How is menstrual extraction performed

Through working for abortion reform in the early s, the early self-help clinic in Los Angeles became acquainted with the new, gentler suction method of removing the uterine contents, a method which was to revolutionize abortion technique. Out of this work they evolved the technology for removing a woman's flow, on a monthly basis or less often, and called it menstrual extraction.

They unearthed articles in Russian and Chinese medical journals showing hand-operated vacuum equipment and recommending the procedure for contraceptive purposes. They were aware of research in the United States on early-termination aspiration abortion without cervical dilation and with the use of a large syringe attached to a flexible plastic cannula similar to a soda straw or a portable foot pump.

The group found that menstrual extraction was not difficult to learn and that the introduction of a sterile four-millimeter cannula into the uterus was not traumatic because it did not require that the cervix be dilated. There was no cutting or scraping, so simple sterile procedures were sufficient; anesthetics were not necessary; and the suction was sufficient to extract all or most of a woman's flow in around 20 to 30 minutes.

Menstrual extraction can be done in a woman's home or a self-help group's meeting place and the woman having her flow extracted controls all aspects of the procedure.

Women generally learn the technique by participating in groups with more experienced women, first observing and then having their own menstrual extractions. Although the rudimentary aspects of the procedure can be learned in a few weeks, the knowledge and skill necessary to the reasonable safety of the procedure usually develop over a period of several months or even a year.

Many of these bills are being challenged in court , but it's possible that legislation could push some women to seek unsafe abortion methods. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Julia Naftulin.

On Wednesday, a viral tweet said two women were hospitalized after using household vacuums to remove their period blood. INSIDER was unable to confirm the contents of the tweet, but it caused gynecologists to weigh in the on the situation. The gynecologists pointed out that the technique is similar to an at-home abortion method.

Menstrual extraction is a controversial method developed in the early s that allowed women to use a syringe and container to terminate their pregnancies at home.

Gynecologists warn women against performing menstrual extractions because they can cause infections, sepsis, and even death. Over 3 Million people read Morning Brew, you should too. Loading Something is loading. Associated side effects are minimal. After preoperative preparation, the physician inserts a flexible Karman cannula through the cervical os to the uterine fundus.

The cannula is then connected to the Karman syringe and the plunger is pulled back until it locks, creating 50 mmHg negative pressure.