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:
The nurse was very kind and made me feel very understood, she explained the procedure really well and made sure I was aware of everything.
Nupas Abortion Pills By Post
Had a very pleasant experience, was made to feel comfortable and any questions I asked were answered.
Nupas Preston
Lovely, caring staff. Didn’t feel judged or out of place. Very comforting environment and just grateful to have chosen this clinic.
Nupas Manchester
All of the team at NUPAS have been absolutely amazing from start to finish. Each and every one of the staff I have spoken to from the call centre, nurses , midwives and counsellors have gone above and beyond to treat me and offer me support through this tough time. Nothing is ever too much for them and they were very helpful and they all each had the time of day to listen to my worries and my needs. I felt so reassured in the care of NUPAS Bolton
Nupas Bolton
Kris, the lady that provided treatment to me was very understanding and instantly calmed my nerves. She was truly amazing from start to finish and explained everything fully!
Nupas Blackpool
Thank you very much to all the staff and nurses and call handlers. All staff were very kind, understanding and took time to answer any questions and make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Reaching out for these services can be intimidating or scary but the staff helped ease the anxiety around it. Thank you very much for offering these services and the help and support you provide.
Nupas Stoke
Very good service, discrete. The staff are caring and helpful – no judgements at all.
Nupas Woolwich
Thank you so much for your help. I was so scared but after the help of your staff during my phone consultation and in person I felt much more relaxed.
Nupas Twickenham
Kelly and the other NUPAS nurse who gave me the medication both made me feel really comfortable and were very lovely and reassuring to me – couldn’t recommend them enough.
Nupas Kilburn
The nurses have been absolutely amazing through out my treatment and made me feel very comfortable.
Nupas Essex
Extremely reassuring and knowledgeable midwife. Made me feel safe, not judged and answered all of my questions. Thank you
Nupas Battersea
The nurse who saw me was so so lovely and so friendly. She was brilliant in explaining the whole procedure and able to explain the scan and what to expect too! She did not make me feel uncomfortable and did not judge me for the choice I have made, understood my concerns and was just down to earth, really took away that nervous feeling.
So blessed we have a choice in this country.
Nupas Reading
Exceptional service. Very satisfied.
Nupas Oxford
I couldn’t have asked for more sensitivity, understanding and support. Emma was clear and answered any questions I had. There was no judgement and she approached me with so much respect. It made the conversation very easy. Big thanks to Emma
NUPAS Aylesbury
Both ladies I spoke to on the phone were amazing. They talked me through everything and made sure I felt comfortable about my choices. They made me feel at ease. I highly recommend to anyone in need of their care
NUPAS Pills By Post
The nurse who I spoke to was so professional and understanding. I was never made to feel pressured or guilty. Thank you.
NUPAs Preston
Really helpful and kind staff – thank you for your help and support during a difficult time.
NUPAS Manchester
Very supportive staff!
NUPAS Leeds
