General Questions And Answers.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
General Questions And Answers from Annas Abortion Clinic.
You might have lots of questions which we are happy to answer when you call or visit Annas Abortion Clinic.
We answer some of the questions people ask and give links to get more information where necessary.
We answer some of the questions people ask and give links to get more information where necessary.
How do I Use Abortion Pills?
The abortion pill process has several steps and includes two different medicines.
Some people feel nauseous or start bleeding after taking this tablet, but it’s not common. Your doctor or nurse may also give you antibiotics to take to prevent infection.
It’s normal to see large blood clots (up to the size of a lemon) or clumps of tissue when this is happening. It’s kind of like having a really heavy, campy periods, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage.
If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking the second medicine then call Annas Abortion Clinic for further assistance.
The cramping and bleeding can last for several hours.
Most people finish passing out the pregnancy tissue in 4-5 hours, but it may take longer. The cramping and bleeding slows down after the pregnancy tissue comes out. You may have cramping on and off for 1 or 2 more days.
You can take pain medicine like ibuprofen about 30 minutes before you take the second medicine, to help with cramps. You can also take anti-nausea medicine.
Don’t take aspirin, because it can make you bleed more.
It’s normal to have some bleeding and spotting for several weeks after your abortion. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup — whatever is most comfortable for you.
The last step is a follow up with your. You may go back into the health center for an ultrasound or blood test. Or you’ll get a pregnancy test to take at home, followed by a phone call to check on you.
These tests will make sure the abortion worked and that you’re in good healthy.
In the unlikely case that the abortion doesn't work and you're still pregnant, kindly come back to us and we discuss options with you.
You may need another dose of medication or to have an in-clinic procedure to complete the abortion at our clinic.
- First, you take abortion pill that stops the pregnancy from growing.
Some people feel nauseous or start bleeding after taking this tablet, but it’s not common. Your doctor or nurse may also give you antibiotics to take to prevent infection.
- The second medicine causes cramping and bleeding to empty your uterus.
It’s normal to see large blood clots (up to the size of a lemon) or clumps of tissue when this is happening. It’s kind of like having a really heavy, campy periods, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage.
If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking the second medicine then call Annas Abortion Clinic for further assistance.
The cramping and bleeding can last for several hours.
Most people finish passing out the pregnancy tissue in 4-5 hours, but it may take longer. The cramping and bleeding slows down after the pregnancy tissue comes out. You may have cramping on and off for 1 or 2 more days.
You can take pain medicine like ibuprofen about 30 minutes before you take the second medicine, to help with cramps. You can also take anti-nausea medicine.
Don’t take aspirin, because it can make you bleed more.
It’s normal to have some bleeding and spotting for several weeks after your abortion. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup — whatever is most comfortable for you.
The last step is a follow up with your. You may go back into the health center for an ultrasound or blood test. Or you’ll get a pregnancy test to take at home, followed by a phone call to check on you.
These tests will make sure the abortion worked and that you’re in good healthy.
In the unlikely case that the abortion doesn't work and you're still pregnant, kindly come back to us and we discuss options with you.
You may need another dose of medication or to have an in-clinic procedure to complete the abortion at our clinic.
Is the abortion pill safe?
Is the abortion pill safe?
The abortion pill is really safe and effective. It's a super common way to have an abortion, and millions of people have used it safely. Unless there's a rare and serious complication that's not treated, there's no risk to your future pregnancies or to your overall health.
How long does an abortion take?
Answer to question 2
What is abortion?
Abortion simply means a safe way to end a pregnancy intentionally and can be effected by using one or more of the following options.
Medical abortion. "Abortion pill", surgical or aspiration abortion options.
It has been noted that the number of women using medical abortion is increasing each year, but surgical and suction aspiration abortion options are currently the most common methods used in case of late of pregnancies.
In 2010, about 72% of all first trimester abortions were of vacuum aspiration abortion options according to medical journal.
In addition, a surgical abortion procedure is shorter and completed in a predictable short period.
Medical abortion. "Abortion pill", surgical or aspiration abortion options.
It has been noted that the number of women using medical abortion is increasing each year, but surgical and suction aspiration abortion options are currently the most common methods used in case of late of pregnancies.
In 2010, about 72% of all first trimester abortions were of vacuum aspiration abortion options according to medical journal.
In addition, a surgical abortion procedure is shorter and completed in a predictable short period.
What are the possible complication of taking the abortion pill?
