All these terms refer to the same procedure. The language of abortion evolves over time. We increasingly speak of instrumental and aspiration abortion because abortion goes through the body’s natural passages.
The words “surgical abortion” suggest an operation with an incision and sutures, which is not necessary for an abortion.
Abortion is not linked to infertility. It’s even possible to become pregnant again 2 weeks after the abortion. Although very very rare, some complications from an abortion can have consequences on fertility.
On physical examination, it is not possible to detect that an abortion has taken place. Your body will recover from the abortion as it would recover from a natural miscarriage; no one can tell the difference. The treatment of complications is also identical.
All these terms refer to the same procedure. The language of abortion evolves over time. We increasingly speak of instrumental and aspiration abortion because abortion goes through the body’s natural passages.
The words “surgical abortion” suggest an operation with an incision and sutures, which is not necessary for an abortion.
Abortion is not linked to infertility. It’s even possible to become pregnant again 2 weeks after the abortion. Although very very rare, some complications from an abortion can have consequences on fertility.
On physical examination, it is not possible to detect that an abortion has taken place. Your body will recover from the abortion as it would recover from a natural miscarriage; no one can tell the difference. The treatment of complications is also identical.
The procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes, followed by 30 to 60 minutes of rest and monitoring.
A nurse will be by your side.
A catheter will be temporarily installed in a vein in your arm to give you the necessary medications. Your vital signs will be monitored.
You will be lying on your back in a gynecological position. The doctor will remove the pregnancy by aspiration. The person accompanying you can be present after the abortion for the rest period.
We recommend resting on the day of the procedure. Some women decide to take more time. The relaxing and pain-relief medications offered during abortion can affect your state for a certain time. For 24h:
Do not drive
Do not consume drugs or alcohol
Favor calm activities
Avoid activities requiring concentration or judgment such as supervising young children, using dangerous tools or equipment, taking school exams, and signing important documents.
We recommend not inserting anything into the vagina for 7 days after the procedure, so wait a week before having sexual intercourse with penetration.
To prevent infections, we recommend not inserting anything into the vagina for 7 days after the procedure, so wait a week before having sexual intercourse with penetration.
It’s important to listen to your body. Some people will need some time before feeling ready to resume sexual activities. This is normal.
You will have 2 medications to take, the 1st at the clinic, the 2nd at home 24 to 48h later.
Although bleeding usually starts after taking the 2nd medication, it may start as soon as the 1st medication is taken.
Bleeding and pain vary from person to person. Side effects could include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mild fever. These effects usually last a few hours.
Once the heavy bleeding and cramping have subsided, you can resume your normal activities. We recommend that you be accompanied for a few hours after taking the 2nd medication.
If your pregnancy test is positive 4 weeks after the medication, you will be offered an appointment and options will be discussed based on the medical evaluation.
comparative table
Comparing the instrument abortion with the medical abortion
Number of weeks
Up to 17 weeks (here at the clinic)
Success rate
99 %
Method
Dilatation and suction
Duration
5 to 10 minutes
Pain
Very mild to moderate, intravenous medications available
Bleeding
None, or light to moderate, for a period of up to three weeks.
Complications
Rare
Potential side effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Back home
You cannot drive for 24 hours after the appointment
Recovery
Recommended leave on the day of surgery
Main benefits
Rapid Response
Presence of medical staff
Appointment
A single visit to the clinic
Preparation
You must fast 2 hours before your appointment.
Follow-up
Pregnancy test to do at home 4 weeks after the abortion
Number of weeks
Up to week 9
Success rate
95 %
Method
1st medication to stop pregnancy A 2nd medication to induce expulsion (24 to 48 hours later)
Duration
Usually less than 24h for expulsion
May take several days
Pain
Generally mild to moderate, sometimes more severe, lasting a few hours. Prescription tablets for home use.
Bleeding
Abundant at first, then lighter for up to three weeks, sometimes longer.
Complications
Rare
Potential side effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache
Dizziness
Back home
It is advisable to be accompanied when taking the 2nd medication at home.
Recovery
Leave recommended for the day of the 2nd medication
Main benefits
Non-invasive process.
Choice of location and people present
Being at home can be more intimate
Appointment
One visit to the clinic. Phone follow-up with a nurse 2 weeks later.
Preparation
No preparation is required
Follow up
Pregnancy test to do at home 4 weeks after the abortion.
comparative table
Comparing instrument abortion with medication abortion
Number of weeks
Up to 17 weeks (here at the clinic)
Success rate
99 %
Method
Dilatation and suction
Duration
5 to 10 minutes
Pain
Very mild to moderate, intravenous medications available
Bleeding
None, or mild to moderate, for up to three weeks.
Complications
Rare
Potential side effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Back home
You cannot drive for 24 hours after the appointment
Recovery
Recommended leave on the day of surgery
Main benefits
Rapid response
Presence of medical staff
Appointment
A single visit to the clinic
Preparation
You must fast 3 hours before your appointment.
Follow-up
Pregnancy test at home 4 weeks after abortion
Number of weeks
Up to the 9th week
Success rate
95 %
Method
1st medication to stop pregnancy A 2nd medication to induce expulsion (24 to 48 hours later)
Duration
Usually less than 24h for expulsion
May take several days
Pain
Generally mild to moderate, sometimes more severe, lasting a few hours.
Tablet medications prescribed for home.
Bleeding
Abundant at first, then lighter for up to three weeks, sometimes longer.
Complications
Rare
Potential side effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache
Dizziness
Back home
It is advisable to be accompanied when taking the 2nd medication at home.
Recovery
Leave recommended for the day of the 2nd medication
Main benefits
Non-invasive process.
Choice of location and people present
Being at home can be more intimate
Appointment
One visit to the clinic. Phone follow-up with a nurse 2 weeks later
Preparation
No preparation is required
Follow-up
Pregnancy test to do at home 4 weeks after the abortion
A non-judgmental environment
Service in a single appointment
A warm environment
Confidential medical file
Confidential medical file
Accessible parking
Covered by RAMQ
Women’s team
Contact us
Your choice. Your right.
We’re here to support you and surround you with loving care. Our clinic is an inclusive and welcoming space, where everyone can find the help they need.
Covered by RAMQ
Covered by IFHP (refugees)
Fees apply if you do not have RAMQ or IFHP
Make an appointment by phone 514-844-4844. If we can’t be reached, please fill out the contact form, and we’ll call you back within the next business day.
