There are different surgical abortion procedures and the method used depends on how long you have been pregnant and your personal choice. Surgical abortions are performed as a day-care procedure so you will not have to stay in the clinic overnight. Discharge times differ depending on the length of the pregnancy and on the anaesthetic used.
Surgical with local anaesthetic
This procedure is known as a Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and is recommended for women who prefer to be awake throughout the treatment and whose pregnancy is up to 10 weeks in gestation.
Gel is applied to the cervix (neck of the uterus) to help numb the area before a local anaesthetic is injected. The cervix is then gently stretched using dilators and the contents of the uterus are removed through a suction tube.
The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes to perform and you are able to eat and drink as normal up until the time of treatment.
Discharge from the clinic
Recovery is quick and you are usually discharged within an hour of treatment.
Bleeding varies from slight bleeding on and off to as much as your heaviest period. It is normal to pass small clots a few days after the operation accompanied by stomach cramps. After this time, the bleeding will reduce but you could bleed on and off for 3-4 weeks. If you are concerned, you can contact the clinic.
Driving
Providing you feel well enough, and you have not had entonox (gas and air), you are able to drive yourself home.
Post Procedure
You can take your normal painkillers (they must not contain aspirin) to relieve any discomfort. The nurse will discuss suitable pain relief with you before you leave the clinic.
Your first period may occur 4-6 weeks later and it may be heavier than normal.
We also advise that you avoid any heavy lifting or exercise for 2-3 weeks.
To avoid the risk of an infection occurring:
- Ensure you take the antibiotics provided by the clinic as directed
- Refrain from sexual intercourse for 3 weeks after the treatment
- Do not use bubble bath or bath salts for at least 3 weeks after the treatment
- Use sanitary towels instead of tampons until your next regular period
If you develop any unexpected symptoms or reactions that you are unsure about, please contact the clinic and discuss your symptoms with a nurse.
Contraception
You are still fertile and at risk of another pregnancy. It is therefore important that you use reliable contraception. You can start the combined or Progesterone-Only Pill the day after the procedure. If you do start The Pill, your next ‘period-like’ bleed will be sometime during your week break.
Remember to use an additional method of contraception (e.g. condoms) because antibiotics can make The Pill ineffective.
You could have the Depo-Provero injection, IUD (coil), IUS or Nexplanon (implant)at the time of your surgery. This is often funded by the NHS. Please ask for further information.
Surgical with general anaesthetic
This method is ideal for women who prefer to ‘be asleep’ while the procedure takes place and whose pregnancy is up to 20 weeks in gestation.
This procedure is carried out under a general anaesthetic, which involves an injection into the back of the hand that gently sends you off to sleep. The cervix (neck of the uterus) is gently stretched and the contents of the uterus are removed using a suction tube.
Should you choose to have a surgical termination under general anaesthetic, you will be unable to eat, drink, smoke, suck a sweet or chew gum from midnight prior to the operation.
Cervical priming
Depending on the stage of your pregnancy, you may need cervical priming. Misoprostal tablets are given orally, prior to treatment. This will soften the cervix and help to minimise the risk of damage to the cervix.
Discharge from the clinic
We recommend you have someone with you (or nearby) for the first 24 hours after treatment.
Bleeding varies from slight bleeding on and off to as much as your heaviest period. It is normal to pass small clots a few days after the operation accompanied by stomach cramps. After this time, the bleeding will reduce but you could bleed on and off for 3-4 weeks. If you are concerned, you can contact the clinic.
Driving
You must not drive for at least 48 hours after a general anaesthetic. We recommend that you arrange to have someone collect you from the clinic and take you home.
Post Procedure
You can take your normal painkillers (they must not contain aspirin) to relieve any discomfort. The nurse will discuss suitable pain relief with you before you leave the clinic.
Your first period may occur 4-6 weeks later and it may be heavier than normal.
We also advise that you avoid any heavy lifting or exercise for 2-3 weeks.
To avoid the risk of an infection occurring:
- Ensure you take the antibiotics provided by the clinic as directed
- Refrain from sexual intercourse for 3 weeks after the treatment
- Do not use bubble bath or bath salts for at least 3 weeks after the treatment
- Use sanitary towels instead of tampons until your next regular period
If you develop any unexpected symptoms or reactions that you are unsure about, please contact the clinic and discuss your symptoms with a nurse.
Contraception
You are still fertile and at risk of another pregnancy. It is therefore important that you use reliable contraception. You can start the combined or Progesterone-Only Pill (POP) the day after the procedure. If you do start The Pill, your next ‘period-like’ bleed will occur sometime during your week break.
Remember to use an additional method of contraception (e.g. condoms) because antibiotics can make The Pill ineffective.
You could have the Depo-Provero injection, IUD (coil), IUS or Nexplanon (implant) at the time of your surgery. This is often funded by the NHS. Please ask for further information.