Serious complications are really rare, but can happen. These include:
In extremely rare cases, some complications can be very serious or even life threatening.
Call us or health center right away if you:
Call us right away if you have any of those symptoms or go to the nearest clinic.
Serious problems can cause death in the most rare cases, but abortion is typically very safe. In fact, pregnancy and childbirth is riskier than most abortions.
If you have complications during your medical abortion, you may have to come back to us.
In the unlikely event that you are still pregnant, we will discuss other options with you. You may need another dose of medication or to have an in-clinic abortion to end the pregnancy
- the abortion pills don’t work and the pregnancy doesn’t end
- some of the pregnancy tissue is left in your uterus
- blood clots in your uterus
- bleeding too much or too long
- infection
- allergic reaction to one of the medicines
In extremely rare cases, some complications can be very serious or even life threatening.
Call us or health center right away if you:
- have no bleeding within 24 hours after taking the second medicine
- have heavy bleeding from your vagina that soaks through more than 2 maxi pads in an hour, for 2 or more hours in a row
- pass large clots (bigger than a lemon) for more than 2 hours
- have belly pain or cramps that don’t get better with pain medication
- have a fever of 100.4 or higher more than 24 hours after taking the pill.
- have weakness, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours after taking abortion pill.
Call us right away if you have any of those symptoms or go to the nearest clinic.
Serious problems can cause death in the most rare cases, but abortion is typically very safe. In fact, pregnancy and childbirth is riskier than most abortions.
If you have complications during your medical abortion, you may have to come back to us.
In the unlikely event that you are still pregnant, we will discuss other options with you. You may need another dose of medication or to have an in-clinic abortion to end the pregnancy
how long do you bleed after a medical abortion?
how long do you bleed after a medical abortion?
2 weeks
Use sanitary towels to monitor your bleeding during early medical abortion pill option, and after any abortion option. Expect to bleed like a normal menstrual period, and you may pass small blood clots. Bleeding usually stops after 1-2 weeks, but some women spot until their next period.
People bleed for an average of 9-14 days after a medical abortion, and it's not abnormal to bleed for as long as 4 weeks. Bleeding can also stop and start, or stop altogether after it's been particularly intense for a few days. Alternatively, bleeding that resembles a menstrual period can continue for several weeks.
However if bleeding doesn't stop for a period exceeding 4 weeks, or stop and start again after one week, then it's time to consult your doctor.
Use sanitary towels to monitor your bleeding during early medical abortion pill option, and after any abortion option. Expect to bleed like a normal menstrual period, and you may pass small blood clots. Bleeding usually stops after 1-2 weeks, but some women spot until their next period.
People bleed for an average of 9-14 days after a medical abortion, and it's not abnormal to bleed for as long as 4 weeks. Bleeding can also stop and start, or stop altogether after it's been particularly intense for a few days. Alternatively, bleeding that resembles a menstrual period can continue for several weeks.
However if bleeding doesn't stop for a period exceeding 4 weeks, or stop and start again after one week, then it's time to consult your doctor.
Can I drink alcohol after having a medical abortion?
Whether you're having a surgical or medical abortion, please do not use recreational drugs or drink for 24 hours before your appointment. This is because it could affect your treatment and result in your appointment being moved to another day. Please also avoid drinking alcohol for 48 hours after your treatment.
Can I eat during abortion process?
Can I eat during abortion process?
On the day of the treatment you may eat a light breakfast without fat or milk products up to 3 hours before the appointment. After that you may not eat or drink anything else, and should preferably not smoke.
how long does medical abortion take?
In-clinic abortions are also much faster than the abortion pill: most in-clinic abortions only take about 5-10 minutes, while a medication abortion may take up to 24 hours to complete. Your nurse, doctor, or health center counselor can help you decide which kind of abortion is best for you.
Does the abortion pill have long-term side effects?
No
The abortion pill is really safe and effective. It’s a super effective common way to have an abortion, and millions of women have used it safely.
Unless there’s a rare and serious complication that’s not treated, there’s no risk to your future pregnancies or to your overall health. Having an abortion doesn’t increase your risk for breast cancer or affect your fertility. It doesn’t cause problems for future pregnancies like birth defects, premature birth or low birth weight, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or infant death.
Serious, long-term emotional problems after an abortion are rare, and about as uncommon as they are after giving birth. They are more likely to happen in people who have to end a pregnancy because of health reasons, people who do not have support around their decision to have an abortion, or people who have a history of mental health problems. Most people feel relief after an abortion.
