as mentioned above
- A faster overall recovery time
- Less of an ongoing physical experience after leaving the office
- Definitive termination of pregnancy
- Being a candidate beyond 10 weeks of gestation
Consider Choosing the Abortion Pill if It’s Available to You for These Benefits
The medication approach has many benefits, including:
- Greater privacy completing the process at home
- A process that feels more natural and similar to miscarriage
- Not needing sedation or anesthesia
- The ability to be in your own space during the experience
- Avoiding surgical instruments
- A lower cost than surgical options
- Flexibility around timing the second medication
The Drawbacks of Each Option Deserve a Mention
Medication drawbacks include intense cramping during the process, seven to 14 days of bleeding, and the possibility of needing follow-up care if the process is incomplete and the pregnancy remains.
D&C drawbacks include higher costs, the procedural / clinical nature of the experience that can feel stark and cold, and the need for sedation or anesthesia.
Make Your Informed Decision With Support From Our Women’s Health Specialists at Metropolitan Medical Associates
Our compassionate team is here to help you understand safe and effective options so you are in control and can choose what feels right for you.
Call us at 800-932-0378 today to speak with a member of our staff or request your appointment online below to discuss your specific situation in a judgment-free, supportive environment.