Abortion

Abortion in Istanbul is performed only in licensed clinics and under the supervision of certified doctors to ensure maximum safety and privacy for every woman. At Turka Clinic, we provide professional medical care with careful follow-up before and after the procedure, so that every medical decision is as clear and safe as possible for you.

We care about every detail of women’s health, so we offer services related to abortion in Turkey in addition to the services of our women’s clinic in Istanbul. Our women’s clinic is specialized in gynecology and includes a dedicated cosmetic gynecology section, with an experienced gynecologist in Istanbul who has long experience in this field. Our goal is to provide a calm, reassuring environment and complete medical support for women at every step.

Curettage (uterine cleaning) is one of the most commonly used procedures in abortion cases, especially in abortions during the first months of pregnancy.

Is curettage a dangerous procedure?

Abortion in Istanbul is considered a safe medical procedure when it is done in a licensed clinic and under the care of a gynecology specialist. It is based on cleaning the uterine lining with fine instruments after a miscarriage or abnormal bleeding and is usually performed in the first months of pregnancy. Although many women feel worried before the procedure, curettage is generally a simple operation that does not pose a serious risk when medical standards are followed correctly.

In women’s clinics in Istanbul, the gynecologist explains each step of the procedure before starting and carefully evaluates the patient’s condition to make sure the operation is the right treatment option. International medical protocols are followed to reduce the chance of complications. This is why abortion in Turkey (when done for legal and medical reasons) is considered one of the safest procedures in the region.

Curettage at Turka Clinic

Turka Clinic offers curettage with very high standards of safety and privacy, under the supervision of a selected team of gynecologists experienced in miscarriage cases and uterine cleaning. The clinic is located in Mecidiyeköy, Istanbul, one of the most central and active areas of the city, which makes it very easy to reach us by public transport, including the metro and Metrobus.

At Turka Clinic, the patient’s condition is carefully evaluated before the procedure, the most suitable type of anesthesia is chosen, and the operation is performed using modern tools and safe medical techniques to ensure complete cleaning of the uterus and reduce the risk of any complications. Our specialized women’s clinic and cosmetic gynecology section also offer comfortable follow-up after the procedure and a supportive environment that helps the patient physically and emotionally throughout her recovery.

Preparing for curettage

Before having curettage, the doctor usually recommends a few steps to make the procedure safer and more comfortable, such as:

• Visiting the doctor at least one day before the procedure to receive a gel or medicine that helps gently open the cervix. This makes the procedure easier and reduces discomfort.
• Avoiding food and drink for several hours before the procedure according to the doctor’s instructions, especially if general anesthesia is planned.
• Doing simple tests such as blood tests or ultrasound to check the uterus and make sure there are no infections or problems that need treatment first.

How is anesthesia done in curettage?

The procedure starts after anesthesia. The doctor chooses the most suitable type of anesthesia according to the patient’s condition and preference. The main types are:

1. General anesthesia

The medicine is given through a vein, and the patient is completely asleep during the whole procedure. This type is often used in hospitals under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. It gives a very high level of comfort and the patient does not feel any pain.

2. Spinal (regional) anesthesia

The anesthetic is injected into the spinal canal, which blocks pain in the lower part of the body while the patient remains awake. It gives a pain-relieving effect similar to general anesthesia and is used when it is better for the patient to stay conscious or when general anesthesia is not recommended.

3. Local anesthesia

Only the cervix is numbed with a local injection. The patient may feel some pressure or cramping during the procedure, but this option is suitable for simple cases or when general anesthesia should be avoided.

When curettage is performed in a specialized center by a gynecologist in Istanbul and according to approved standards, the risk is very low. Following the doctor’s instructions before and after the procedure helps speed up healing and reduce discomfort.

Possible complications after abortion

Although Abortion in Istanbul is considered a very safe procedure, any medical operation may carry a small risk of complications. Knowing them helps the patient avoid problems and seek help at the right time.

Possible complications

1. Light bleeding after the procedure – Mild bleeding is normal during the first two days. If the bleeding is heavy, the doctor should be consulted.
2. Infection of the uterine lining – This may occur if antibiotics are not taken correctly or if there was a previous untreated infection.
3. Cramping and abdominal pain – Some women feel cramps due to uterine contractions after cleaning.
4. A small amount of tissue remaining inside the uterus – This is rare and may require a simple repeat cleaning by the doctor.
5. Temporary changes in the menstrual cycle – Period dates may change for a month or two until the body returns to normal.

How to avoid complications

• Choosing a trusted women’s clinic and a specialized gynecologist to ensure a safe procedure with proper sterilization and medical standards.
• Taking all prescribed medicines and antibiotics exactly as instructed by the doctor to reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoiding sexual intercourse for 10 to 14 days or according to the doctor’s advice to allow the uterus to heal.
• Resting during the first 24–48 hours and avoiding physical effort.
• Contacting the doctor immediately if there is severe pain, high fever, or unusual bleeding.

Can a woman get pregnant after curettage?