There are many myths out there about the effects of abortion. Our trained nurses or doctors will give you accurate information about abortion pill side effects or any other concerns you may have.
The abortion pill is really safe and effective. It’s a super effective common way to have an abortion, and millions of women have used it safely.
Unless there’s a rare and serious complication that’s not treated, there’s no risk to your future pregnancies or to your overall health. Having an abortion doesn’t increase your risk for breast cancer or affect your fertility. It doesn’t cause problems for future pregnancies like birth defects, premature birth or low birth weight, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or infant death.
Serious, long-term emotional problems after an abortion are rare, and about as uncommon as they are after giving birth. They are more likely to happen in people who have to end a pregnancy because of health reasons, people who do not have support around their decision to have an abortion, or people who have a history of mental health problems. Most people feel relief after an abortion.
There are many myths out there about the effects of abortion. Our trained nurses or doctors will give you accurate information about abortion pill side effects or any other concerns you may have.
Can I Buy And Take Abortion Pills To Use Them At Home?
Yes
You can buy pills and use them at home. Remember medical abortion option takes about (24 - 48) hours to complete.
You can do a medical abortion safely at home until the 12th week of your pregnancy.
You can buy pills and use them at home. Remember medical abortion option takes about (24 - 48) hours to complete.
You can do a medical abortion safely at home until the 12th week of your pregnancy.
How does the abortion pill work?
Medical abortion (or the abortion pill, as it's sometimes called) involves taking two types of medication at different times, to end a pregnancy. 24- 48 hours recommended.
The first medication stops the pregnancy from growing by blocking the hormone progesterone, and causes separation of the pregnancy from the wall of the womb. The second medication, causes the softening and opening of the cervix (neck of the womb) and contractions of the womb so that the pregnancy passes through the vagina. This can be painful but it's part of the process. You can use pain blocks
The first medication stops the pregnancy from growing by blocking the hormone progesterone, and causes separation of the pregnancy from the wall of the womb. The second medication, causes the softening and opening of the cervix (neck of the womb) and contractions of the womb so that the pregnancy passes through the vagina. This can be painful but it's part of the process. You can use pain blocks
Where Can I get abortion pills?
At Annas Abortion Clinic we offer low cost safe abortion pills at all our abortion clinics across the province.
You can also get abortion pill from any government clinic, or public hospital for free. Tablets can also be ordered online.
You can also get abortion pill from any government clinic, or public hospital for free. Tablets can also be ordered online.
How does a medication abortion feel?
To most people, medical abortion feels like having an early miscarriage.
You might have
You might have
- lots of cramping and aches in your belly or
- very heavy bleeding with large clots (If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking abortion pill, call us immediately) an upset stomach and vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, tiredness
- mild fever (99-100° F) or chills on the day you take the abortion pills. (If you have a fever after the day you take the abortion pills, call us or any health center right away.)
- Take pain medication like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Don’t take aspirin because it can make your bleeding worse.
- Put a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly.
- Take a shower.
- Sit on the toilet.
- Have someone rub your back.
Is abortion harmful?
No. A medical abortions performed in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy have a very low risk of complications. This risk is the same as when a woman has a natural miscarriage. These problems can easily be treated by a doctor.
Out of every 100 women that do medical abortions, 2 or 3 women have to go to a doctor, first aid center, or hospital to receive further medical care.
Less than 1 in every 200,000 women who use a medical abortion die, making medical abortions safer than childbirth and about as safe as naturally occurring miscarriages.
Abortion does not harm or cause any sickness or damage anyone. You can get pregnant and have kids in future. Medical research confirms that safe abortion does not cause future miscarriages, infertility, breast cancer or depression.
Abortion is an issue which people can have strong feelings about.
However, unplanned pregnancy and abortion are common occurrences around the world but it needs accurate information so that you can make informed choices.
Out of every 100 women that do medical abortions, 2 or 3 women have to go to a doctor, first aid center, or hospital to receive further medical care.
Less than 1 in every 200,000 women who use a medical abortion die, making medical abortions safer than childbirth and about as safe as naturally occurring miscarriages.
Abortion does not harm or cause any sickness or damage anyone. You can get pregnant and have kids in future. Medical research confirms that safe abortion does not cause future miscarriages, infertility, breast cancer or depression.
Abortion is an issue which people can have strong feelings about.
However, unplanned pregnancy and abortion are common occurrences around the world but it needs accurate information so that you can make informed choices.
How much does abortion pills cost?
