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Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) & Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA) – In-Clinic Abortion

A manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) or an electric vacuum aspiration (EVA) abortion are types of in-clinic abortions that can be performed up to 14 weeks (MVA) and 16 weeks (EVA) of pregnancy. You can find all the information you need on this page. If you still have questions, contact our counseling team.

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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

What Are Vacuum Aspiration Abortion Methods?

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Vacuum aspiration abortion methods are often known as surgical abortion, aspiration abortion, suction abortion, vacuum aspiration procedure abortion, or in-clinic abortion.

There are two types of vacuum aspiration abortion methods, the most common are an MVA, or manual vacuum aspiration, and EVA, or electric vacuum aspiration. The primary difference between an MVA and EVA is that electricity is used to create suction to remove the pregnancy in the EVA, and it can be performed until 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Both MVA and EVA are safe and effective procedures for abortion and miscarriage management. Vacuum aspiration abortion methods are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) because they are low-risk, quick, and over 98–99% effective when performed by trained providers. The procedure only takes 5 to 10 minutes, with most people experiencing mild cramping and light bleeding, and full recovery takes a few days. MVA and EVA have a low risk of complications and do not impact future fertility. As medically approved methods, they are both reliable and efficient options for abortion and miscarriage when performed by trained clinicians.

Overview MVA

How Does a Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) Abortion Work?

A manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) is a safe in-clinic abortion procedure used up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. It uses a handheld suction device to remove the pregnancy and takes about 5–10 minutes.

A manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) is a very safe method of abortion for pregnancies in the first trimester and/or early second trimester all the way up to 14 weeks of gestation. The gestational age limit for an MVA often depends on the clinic as well as the health-care provider performing the procedure.

MVA is performed by a trained provider in a health-care facility. During the procedure, the clinician uses instruments, including a silent suction device, to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Most commonly, this procedure is performed using local anesthesia while the person is awake, and it typically takes between 5 and 10 minutes.

When performed under safe conditions and by trained providers, MVA is 98–99% effective with minimal complications, making it a reliable option for first-trimester or early second-trimester pregnancy termination.

Overview EVA

How Does an Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA) Abortion Work?

An electric vacuum aspiration (EVA) is an in-clinic abortion procedure that uses electric suction. It is safe, quick, and can be used up to 16 weeks of pregnancy.

An electric vacuum aspiration (EVA) is a safe and very similar method to a Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA). It can be used for pregnancies up to 16 weeks.

It is performed by a trained provider in a health-care facility. During the procedure, the clinician uses instruments, including an electric vacuum suction device to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.

EVA requires electricity, so it may not be available in all regions. Clinicians may use this method instead of an MVA because the procedure can be done quicker.

The EVA machine makes more of a noise because electricity is used to create the suction and remove the pregnancy.

EVA is known to be a safe and reliable method with minimal risk of complications when performed in a sterile environment by trained health-care professionals. Its success rate varies depending on the specific context, but EVA is often reported to have around a 99% success rate when performed correctly.

BEFORE AN MVA OR EVA

What Should I Do Before a Vacuum Aspiration Abortion?

Before an MVA or EVA abortion, you should consult a health-care provider, review your medical history, and follow any preparation instructions, such as taking pain relief or antibiotics.

Who is eligible for an MVA or EVA abortion?

An MVA/EVA can be performed on individuals who:

need an induced abortion up to 14 weeks of pregnancy;
are experiencing a miscarriage or incomplete abortion and require uterine evacuation;
have been diagnosed with a molar pregnancy and need a uterine evacuation; and
require a uterine evacuation following pregnancy loss to prevent complications.

Who should not have a vacuum aspiration abortion?

Both MVA and EVA procedures are typically safe and effective when performed by trained health-care professionals. However, certain contraindications and precautions must be considered to ensure safety.

How should I prepare for an MVA or EVA abortion?

Preparing for the procedure in advance helps ensure a smooth experience and minimizes potential risks. Here are key steps to consider before your appointment for an MVA or EVA.

USEFUL RESOURCES

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Frequently Asked Questions on Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)

Vacuum aspiration and dilation & evacuation (D&E) are both safe and effective surgical abortion methods, but they differ mainly in when they’re used and how they’re performed, which can impact the overall experience.

When: Vacuum aspiration (manual or electric) is usually used in the first trimester, up to about 14–16 weeks of pregnancy. D&E is typically used in the second trimester, usually after 14–16 weeks and up to around 24 weeks, depending on local laws and clinic policies.

