Instrumental treatment
Instrumental treatment is a treatment in which we use a medical instrument to empty your uterus. For this, we briefly put you to sleep with sedation. It is a safe procedure in our clinic, performed by an abortionist.
- Instrumental treatment can be done from 13 weeks to 18 weeks of gestation.
- Treatment is done at the clinic.
- You have little to no pain.
How it works
In this animated video, we explain step by step how instrumental treatment works.
Step 1
Make an appointment
Want to make an appointment at one of our clinics? Please have your citizen service number (BSN) handy. This number can be found on your passport, identity card or driver’s license.
What do you bring to your appointment?
- A valid proof of identity: passport, identity card or driver's license
- A medication summary or the medications you are taking.
- Your health card or proof of enrollment with health insurance (if your BSN is not on your ID).
- A card with your blood type (if you have this).
Treatment takes time
Please keep in mind that you will be at the clinic for about a half-day session of treatment. This may be longer if your situation requires extra attention. Sometimes treatment cannot take place on the day of your intake interview. If so, we will help you reschedule.
Step 2
Intake interview
When you come to us for an appointment, we always begin with an intake interview. You may of course bring your (former) partner or a companion. During the interview we also always take a moment to talk to you alone.
Echo
An ultrasound is done to determine if and how long you are pregnant. This is how we know what treatment options are available to you. You may choose whether you want to watch the ultrasound with us.
In conversation
In addition, you will discuss with the doctor, and often a nurse, your situation and your treatment options. In this way we will see if the treatment you want fits your medication and medical history. We can also advise you on contraception.
Before we start treatment, we ask for your consent to treatment by signing a treatment agreement.
Doubt?
The intake interview does not always mean that you already know exactly what you want with the pregnancy. Doubt is perfectly normal. And there is plenty of room for that. There is no right or wrong choice. Only the decision that seems best to you at this moment.
When in doubt, we often refer you to Information Point unintentionally pregnant. They will support you in making your choice.
Step 3
Instrumental treatment
The choice of this treatment can only be made if:
- You are between 13 and 18 weeks pregnant
- our doctor determines that sedation is possible for you
1. Preparation sedation
Is instrumental treatment appropriate for your situation? Then the treatment usually happens on the same day.
During sedation, we insert an IV into your hand or arm. Through the drip, the anesthesiologist administers a medication that puts you to sleep. This way you don’t feel or hear anything of the treatment. After the treatment you wake up quickly.
You may eat, drink and smoke up to 6 hours before the treatment. After that, you may drink only water until 2 hours before the appointment.
2. Bringing stuff from home
- 1 nightgown or long T-shirt
- Something warm, such as a bathrobe, sweater or cardigan
- 2 underpants (no thongs)
- 1 pair of socks
- 1 pair of slippers
- 1 packet of sanitary napkins
- Something to eat and drink for after the treatment
3. Steps of treatment
Instrumental treatment is done in our clinic. You will be in our clinic for about half a day. This can sometimes take longer.
- You get painkillers.
- Then you take 2 tablets, put them under your tongue. This medicine helps to make your cervix softer. It should take effect for about 1 hour. Have you had a cesarean section before? Then you insert these tablets vaginally and it takes a longer time to take effect. You may experience abdominal cramps and you may feel colder.
- You will receive an IV in your hand or arm.
- You go to the treatment room, there you take your own seat in a gynecological chair. This is where you will receive the sedation.
- Through the duck’s mouth, the doctor uses a medical instrument to empty your uterus. This usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes.
- We always check that the uterus is empty and everything has been removed.
- You go to the rest room. Here you stay for about 30 minutes. The nurse will be near you. If all goes well, you may go home after that. The medical advice is to be accompanied home after sedation.
After an abortion, you are immediately fertile again. You can come to us for contraceptive advice. Sometimes you can have an IUD or hormone rod placed immediately after an instrumental treatment. You can indicate this to the doctor or nurse. Read more here about contraception.
4. Take it easy for a while
Listen to your own body and above all do what makes you feel good. That is always our advice. After treatment, you will lose blood for a while. Sometimes this blood loss lasts a few days, but it can also last until your next period. After 4 to 6 weeks you will have your first period.
4 weeks after the treatment, you will take a pregnancy test that we will give you for verification.
When you terminate your pregnancy, you may experience different feelings. Everything you feel is allowed to be there. Would you like to talk to someone about this? Contact us and we will guide you in finding the right help. At Mildred Clinics, we have your full attention.
Make an appointment
Make an appointment at one of our clinics. Have your citizen service number (BSN) handy. This number can be found on your passport, identity card or driver’s license.