The abortion pills can cost from R400. The cost of a medical abortion varies and depends on where you get it.
At Annas we offer medical abortion at best flexible price with up to 50% students discount.
For more information about the cost of abortion pills click to compare prices.
At Annas we offer medical abortion at best flexible price with up to 50% students discount.
For more information about the cost of abortion pills click to compare prices.
That Can I avoid after abortion?
Safe Abortion is often non eventful. But there are a few things you need to know.
Problems may or may not happen. Often nothing happens. But if there is a problem you have to be well informed.
Majority of women recover without any problem, however some problems may occur. Most problems are not life threatening. But, you should know if anything happens so that you know what to do.
Antibiotics can be taken to prevent infection. This is not always necessary, but it is better to prevent an infection than to have to treat one after you get it.
Problems may or may not happen. Often nothing happens. But if there is a problem you have to be well informed.
Majority of women recover without any problem, however some problems may occur. Most problems are not life threatening. But, you should know if anything happens so that you know what to do.
- Stay away from sex for about 3 weeks.
- Give the uterus time to recover.
- Infections are common for people who engage in sex after abortion.
- Do not insert anything in the vagina like tampons. This may transfer infections into the vagina.
- Avoid heavy work and exercising to allow you body to heal. Strenuous exercise can make you bleed heavier which could make you weak and anemic.
Antibiotics can be taken to prevent infection. This is not always necessary, but it is better to prevent an infection than to have to treat one after you get it.
HOW LONG WILL MY body go back to normal after abortion?
Each woman is different and the method of abortion used determines what happens after abortion.
Surgical abortion recovery is quicker. Within a few days you should be OK.
Abortion with a pill side effects like, chills, cramping and nausea may linger for awhile. Some women also bleed slowly for 2 weeks or more. This is all part of the process. But during that period you will be up and running.
Is it normal to bleed one day after abortion? Yes. You can bleed for a couple of days after an abortion.
Major discomfort is very rare for both medical and surgical abortion.
Surgical abortion recovery is quicker. Within a few days you should be OK.
Abortion with a pill side effects like, chills, cramping and nausea may linger for awhile. Some women also bleed slowly for 2 weeks or more. This is all part of the process. But during that period you will be up and running.
Is it normal to bleed one day after abortion? Yes. You can bleed for a couple of days after an abortion.
Major discomfort is very rare for both medical and surgical abortion.
How long does it take the uterus to shrink after an abortion?
This happens within a few days.
The uterus will usually do this on its own. However, this is very important, because it helps to expel any remaining tissue.
It also helps stop bleeding and closes the cervix to prevent germs from getting up into the uterus.
One of the best ways to help the uterus contract is direct uterine massage.
Make sure the uterus is small as a plum and hard.
If not, have a pelvic examination one week after the abortion to make sure it was complete; possibly you will have to do the abortion again.
Your next normal period may come in 3 to 8 weeks, or even 10 weeks.
If it has not come by that time, see a doctor, nurse or midwife.
Tell them you think you miscarried (around the time of your abortion)
Check your temperature to see if you have a fever.
If it is high then it can mean an infection. Go to hospital immediately.
It is OK to bleed up to 3 weeks after an abortion. Some women bleed very little.
Bleeding can start and stop and this is OK as long as it is not extremely heavy bleeding.
But if you feel worried can go to nearby hospital and explain to them about your miscarried.
The uterus will usually do this on its own. However, this is very important, because it helps to expel any remaining tissue.
It also helps stop bleeding and closes the cervix to prevent germs from getting up into the uterus.
One of the best ways to help the uterus contract is direct uterine massage.
Make sure the uterus is small as a plum and hard.
If not, have a pelvic examination one week after the abortion to make sure it was complete; possibly you will have to do the abortion again.
Your next normal period may come in 3 to 8 weeks, or even 10 weeks.
If it has not come by that time, see a doctor, nurse or midwife.
Tell them you think you miscarried (around the time of your abortion)
Check your temperature to see if you have a fever.
If it is high then it can mean an infection. Go to hospital immediately.
It is OK to bleed up to 3 weeks after an abortion. Some women bleed very little.
Bleeding can start and stop and this is OK as long as it is not extremely heavy bleeding.
But if you feel worried can go to nearby hospital and explain to them about your miscarried.
What to expect after abortion
How can i dispose the pregnancy remains?
