Frequently Asked Questions
Will it hurt?
Medical abortion
The amount of pain people feel with a medical abortion varies a lot. Some feel no pain, others report it is like a period, and some say that it is really intense. Typically, it is strong for 2-4 hours and then subsides like a period. Heating pads, massage, NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) are very effective in managing pain.
It is hard to predict how you will feel. We will provide a prescription for additional pain medications in case you need them.
Surgical abortion
Surgical abortions are done at Victoria General Hospital and usually there is very little pain. Sometimes you will be given medication an hour before surgery to soften your cervix, or have laminaria inserted into your cervix the day prior to surgery. These may cause cramping.
Just before the procedure starts, you will be given some medications to relax and calm you. Your cervix is frozen and the abortion is done in 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards, you spend 30 to 60 minutes recovering (becoming fully alert,) and will be assessed to see if you are ready to leave..
Following the procedure, you may have cramps on and off for 1 to 2 weeks but these can usually be controlled with a heating pad, hot water bottle, acetaminophen or and/or ibuprofen. The cramping is similar to cramps you experience with your period.
Will this affect future pregnancies?
Medical abortion
No, the medications leave your body within days.
Surgical abortion
No, the surgery will not affect future pregnancies.
How much bleeding will I have?
Medical abortion
Usually, the bleeding is heavier than a normal period. Often there are clots. The bleeding starts off heavily, and then gets lighter and lighter, as a period does.
The length of time is different for everyone, but will be longer than a period. Once the bleeding starts, it can last between 1 - 6 weeks. It is not heavy all the time.
Surgical abortion
The amount of bleeding is less than a period. At about day 3 or 4 post-procedure, you may pass some clots and the bleeding may be a bit heavier for a day or two.
The length of time is different for everyone, but you will probably bleed for 1 - 2 weeks. Some people may bleed on and off until the next period.
What is the failure rate?
Medical abortion
There is less than a 1 % chance of failure and needing a surgical abortion. 2-5 % of patients need extra medication to completely pass all of the tissue.
Surgical abortion
There is less than 0.5 % chance of a failed surgical abortion. There is less than 1 % chance of needing another procedure if it is incomplete.
Is it safe?
Medical abortion
There is a very small risk of infection or bleeding which would require treatment.
Surgical abortion
There is less than a 1 % risk of infection or retained tissue.
What are the short-term side effects?
Medical abortion
The side effects of the medical abortion don't last long. Some people will have chills, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Some people experience none of these. If you have these effects, they usually last a day or so, and you can take medicine to reduce the symptoms.
Surgical abortion
There are no short-term effects except for waiting for the medication to wear off.
Do I have to make an appointment?
Medical abortion
Yes. You must make an appointment by phone for a medical abortion. Because we need to have some information ahead of time, you cannot just "walk in". Usually we are able to schedule you within a week.
Surgical abortion
Yes. You need to have an assessment before surgery. Assessments are usually scheduled within a week. The assessment and surgery dates are not the same day. However, when you come for your assessment, you will be given a date for your surgical abortion.
How many appointments will I need at the clinic?
Medical abortion
Usually 3.
At the first visit, you will talk with the nurse educator, and discuss the safest option for the abortion and contraception. This may be done via phone.
You then have an examination with the doctor including an internal ultrasound, STI testing, and blood testing.
10-14 days later you will have another appointment to ensure the process was successful. You may have the option to go to a lab for follow-up.
Surgical abortion
At least 3.
At the first visit, you will talk with with the nurse educator, and discuss the safest option for the abortion and contraception. This may be done via phone.
You then have an examination with the doctor including an internal ultrasound and STI testing. You will have blood testing and your procedure day will be scheduled, usually within a week to 10 days.
If your pregnancy is over 14 weeks gestation, you will need an additional appointment for laminaria the day before your appointment at the hospital.
We recommend a follow-up appointment 2 weeks after the procedure to ensure the recovery went well, but you can make this appointment with your regular healthcare provider if you choose.
What are the blood tests I will have?
Medical abortion
You will have one for the Rh factor in your blood (your blood type) unless you have written proof of your blood type.
Some patients may have a test to measure the level of pregnancy hormone if the pregnancy is very early (under 5 weeks).
Surgical abortion
You will have one blood test for the Rh factor in your blood (your blood type).
Do I have to have an injection?
Medical abortion
No. We would advise an injection only if your blood type is Rh Negative.
Surgical abortion
An IV is started for all procedures. You will also have an injection to freeze your cervix just prior to the procedure.
How much time will I have to take off work / school?
Medical abortion
Most people take no time off work. Some decide to take off one day: the first day of heavy bleeding, when the misoprostol is used.
Surgical abortion
You will need to take off at least one day - the day you are scheduled for surgery. You will probably feel well enough to go back to work / school the following day, unless your job is physically demanding. If this is the case, you may want to take an extra day or 2 off, or request lighter duties.
You cannot drive for 24 hours after the anesthetic, as the sedation makes you legally impaired.
General Questions
Do you do ultrasounds?
Yes, our doctors are trained to do pregnancy related ultrasounds. This means they can assess the dates of your pregnancy, and check to see if the medical abortion has been successful.
Do you have translators?
If you do not speak or read English comfortably, we may be able to access translation services, or you can request a friend or family member to help you understand the instructions and medical consent conversation. This individual may be required to translate via telephone instead of attending the clinic in person.
How is my pregnancy gestation calculated?
We calculate the dates of your pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual period. Most people become pregnant (conceive) 2 weeks after this.
For example, when you miss your period by a few days you may think it is only 3 weeks since you got pregnant, but it would be 5 weeks since the first day of your last normal period. We would call this a 5 week pregnancy.
Are abortions covered by MSP? What fees are there?
Your visits and the procedure are all covered by British Columbia’s medical services plan (MSP). MSP also covers the costs of Mifegymiso.
If you do not have BC health insurance, you should discuss this with our intake staff when you book your appointment.
If you are having a surgical abortion, there may be a small additional charge for laminaria.
Why do I still have a positive pregnancy test after my abortion?
After the pregnancy is gone, it will take 2 - 6 weeks for your hormone levels to return to the non-pregnant state.
This is why if you do a home pregnancy test just a couple days after your abortion it will probably still show as positive.