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
Give us a call:
NUPAS Woolwich
Everyone who I have had contact with within the NUPAS team has been wonderful and very caring of my needs. I have felt very safe in their hands.
NUPAS Twickenham
Nupas staff went above and beyond to meet my needs. Very lovely and caring staff.
NUPAS Stoke
I am very satisfied from day one when l phoned NUPAS up to today when l went for a scan and my medications. Thanks a lot NUPAS.
NUPAS Stockport
Just wanted to add an enormous thank you for the care and kindness offered by all I have spoken with at NUPAS! What an incredible service.
NUPAS Pills by Post
I felt supported, respected and treated with love and understanding.
NUPAS Manchester
I couldn’t have felt anymore welcome, the nurse with me was very nice and caring, she went through everything step by step with me so I’d understand my treatment, she made sure I felt safe and comfortable during my treatment, I couldn’t have felt any better.
NUPAS Leeds
I couldn’t have asked for a better, kinder or more supportive experience. I feel so lucky to have had NUPAS as part of my journey.
NUPAS Kilburn
Staff were very nice, they could see I was upset and they were comforting. I was scared coming to the appointment but they was so understanding.
NUPAS Finchley
Best experience, they took care of me and my needs all the time. I got there scared but I came out with lots of confidence – best place.
NUPAS Bolton
The nurse was fantastic! Made me very comfortable and was very caring.
NUPAS Battersea
All of the people I spoke to really put me at ease during all stages of my treatment. I felt safe and cared for throughout- my well-being felt like a priority to everyone I interacted with. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this service!
NUPAS Aylesbury
The midwife was very nice and good to me and treat me well.
NUPAS Woolwich
I got good service from NUPAS.
NUPAS Twickenham
All of the staff were very lovely. I felt confident to be around them.
NUPAS Stoke
Every member of staff I encountered was incredible and even though I was so nervous, from the receptionist on the phone to the nurses and midwives who supported me, I am so grateful. At a very sad and difficult time, I was supported and felt no judgement.
NUPAS Stockport
Everybody I interacted with were extremely friendly, helpful and professional. Including the midwife I saw for the scan as well as the multiple ladies I spoke to on the phone. It made the whole process so much easier for me. Thank you.
NUPAS Reading
The woman I spoke to during my phone call consultation was very understanding and helpful. She made me feel very at ease and calm. Just want to say a massive thank you.
NUPAS Pills by Post
