The procedure is called a vacuum aspiration, or suction curettage. A speculum (a narrow metal or plastic instrument, shaped like a duck's bill) is inserted into the vagina to hold it open. The cervix (opening to the uterus) is then slowly widened using and instrument called a dilator, which is long, thin and about the size of a pen. It has a number of small arms at the end, that gently open the cervix. A small hollow tube is inserted into the uterus. The tube is attached to a pump and suction is appkied. After the uterus is emptied, a small spoon-like instrument (curette) is inserted into the uterus. The curette is scraped gently around the walls of the uterus to dislodge any remaining tissue. The hollow tube is then reinserted and suction is applied again. The whole procedure takes about ten minutes.