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:
I’ve need to speak to your team on the phone a few times and attend the Reading clinic twice recently. I am so relieved by the professional and kind care I have received at every step. I feel very fortunate to have been able to access this quality service at a worrying time.
NUPAS Reading
Very happy with treatment. Friendly nurse who provided lots of information. Non judgement approach
NUPAS Preston
Very friendly and respectful of the decision
NUPAS Oxford
All the staff were lovely and the nurses made me feel so comfortable! I was so nervous to go for my appointment but as soon as i walked through the front door the receptionist made me feel so comfortable, so i knew even though it was quite an emotional day for me, the staff were going to make it easier and they did! Couldn’t thank them enough!
NUPAS Manchester
The midwife L was really nice and understanding. Good conversation with her and explained things well.
NUPAS Maidenhead
From my first contact to then speaking to E the following day. The whole experience has been pretty smooth and undaunting. E had the most calm and reassuring voice. Presented all the information clearly and precisely. Didn’t feel rushed. Would recommend – thank you x
NUPAS Leeds
Everyone I have spoken to with NUPAS, from asking to advice, to consultations, to having scans, have been very understanding and helpful. I have felt no judgement and they have explained everything fully, listening to my needs and making me feel supported every step of the way!
NUPAS Finchley
A was sooooo lovely and made me feel relaxed with the situation Im in so grateful and thankful. She explained everything thoroughly and made sure I understood everything
NUPAS Essex
Very friendly staff, made me feel comfortable and at ease with the process
NUPAS Cannock
Honestly blown away at the kindness and professionalism of the whole floor the lead nurse… was fantastic, a lady named I supported me she in an absolute credit to the team. I feel they truly care and make you as comfortable as possible. I couldn’t ask for a kinder team.
NUPAS Bolton
E was really lovely. She made me feel comfortable talking about the situation
NUPAS Blackpool
The staff was amazing! they made me feel very safe and secure during this procedure.
NUPAS Aylesbury
The lady that I had today was so lovely and made you feel so comfortable and never judged you.
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.
NUPAS Maidenhead
