What kind of abortions

In , two-thirds In the same year, almost all of the reported abortions A woman can usually access medical abortion until about 10 weeks after her last period. It involves taking two types of medication. Surgical options, such as vacuum aspiration and dilation and evacuation, are more common after 10 weeks. They may use the same methods that are used during the second trimester.

A doctor or nurse will advise about the timing, but a woman should take the second medication, misoprostol, no more than 48 hours after taking the first, mifepristone. Mifepristone stops the pregnancy from developing. Misoprostol triggers the uterus to empty, which will begin 1—4 hours after taking the pill. A woman will experience cramping and bleeding as the uterus empties, which may feel like having an unusually heavy period. Some women feel more severe cramping than others.

Within around 4—5 hours , the pregnancy tissue will likely have passed from the body, but it can take longer. It may be a good idea to have a partner or friend close by for support while the tissue is passing. Vacuum aspiration is a type of surgical abortion that involves using gentle suction to end a pregnancy. Doctors typically recommend this during the first trimester. They then apply medication or use an injection to numb the area. Next, they use thin rods called dilators to open the cervix, then insert a tube into the uterus.

Then, they use either a manual or mechanic suction device to empty the uterus. Also, some women experience cramping for a few days following the procedure, and irregular bleeding or spotting can occur for several weeks. Requires at least two visits -- one for health education, exam and medications and another to confirm that the abortion was successful.

You may return to the clinic if you need further follow-up care. How long is each appointment? If you are between six and 12 weeks pregnant, the appointment will take approximately three hours. Later abortions usually require longer or multiple visits. Two clinic visits are required; the first will last approximately one hour and the second is usually 20 to 30 minutes. Is it painful?

Most women experience some cramping during or after the short procedure. Most women experience strong cramps and some women experience nausea or other side effects. What kind of anesthesia pain relief will I receive? The doctor will apply numbing medication local anesthesia to your cervix. Anesthesia is not required.

Most women are satisfied with over-the-counter pain medications like Ibuprofen. How much will I bleed? Women usually have light bleeding at home after the procedure for up to two weeks.

Women usually have heavy bleeding for several hours and bleed like a period for an average of two weeks. May I bring a support person with me? Yes, one friend, partner or family member may accompany you during the health education, explanation of the procedure and the procedure itself.

Yes, one friend, partner or family member may accompany you during the health education and explanation of medical abortion. 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.

You can change your mind at any point up to the start of the abortion. Toggle main menu Abortion care Abortion care Considering abortion?

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