Abortion Surgery Explained: Procedure, Risks, and Recovery
Dr Jen Shek Wei
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (O&G) (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCOG (London)
Deciding to undergo an abortion can feel overwhelming, particularly if you are unsure what the procedure involves or what to expect afterwards. While every woman's circumstances are different, having clear information can help you prepare for the procedure and recovery ahead.
Surgical abortion is a safe and effective procedure when performed by an accredited doctor in an appropriate clinical setting. Knowing what happens before, during and after the procedure can help you make informed decisions and understand the recovery process.
Surgical abortion is a safe and effective procedure when performed by an accredited doctor in an appropriate clinical setting. Knowing what happens before, during and after the procedure can help you make informed decisions and understand the recovery process.
What Is Surgical Abortion?
Surgical abortion is a procedure that removes a pregnancy from the uterus using specialised medical instruments. It is performed under anaesthesia by an accredited gynaecologist in a licensed healthcare facility and is typically completed as a day procedure.
Both medical and surgical abortion are available in Singapore for eligible patients. However, surgical abortion is often recommended because the procedure is completed during a single planned visit, allowing the doctor to confirm that the pregnancy has been successfully removed before you leave the clinic. It also avoids the possibility of an incomplete medical abortion, which may require additional treatment or a subsequent surgical procedure.
Both medical and surgical abortion are available in Singapore for eligible patients. However, surgical abortion is often recommended because the procedure is completed during a single planned visit, allowing the doctor to confirm that the pregnancy has been successfully removed before you leave the clinic. It also avoids the possibility of an incomplete medical abortion, which may require additional treatment or a subsequent surgical procedure.
Preparing for Surgical Abortion
Before scheduling the procedure, your gynaecologist will confirm that surgical abortion is appropriate for you. This usually involves an ultrasound to determine the stage of pregnancy, a review of your medical history and an explanation of the procedure, possible risks and recovery.
Surgical abortion is usually performed on a separate day after your consultation. Depending on your stage of pregnancy, counselling may be required before treatment. For pregnancies beyond 10 weeks, medication may also be used beforehand to prepare the cervix and make the procedure safer.
As the procedure is performed under anaesthesia, you will need to fast for at least four hours before your appointment.
Surgical abortion is usually performed on a separate day after your consultation. Depending on your stage of pregnancy, counselling may be required before treatment. For pregnancies beyond 10 weeks, medication may also be used beforehand to prepare the cervix and make the procedure safer.
As the procedure is performed under anaesthesia, you will need to fast for at least four hours before your appointment.
What Happens During Surgical Abortion?
On the day of the procedure, surgical abortion is typically completed within a single clinic visit. Although the exact technique varies depending on the stage of pregnancy, the procedure generally involves the following steps.
Before the Procedure
After arriving at the clinic, you will be prepared for surgery and given anaesthesia so that you remain asleep throughout the procedure. Your healthcare team will monitor your vital signs continuously to ensure your safety.
During the Procedure
Once the cervix has been prepared, your abortion doctor will remove the pregnancy using specialised instruments. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, suction and other specialised instruments may be used to complete the procedure safely. Ultrasound guidance may also be used during the procedure to help confirm that the uterus has been emptied completely.
The operation itself usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, you will remain in the recovery area until the effects of the anaesthesia have worn off before returning home.
The operation itself usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, you will remain in the recovery area until the effects of the anaesthesia have worn off before returning home.
Recovery After Surgical Abortion
Most women recover well after surgical abortion and are able to return home on the same day. Mild cramping, light vaginal bleeding or spotting and tiredness are common during the first few days, while pregnancy-related symptoms usually improve over the following one to two weeks.
To support healing, your doctor may recommend that you:
To support healing, your doctor may recommend that you:
- Rest for the remainder of the day
- Take prescribed medication as directed
- Avoid strenuous exercise until advised otherwise
- Avoid sexual intercourse, swimming and soaking in baths until bleeding has stopped
- Attend your follow-up appointment as advised
What Are the Risks of Surgical Abortion?
