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Early Medical Abortion (abortion pill)
You can have an early medical abortion (EMA) using an abortion pill up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Early Abortion Pill Treatment
The Mifepristone tablet is swallowed and works by blocking the action of progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the pregnancy. Misoprostol are tablets which can either be inserted in to the vagina or in the mouth against the gum (buccal). These contain a hormone called prostaglandin. Prostaglandins occur naturally in the body and help the uterus to contract.
Acting together they will bring on an abortion.
EMA has a very good safety record, however, every form of medical treatment carries some risks or side effects. With this treatment, the main risks are:
First visit
Second visit
After your first visit, you will be asked to return to the clinic between 24 and 48 hours later. You must keep this appointment. There is a waiting room for your supporter whilst you are having treatment.
Simultaneous EMA
One visit
We also offer simultaneous administration of early medical abortion. This involves taking both parts of the early medical abortion medication at the same time, in one clinic visit.
Failure Rates
Failure rate of simultaneous and 6 hourly (EMA) is thought to be around 4 in 100 (compared to around 2 in 100 for staged EMA).
All women react differently to this treatment. Some have heavy bleeding and quite a lot of pain, while others have very little bleeding and mild pain. Most women are in between the two, however, it is important to remember that this is not a completely pain-free procedure.
You may experience the following:
You can leave the clinic after the treatment. You should take it easy for a couple of hours. After this time you may find that moving around will ease any discomfort.
The abortion usually takes place between 4 and 6 hours following the insertion of the tablets however in some cases the abortion can take place earlier or later (up to 7 days later).
Discharge from the Clinic
You may bleed heavily following the second visit, usually for 2 – 3 days and you may even pass some clots. This is quite normal. After this time, the bleeding will reduce but you could bleed on and off for 3 – 4 weeks.
If you have any concerns about the side effects of your early abortion pill, you can always contact us.
Post procedure
You can take your normal painkillers (they must not contain aspirin) to relieve any discomfort. Do not take more than two in 4 hours.
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.
It is advisable to carry out a pregnancy test 4 weeks later to confirm your treatment was successful. It the pregnancy test is positive, please contact the clinic for further advice.
Aftercare
It is advisable to carry out a pregnancy test 4 weeks later to confirm your treatment was successful. If the pregnancy test is positive, please contact the clinic for further advice.
This kind of medical abortion may not be suitable for you if any of the following apply:
If any of these conditions apply, please inform the doctor/nurse who will discuss them further with you.