For all types of abortion, it's likely you'll have some stomach cramps pain and vaginal bleeding. Bleeding usually lasts a week or two. Sometimes light vaginal bleeding after a medical abortion can last up to a month.
You can usually return to normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable to, including having a bath or shower, using tampons, exercising including swimming and heavy lifting.
The clinic will give you the number of a hour helpline to call if you're worried. If you cannot find the number, contact a GP or It's against the law to try to cause your own abortion. This includes buying abortion pills online. Page last reviewed: 24 April Next review due: 24 April Before an abortion Before having an abortion, you'll need to have an assessment appointment.
During this assessment, you may: discuss your reasons for considering an abortion and whether you're sure about your decision be offered the chance to talk things over with a trained counsellor if you think it might help talk to a nurse or doctor about the abortion methods available, including any associated risks and complications be offered an ultrasound scan to check how many weeks pregnant you are be offered testing for sexually transmitted infections STIs need to have other tests such as a blood test, depending on any medical conditions you have or the stage you're at in the pregnancy When you're sure you want to have an abortion, you'll be asked to sign a consent form and the clinic or hospital will arrange a date for the abortion.
If you decide to go through with the abortion, the doctor performing the procedure must be satisfied that your decision is voluntary and well-considered. You can only have an abortion at a clinic or hospital licensed to perform abortions.
You can contact the abortion clinic yourself. Or you can ask your GP to refer you to an abortion clinic or hospital. This is to see if you are recovering well and to make sure the medicines worked. Medical care before and after a medical abortion includes physical examinations and lab tests, education about what to expect, self-care instructions, information on when to call your doctor, and birth control planning.
Mifepristone blocks the effects of the hormone progesterone. This stops the placenta 's growth and softens the cervix. Misoprostol is then used to trigger uterine cramping to clear the uterus of all tissue. This hormone softens and opens dilates the cervix and triggers uterine cramping to clear the uterus of all tissue.
Misoprostol used alone may end a pregnancy. But it works much better in first-trimester abortions when it's used with other medicines, such as methotrexate.
Methotrexate and misoprostol. Methotrexate interferes with the placenta's growth. Misoprostol is then used to triggers uterine cramping to clear the uterus of all tissue. Choices: Surgical Abortion A surgical abortion ends a pregnancy by surgically removing the contents of the uterus. Surgical methods in the first trimester 5 to 12 weeks Manual vacuum aspiration MVA or machine vacuum aspiration uses suction through a small tube to empty the uterus of all tissue.
Non-surgical method in the second trimester Induction abortion ends a second-trimester pregnancy by using medicines to start induce contractions, which expel push the fetus from the uterus.
If the fetus has severe medical problems, a woman may choose to have an induction abortion. What to Think About Your abortion options are affected by your medical history, how many weeks pregnant you are, and what options are available in your region. It draws tissue out of the uterus. Machine vacuum aspiration uses a tube attached to an electric pump. It draws tissue from within the uterus. Can only be used during early pregnancy up to about 10 weeks Can be used from early to mid-pregnancy: Manual vacuum aspiration MVA can be used as early as 5 weeks, and as late as 12 weeks after the last menstrual period.
Machine vacuum aspiration can be used around 5 to 12 weeks after the last menstrual period. Takes 2 or more medical visits over 7 to 14 days Usually takes 1 visit May take several days to complete most of the abortion process happens gradually, at home Is complete in the time it takes for the procedure Does not require anesthesia or sedative Does not require general anesthesia though it can be used.
Abortion and breast cancer Research suggests that the hormonal changes during pregnancy may be protective and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Before, During, and After an Abortion: When to Call a Doctor If you think you may be pregnant, see a doctor for a pregnancy test, examination, and pregnancy counselling as soon as possible. Who to see Surgical abortions are minor surgeries that require a health professional with specialized training.
The following health professionals can perform abortions: Family doctor who has special training Gynecologist Some health professionals offer medical abortion only and recommend another health professional if a vacuum aspiration becomes necessary.
Normal symptoms that most women experience include: Irregular bleeding or spotting for as long as the first 3 weeks. Cramping for the first 2 weeks. Some women have cramping like menstrual cramps for as long as 6 weeks. Emotional reactions for 2 to 3 weeks. Signs of complications Less than 1 out of women who have an abortion have serious problems afterward.
Both medical and surgical abortions usually cause bleeding that is different from a normal menstrual period. Severe bleeding can mean: Passing clots that are bigger than a golf ball, lasting 2 or more hours. Soaking more than 2 large pads in an hour, for 2 hours in a row.
Bleeding heavily for 12 hours in a row. Signs of infection in your whole body, such as headache, muscle aches, dizziness, or a general feeling of illness. Severe infection is possible without fever. Hormonal changes after a pregnancy can cause depression that requires treatment. Your ability to become pregnant in the future Medical abortion and vacuum aspiration do not affect your ability to become pregnant in the future. Ask your doctor when it's okay to have sexual intercourse.
To prevent infection and pregnancy, it is important to use condoms as directed by your doctor when you start to have intercourse again. This is a good time to also start a highly effective birth control method that fits your lifestyle. For more information, see the topic Birth Control. References Citations Costescu D, et al.
Medical abortion. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada , 38 4 : — DOI: Accessed May 22, Holmquist S, Gilliam M Induced abortion. In RS Gibbs et al. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. You will usually need at least a couple of days to have the abortion, rest and recover. Your doctor will talk to you about any follow up care that you might need. This may include any contraception needs you may have. You should be able to return to your normal activities within a couple of days of your abortion.
If you are feeling distressed after your abortion you can speak to pregnancy options counsellor. Some abortion services may provide their own post-abortion counselling services. You can also speak to your GP or us to help you find a counselling service.
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