Most women can become pregnant normally after curettage. The procedure usually does not affect fertility when it is done correctly in a specialized women’s clinic. However, it is important for the woman to be physically and emotionally ready before trying to conceive again. Sexual intercourse can usually be resumed about two weeks after the procedure, as long as there is no pain or unusual bleeding. Pregnancy may occur soon after that, but many doctors recommend waiting at least one menstrual cycle so the uterus can return to its natural balance.

If miscarriages are repeated more than once, medical tests are necessary to find the cause before planning a new pregnancy. This helps to avoid repeating the problem and to support a healthy, safe pregnancy.

Necessary tests after repeated miscarriage

The most important tests that the doctor may request include:

• Blood tests: To check for hormonal disorders or immune system problems that may affect pregnancy stability.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): A thin catheter is inserted into the uterus and a contrast dye is injected, allowing X-rays to show the shape of the uterus and fallopian tubes and detect any structural problems that could affect pregnancy.

These tests give the doctor a clear picture to identify the cause and create the right treatment plan before starting a new pregnancy attempt.

When can the patient return to normal life after curettage?

Most women return to their normal life quickly after curettage. In many cases, light daily activities can be resumed within 24 to 48 hours. To ensure full recovery, it is recommended to follow these tips:

• Rest for one or two days and avoid heavy physical effort or lifting heavy objects.
• Avoid intense exercise for at least one week.
• Avoid swimming, Turkish baths, and jacuzzis for 10 days to reduce the risk of infection.
• Take all medicines and antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor.

The menstrual period may be delayed or slightly different in the first month after the procedure, which is usually normal and not a cause for concern. When the patient follows the doctor’s instructions, the body returns to normal quickly and future pregnancy is usually possible without long-term effects on fertility.

Is there an alternative to curettage?

Yes, in some cases the doctor may suggest abortion pills as an alternative to curettage, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy. However, it is very important not to take any of these pills without direct consultation with a specialist, because the wrong dose or incorrect use can cause severe bleeding or serious complications.

Usually, the pills are given in two stages. They stop the pregnancy and then help the uterus to empty. If the abortion is complete and the bleeding stops within about one week, the uterus is often clean, but it is still recommended to have a check-up with the doctor. If bleeding continues for more than two weeks or the pregnancy does not pass completely, some tissue may remain in the uterus. In this case, the doctor usually recommends a uterine cleaning procedure (curettage) to protect the patient from infection or continuous bleeding.

After abortion… does a woman need rest?

Abortion, whether done with pills or by curettage, has both physical and emotional effects on a woman. Although curettage itself does not require a long recovery time and the patient usually regains consciousness and strength within about twenty minutes after the procedure, the body still needs several days to return to normal.

Doctors usually recommend:

• Taking a full day of rest after the procedure.
• Avoiding strong physical effort for two days.
• Attending the follow-up visit to make sure the uterus is healthy.

The emotional side is also very important. Some women need extra time to feel stable after this experience. Emotional support from the husband or family plays a big role in helping her get through this period in a healthy way.

What is the difference between curettage and abortion pills?

Both curettage and abortion pills are used to end pregnancy in its early stages, but each method has its own features and uses. The doctor chooses between them depending on the patient’s condition.

1. Abortion pills

• Usually used in the very early weeks of pregnancy (up to around week 9).
• Depend on taking two doses of medicines that stop the pregnancy and then help the uterus to empty naturally.
• The woman feels pain similar to menstrual cramps, with bleeding that can last from several days to about a week.
• The process usually takes place at home but under the doctor’s supervision.
• No anesthesia or surgical intervention is needed.

2. Curettage (uterine cleaning)

• Performed in a women’s clinic or hospital.
• Suitable when pills do not work, or when there is abnormal bleeding or remaining pregnancy tissue in the uterus.
• The procedure is very short and is done under local, spinal, or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
• Allows the doctor to clean the uterus with high precision and reduces the chance of infection or remaining tissue.
• It is considered the safest option in cases of incomplete abortion.

In short:

Abortion pills may be suitable at the beginning under specific medical conditions, while curettage is the more precise and safer option when direct intervention is needed or when the other methods do not give the desired result.

Questions and answers about Abortion in Istanbul

When does the doctor choose pills and when Abortion?

The gynecologist in Istanbul decides the most suitable method after a full evaluation and takes into account several factors:

When the doctor chooses abortion pills:

• The pregnancy is in its very early weeks.
• The patient does not have severe anemia or blood clotting problems.
• There is no infection or abnormal bleeding.
• The patient prefers a non-surgical method.

When the doctor chooses curettage:

• The medical abortion with pills does not fully empty the uterus.
• Bleeding continues for a long time or is heavy.
• Ultrasound shows remaining pregnancy tissue after using pills.
• The patient has severe pain or signs of infection.
• The pregnancy has already stopped developing and a quick and safe intervention is needed.

By choosing the right method in each case, the doctor can achieve the best treatment result, reduce risks, and help the woman return to her normal life quickly with minimal discomfort.

Abortion pills vs curettage

If you are thinking about curettage or abortion in Istanbul and want safe care in a specialized women’s clinic with a cosmetic gynecology section, you can contact Turka Clinic to get a confidential medical consultation and easily book an appointment that suits you.