Menstrual Extraction - Not Abortion

For centuries, women have sought methods for safely and effectively ending an untimely menstrual period or a very early pregnancy.

The term Menstrual Extraction was first used approximately 70 years ago when women had been performing the procedure for themselves prior to the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Following the legalization of abortion, the most common method for terminating pregnancy was the standard Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure. In the early 1970’s, a group of both lay women and physicians discovered that a suction technique could be performed safely, effectively, and with fewer risks or complications then those associated with the D&C method. They learned that the earlier a menstrual extraction procedure was performed, the lower the possibility of complications and developed a handheld device which could gently remove contents from the uterus without the discomfort or trauma associated with dilation and curettage.

Menstrual Extraction does not require dilation (opening) of the cervix with dilators which can cause uterine cramping and discomfort. Enduring the discomfort produced by local anesthesia is no longer necessary because there is no pain associated with the Menstrual Extraction procedure.

Menstrual Extraction is desired for a variety of reasons. Many women choose to have the procedure because an untimely menstrual period might interfere with an employment assignment, vacation travel, or social event such their wedding. Others may choose menstrual extraction due to a delayed period or concern for an unplanned early pregnancy.

The risks associated with menstrual extraction are retained products of the pregnancy tissue, continued positive pregnancy tests, prolonged bleeding and uterine infections. Therefore, the skill of a physician trained in the menstrual extraction process is required to assure the pregnancy tissue has been removed. Cervical maturation may be necessary to ensure that the pregnancy is completely terminated through the use of medications that cause the cervix to become soft and dilate. This process decreases the chance of complications such as cervical tears and lacerations; ovary, fallopian tube, bladder and bowel injuries or uterine perforation.

Ultrasound may also be used to help reduce injury to patients during the menstrual extraction procedure. Ultrasound guidance is not only used to help reduce complications, but also to assure that no tissue is retained within the uterus post-operatively.

The only contraindications to the menstrual extraction procedure are as follows: 1) undiagnosed pelvic bleeding, 2) possible ectopic pregnancy, 3) untreated STD, 4) PID, 5) IUD in place, or 6) blood dyscrasias.

The menstrual extraction procedure has a long history of providing a safe, effective, and reliable method of ending a woman's menstrual period and preventing very early pregnancy. Although the menstrual extraction is pain-free and takes no more than 3 minutes to complete, some patients may elect to take medications to reduce their anxiety prior to undergoing the procedure. Recovery time is not required and patients may immediately resume their usual activities, including sexual intimacy. The menstrual extraction procedure can be performed on a monthly basis a few days just prior to the expected start of a patient’s menstrual period.