Abortion Pill
Surgical Abortion
Booking a Consultation
What to Expect
STI Testing
Abortion Pill by Post
Contraception
Abortion Aftercare
Abortion Counselling
NHS & Private Abortion
Abortion in Northern Ireland
lnternational Patients
Termination For Medical Reasons
Advice for Partners
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow Does an Abortion Work?
What is an Abortion?
An abortion or a ‘termination of pregnancy’ is when a pregnancy is expelled using medication or surgical methods. People have abortions for many different reasons including, not wanting to be pregnant, not being able to raise a child in their current environment or situation, pregnancy complications and health risks, as well as many other reasons. Abortions are accessible in the UK up to 23 weeks and 6 days pregnant. Read on to learn ‘how does an abortion work?’
Abortion Options: How Does an Abortion Work?
NUPAS provide advice and support for people to learn about their options and fully understand what’s involved in abortion care before going ahead with one. We are non-judgmental and will never persuade you to make any decisions about your body. Your choice about your pregnancy is yours to make.
The type of abortion you’ll receive depends on the gestation of your pregnancy as well as personal preference. During a consultation, your nurse will discuss your options, how to take the medications and the side effects as well as aftercare. You will have an ultrasound scan appointment to date the pregnancy before your telephone or clinic consultation.
Medical Abortion (Abortion Pills)
A medical abortion can be carried out either in a clinic or, if you are less than 10 weeks pregnant, sometimes at home with our ‘pills by post’ service. It involves taking two medications prescribed by a doctor: mifepristone and misoprostol.
How Does a Medical Abortion Work?
First, you take one mifepristone tablet, wait for one to two days, and then take misoprostol, which may come as tablets that dissolve in your mouth or are inserted into your vagina. Within 4 to 6 hours after taking the second medication, the pregnancy should start to pass through the vagina. If the pregnancy is not fully expelled, an additional dose of misoprostol may be needed, which should be discussed with a doctor or nurse.
Let them dissolve for 30 minutes, then swallow any remaining pieces with water or another liquid.
Bleeding usually begins around 2 hours after taking the second pills. There will also be some pain and cramping. Most people will not bleed after taking the first pill. The abortion usually takes place between 2 - 12 hours after taking the second pills.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is typically performed after 10 weeks of pregnancy but can also be done earlier.
How Does a Surgical Abortion Work?
There are two types of surgical abortion: one uses suction to remove the pregnancy through the vagina, which is usually performed between 7 and 14 weeks and takes about 5 to 10 minutes; the other uses forceps to remove the pregnancy through the vagina, typically starting around week 15. Before the procedure, you will receive either a local anaesthetic to numb your cervix, a general anaesthetic to put you to sleep during the operation, or sedation to keep you relaxed while awake. Most patients can go home the same day. However, if you have a general anaesthetic, you should not drive and should have someone stay with you for 24 hours.
What Happens During an Abortion?
The first medication, mifepristone, blocks progesterone from supporting the pregnancy. Afterwards, the second pills, misoprostol, cause your uterus to cramp and contract, while softening the cervix, which helps expel the uterine lining and its contents.
Where to Get an Abortion
NUPAS are one of many abortion providers in the UK that are part of the NHS, meaning all UK citizens can access our abortion care services free of charge. NUPAS have clinics across England offering several abortion care services and advice.
Get in touch with NUPAS
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NUPAS Tameside
The Lady I had for my appointment was lovely and I felt like I was in a very safe environment, so thank you.
NUPAS Stoke
I felt taken care of by NUPAS. They made the process easy, and I felt no judgment whatsoever from their end.
NUPAS Reading
Thank you for being so understanding and non-judgmental. You’ve made a difficult time that little easier.
NUPAS Pills by Post
The two women I saw were absolutely great. Non-judgemental and professional throughout, but kind and approachable and informative. And an excellent experience for what is a difficult journey.
NUPAS Manchester
It was an amazing experience. The doctor was really kind and professional. I have never met a doctor like her. She understands me and gave her best.
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NUPAS Bolton
The lady I spoke to (apologies I’ve already forgotten your name) was extremely lovely, empathetic, compassionate and made me feel at ease and not at all judged. My options were explained in detail and very clearly. I’ve finished my consultation feeling validated, supported and cared for by the staff member/ midwife.
NUPAS Blackpool
The whole team at NUPAS were lovely from start to finish. The staff on the phone and and person had a lovely persona and made me feel really comfortable. I’d definitely recommend NUPAS to others. I really commend the whole team!
NUPAS Battersea
The nurse was above and beyond fantastic. Made me feel comfortable and at ease, clearly communicated treatment and what to do for aftercare.
Nupas Aylesbury
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The nurse was very kind and reassuring and made me feel very comfortable.
NUPAS Maidenhead
Top notch service from the telephone calls to the clinic appointment. The nurse was gentle and so lovely.
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Everyone was very friendly and understanding, from the phone consultation to the in-clinic appointment.
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