What is the difference between curettage and abortion?

Curettage and abortion are two common methods of terminating pregnancy, but there are significant differences between the two in terms of operation methods, applicable situations, and effects on the female body. If you need to undergo related operations, it is recommended to choose under the guidance of a doctor.

Curettage, also known as manual curettage, is a surgery to mechanically remove the contents of the uterine cavity. It is suitable for early pregnancy and is generally performed within 10 weeks of pregnancy. During the operation, the doctor will use medical instruments to dilate the cervix, and then insert a thin metal or plastic tool into the uterine cavity through the cervix to scrape the endometrium and embryonic tissue. Curettage is relatively simple and the operation time is short, but it is more irritating to the uterus and may cause complications such as uterine perforation and bleeding.

Artificial abortion, also known as medical abortion, is a procedure that uses drugs to cause the embryo to die and be expelled naturally from the body. It is suitable for women who are within 49 days of pregnancy. During the medical abortion process, women need to take two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone can inhibit the effect of progesterone and cause the embryo to die. Misoprostol can cause uterine contractions and cause the embryo to be expelled. Medical abortion avoids intrauterine operation and reduces the risk of uterine perforation and infection, but there may be drug side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc.

Whether it is a curettage or an abortion, you need to rest after the operation, keep the vulva clean, avoid sexual intercourse and strenuous exercise. In terms of diet, you should choose foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as chicken, fish, tofu, etc., to promote physical recovery. At the same time, you should avoid spicy, greasy, raw and cold foods to prevent irritation to the body. Regular check-ups are also required for a period of time after the operation to ensure that the body has returned to normal.