Suction treatment
Suction curettage is a treatment in which we use a thin tube to empty your uterus, also called suction curettage. It is a safe procedure in our clinic, performed by an abortionist. You will be given a local anesthetic or we will briefly put you to sleep (sedation).
- Suction treatment can be done from 5 to 13 weeks of gestation.
- Treatment is done at the clinic.
- With local anesthesia, you may experience severe abdominal cramps for a short time.
How it works
In this animated video, we explain step by step how a suction 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
Keep in mind that you will spend about three hours at the clinic for treatment. This time 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
Suction treatment
The choice of this treatment can only be made if:
- your pregnancy is visible on the ultrasound
- you are less than 13 weeks pregnant
1. Choice of local anesthesia or sedation
Up to 13 weeks of pregnancy, you have a choice between suctioning with local anesthesia or with sedation.
Local anesthesia
With local anesthesia, we’ll give you painkillers and give you a small prick at your cervix so you feel less pain. You will have brief, severe abdominal cramps, like during your period, or more severe. During the procedure, you are conscious and can talk to a nurse. She supports you during the treatment.
If you choose the local anesthesia, you may eat and drink as usual beforehand. And you may also travel home on your own.
Sedation
In sedation, we insert an IV into your hand or arm. Through the drip, the anesthesiologist administers a drug, which puts you briefly 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. The medical advice is to be escorted home after sedation.
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
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 may 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.