Surgical abortion is generally a safe procedure when performed by an accredited gynaecologist, particularly during the early stages of pregnancy. However, like all medical procedures, it is not completely without risk.
Possible complications include:
Modern surgical techniques help reduce these risks. For example, flexible suction instruments are designed to minimise trauma to the uterus compared with older techniques, while ultrasound guidance may be used during the procedure to help confirm that the uterus has been emptied completely.
Possible complications include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or pelvis
- Retained pregnancy tissue requiring further treatment
- Injury to the cervix or uterus
- Rarely, puncture of the uterus during the procedure
- Complications related to anaesthesia
Modern surgical techniques help reduce these risks. For example, flexible suction instruments are designed to minimise trauma to the uterus compared with older techniques, while ultrasound guidance may be used during the procedure to help confirm that the uterus has been emptied completely.
Moving Forward with the Right Support
Surgical abortion is a well-established procedure that is generally safe when performed by an accredited doctor. Understanding the preparation, procedure, recovery and potential risks allows you to approach treatment with realistic expectations while recognising when follow-up care may be needed.
At the Women's Clinic of Singapore, treatment is guided by Dr Jen Shek Wei, who provides confidential assessment and personalised surgical abortion care tailored to each woman's individual circumstances. If you would like to discuss your options or determine whether surgical abortion is suitable for you, contact the clinic to schedule a consultation.
At the Women's Clinic of Singapore, treatment is guided by Dr Jen Shek Wei, who provides confidential assessment and personalised surgical abortion care tailored to each woman's individual circumstances. If you would like to discuss your options or determine whether surgical abortion is suitable for you, contact the clinic to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Surgical Abortion
How soon can I return to work after the procedure?
Many women are able to resume office-based work within one to two days if they feel well. If your work involves heavy lifting or physical activity, your doctor may recommend taking additional time off.
When will my next menstrual period return?
Your next period usually occurs within four to six weeks after the procedure, although this varies from person to person. Your doctor can advise what is considered normal during your recovery.
Can I use tampons after surgical abortion?
To reduce the risk of infection, your doctor may recommend using sanitary pads instead of tampons until vaginal bleeding has stopped and the uterus has had time to heal.
Meet Our Women’s Health Specialist in Singapore
Dr Jen Shek Wei
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (Singapore)
Master of Medicine (OBGYN) (Singapore)
Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
Fellow of the Royal College of OBGYN (London)
Dr Jen Shek Wei is an obstetrician and gynaecologist with over four decades of clinical experience. He graduated from medical school in Singapore in 1979, having earned multiple academic awards, and went on to complete his postgraduate training in both Singapore and the United Kingdom by early 1985. Dr Jen began his specialist career as a consultant at several key institutions, including Kandang Kerbau Hospital, Toa Payoh Hospital, and the National University of Singapore. In 1988 he was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, in recognition for his medical contributions.
In 1988, Dr Jen set up his private practice and opened clinics in Ang Mo Kio and Tampines to make women’s healthcare more accessible. These clinics have served a large and growing patient base ever since, reflecting his commitment to community-based care. Dr Jen’s patient-first approach has earned him a strong reputation for both clinical excellence and compassionate service.
In 1988, Dr Jen set up his private practice and opened clinics in Ang Mo Kio and Tampines to make women’s healthcare more accessible. These clinics have served a large and growing patient base ever since, reflecting his commitment to community-based care. Dr Jen’s patient-first approach has earned him a strong reputation for both clinical excellence and compassionate service.
In recognition of Dr Jen’s sustained contributions and expertise, he was named a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (London) in 1999—an honour reserved for senior specialists who have demonstrated a significant impact on the field. His credentials reflect both a lifelong dedication to medicine and a deep commitment to advancing women's health in Singapore.
Our Promise To Patients
MOH-Licensed
Abortion Clinic
Appointment
with 24 Hrs
Competitive &
Transparent Pricing
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& Surgery Available
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in Most Cases
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