October 18, 2024, 12:25 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Finding yourself in a situation where an abortion is being considered – for whatever reason – can be extremely emotionally stressful. It is, therefore, important to put yourself in good hands and receive detailed advice and support. STYLEBOOK provides an overview of the common methods and risks of abortion in Germany.
Which method of termination of pregnancy (often colloquially referred to as abortion, technical term: induced abortion) is suitable for a particular case depends, among other things, on the patient’s circumstances. Patients only have a limited opportunity to decide on the general conditions of their abortion. In addition to regulations and deadlines that must be adhered to for legal reasons, it is also mandatory to have a counseling appointment at a recognized counseling center. There are also legal reasons for this. Abortion is illegal in Germany as a matter of principle. However, if certain conditions (defined in the Pregnancy Conflict Act) are met, induced abortion can be performed without punishment. STYLEBOOK spoke to Prof. Dr. Friedrich Wolff, a specialist in gynecology from Cologne, about the current methods of induced abortion.
Overview
Medication abortion
Up to the 63rd day after the last menstrual period, it is possible to terminate an initial pregnancy by taking medication. In this way, it lasts several days. Medication is taken under medical supervision that dissolves the corpus luteum. This medication must be combined with another, a tocolytic called prostaglandin. This causes the uterus to contract, resulting in abortion bleeding.
Risks and side effects
At first glance, a medical abortion seems to be the more pleasant option compared to an operation. However, it is anything but a walk in the park. Some patients describe the experience as particularly stressful, as the abortion bleeding lasts for more than a week, and the individual phases of the induced abortion can be experienced relatively consciously as a result. Prof. Wolff also reports the possibility of considerable side effects (including abdominal cramps, nausea, and headaches) from the medication. In addition, drug-induced abortion is only successful in 95% of cases.
Surgical abortion (aspiration)
Under certain conditions, medication abortion is not recommended. During the preliminary medical consultation, lifestyle factors and pre-existing health conditions are therefore discussed.
Termination of pregnancy by surgery, or more precisely, suction, is the more effective and more common method. In most cases, it is performed on an outpatient basis. A tube is used to suction out the uterine cavity through the cervix. This is possible and usual until the 10th week after the last bleeding. After this, an additional scraping (curettage) usually has to be performed, i.e., the remaining tissue is removed with a spoon-shaped instrument.
After the procedure, the patient rests in a recovery room. As soon as she feels ready, she can leave the doctor’s surgery/clinic together with an accompanying person. Pain should be kept to a minimum. Otherwise, painkillers may be prescribed.
What happens after the procedure
After the procedure, there will be abortion bleeding. This should be less heavy than a normal period but last longer. The woman has to adjust to hormonal shifts. Sensations that characterize an incipient pregnancy (swelling and pulling of the breasts, possible nausea, etc.) will gradually subside. This can be perceived as a relief but can also be confusing and stressful. It can help patients in this situation to talk about their feelings. The specialist also advises physical precautions. For example, tampons should not be used, and full baths and visits to the swimming pool or sauna should be avoided. Sexual intercourse and strenuous sport should also be avoided for the duration of the abortion bleeding.
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What does an abortion cost?
The costs range from 200 to 600 euros. Health insurance companies typically do not cover the cost. However, if there are medical reasons and there is a possible risk to the child or the expectant mother, the amount due for the procedure is usually covered (at least in part).