How it's performed: A vacuum aspiration uses gentle suction to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. It’s a quick procedure done in a clinic, often with local anesthesia, and does not require a lot of cervical dilation. Because D&E is used later in pregnancy, it involves additional steps like dilating the cervix more fully and removing the pregnancy using a combination of suction and surgical instruments (like forceps) because the pregnancy is more developed.

Recovery time and experience: Both procedures are short and generally have quick recovery times. A D&E may require more cervical preparation, take longer, and involve sedation or stronger pain management compared to a vacuum aspiration.

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Real Stories from Our Community

Discover the heartfelt stories and experiences of individuals who have trusted safe2choose. These testimonials reflect the support and guidance we provide, showcasing the impact of our services.

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Even though I was still very apprehensive, I decided to trust them and share my despair. To my surprise, I was warmly welcomed by the counselors and received all the guidance I needed.

I reached out here because I was desperate and didn’t know who to turn to. I had been searching on Google and found this wonderful team. Even though I was still very apprehensive, I decided to trust them and share my despair. To my surprise, I was warmly welcomed by the counselors and received all the guidance I needed. I was quickly referred to the appropriate place, where I was also treated with great care, and I was able to have my abortion in about a week. It was a very positive experience, with kind support and without judgment.

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I don’t feel ready to have another baby. They inserted a copper IUD incorrectly, and I got pregnant.

I decided to have an abortion because I don’t feel ready to have another baby. They inserted a copper IUD incorrectly, and I got pregnant. My baby was born six months ago, I had postpartum depression, and it’s still hard to feel like I’m doing things right. I don’t think a new baby deserves all the stress from work, a small child, and a complicated relationship. The baby’s father didn’t want the pregnancy either.
After the abortion, I felt very guilty. I’m still sad about what happened because I tried to take care of myself and this still happened. I didn’t know what to do or where to go because abortion is illegal in my country. I found this page, and they helped me a lot and gave me contacts to make this a safe process, especially because I had the IUD and that complicated things.
If you’re in a similar situation, the best thing is to talk about it and cry as much as you need to let the grief out. I don’t think this is easy for anyone, especially if you’re a first-time mom.
Also, it’s better to be well informed about contraceptive methods and their side effects... I learned that you have to visit several doctors to get different opinions and inform yourself better. The copper IUD was inserted at my public health provider very soon after my C-section and didn’t protect me for even six months, and it caused this situation that I will never forget.

“

In a country where choice is denied, discovering support reaffirmed the belief in personal freedom.

It was amazing to know that even in a country where we are told we have no choice, there are people out there that still believe in a persons right to choose what to do with their life. Keep up the great work!

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I am very grateful to them. Be sure that they will take good care of you, no matter where you are. You are the one to decide, but you will never be alone.

Fear was the first feeling I had when I found out I was pregnant. But after I contacted safe2choose, they made me feel safe and confident that they would guide me through the process. The process was very private and easy, and the counselors truly gave me the attention I needed. I am very grateful to them. Be sure that they will take good care of you, no matter where you are. You are the one to decide, but you will never be alone.

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If you don't find what you are looking for or need further support, please contact us through the counseling page and available channels. We can answer your questions about pregnancy, abortion options, or postabortion care – contact us!

Sources and Medical Expertise
Behind This Information

By the safe2choose team and supporting experts at carafem, based on the 2022 Abortion Care Guideline by the WHO, the 2023 Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health by Ipas, and the 2024 Clinical Policy Guidelines for Abortion Care by NAF.

safe2choose is supported by a Medical Advisory Board formed by leading experts in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

carafem provides convenient and professional abortion care and family planning so people can control the number and spacing of their children.

Ipas is an international organization focused on expanding access to safe abortion and contraceptive care.

WHO – the World Health Organization – is a specialized United Nations agency responsible for international public health.

NAF – the National Abortion Federation – is a professional association in the USA supporting safe, evidence-based abortion care and reproductive rights.

[1] "Abortion care guideline." World Health Organization, 2022, srhr.org/abortioncare/. Accessed November 2024.

[2] Jackson, E. "Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health." Ipas, 2023, www.ipas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ipas-Clinical-Updates-in-Reproductive-Health-CURHE23b.pdf Accessed November 2024.

[3] "Clinical Policy Guidelines." National Abortion Federation, 2024, prochoice.org/providers/quality-standards/. Accessed November 2024.