With early medical abortion (up to 10 weeks gestation), you will pass the pregnancy remains at home or another place of your choice. You can decide how to dispose of the pregnancy remains. They can be flushed down the lavatory, or wrapped in tissue, placed in a small plastic bag and put in the dustbin. If you plan to bury or burn the remains, ask a member of staff for information about how you can do this safely.
If you have any other questions about the disposal of the pregnancy remains, please call us on 0630248110.
If you have any other questions about the disposal of the pregnancy remains, please call us on 0630248110.
Bleeding
Most women recover quickly after an abortion. How much pain and bleeding you experience afterwards can vary - see the helpful information below.
You may bleed heavily - possibly more than a period, and see large blood clots (as big as a lemon), or other tissue when you pass the pregnancy. The tissue is larger and more recognisable at higher gestation. Once the pregnancy passes, the amount of bleeding should noticeably reduce. After the pregnancy passes, most women will have light bleeding for about two weeks, but you may have spotting up to your next period. Sometimes you may have a short episode of pain with a gush of blood or a clot several weeks after the abortion - contact us if this continues.
You may bleed heavily - possibly more than a period, and see large blood clots (as big as a lemon), or other tissue when you pass the pregnancy. The tissue is larger and more recognisable at higher gestation. Once the pregnancy passes, the amount of bleeding should noticeably reduce. After the pregnancy passes, most women will have light bleeding for about two weeks, but you may have spotting up to your next period. Sometimes you may have a short episode of pain with a gush of blood or a clot several weeks after the abortion - contact us if this continues.
Pains
Pain during and after Early Medical Abortion (abortion pill up to 10 weeks)
After using the second dose, you will get strong cramps which can be very painful, and heavy bleeding, which can start 2 hours after using the tablets. This lasts a few hours, and is most painful when the pregnancy is being expelled. Many women pass the pregnancy between 2 and 4 hours later - timings vary, but it is OK if this happens sooner or later. You you can use pain relief from supermarkets and pharmacies to relieve pain. Please refer to the 'Pain control' section on the 'Abortion pill under 10 weeks' page, for information about managing your pain
After using the second dose, you will get strong cramps which can be very painful, and heavy bleeding, which can start 2 hours after using the tablets. This lasts a few hours, and is most painful when the pregnancy is being expelled. Many women pass the pregnancy between 2 and 4 hours later - timings vary, but it is OK if this happens sooner or later. You you can use pain relief from supermarkets and pharmacies to relieve pain. Please refer to the 'Pain control' section on the 'Abortion pill under 10 weeks' page, for information about managing your pain
Feelings
After an abortion most women feel relieved, but some also feel sad or guilty. Occasionally, although you feel well physically, perhaps it's a bit of a struggle emotionally.
Would you like to talk but you're afraid that people are fed up with you…. Not sleeping well ... feeling sad ... going over and over things ... worrying that your partner doesn't understand. This is normal and talking through these feelings with an experienced listener can help.
If you need to talk you can make an appointment for post-abortion counselling. This is a free service.
Would you like to talk but you're afraid that people are fed up with you…. Not sleeping well ... feeling sad ... going over and over things ... worrying that your partner doesn't understand. This is normal and talking through these feelings with an experienced listener can help.
If you need to talk you can make an appointment for post-abortion counselling. This is a free service.
Physical symptoms as your body recovers
Symptoms of nausea, vomiting and tiredness usually stop within 3 days of an abortion. Sore breasts may take 7 to 10 days to disappear. Your breasts may feel firm and tender and leak milk after your procedure. You will feel more comfortable if you wear a supportive bra and apply cold ice packs to your breasts. Take ibuprofen or paracetamol, if necessary for the pain
Your next period
Your next menstrual period will begin 4-6 weeks after your treatment. If you have not had a period 4 weeks after your treatment, you should do a pregnancy test. If it is positive, call us to make a follow up appointment. It's important to remember that any bleeding immediately after your treatment is not a period.
What can I do and what can l not do after?
BATHING
Take a bath or shower as normal. Take care if you have a bath in the 24 hours following a general anaesthetic. You will need to make sure someone is around to keep an eye on you, in case you still feel drowsy.
Other activities, including work
Most women will be fit and well enough to return to normal activities within a day or two. Our best advice is to rest until you feel able to return to your normal routine.
SEX
Once you feel sufficiently recovered from the abortion you can return to having sex. You can get pregnant almost immediately following an abortion, so it’s important to use contraception if you do not want to get pregnant.
Travel
It is best not to travel within 24 hours of treatment. If you must travel just make sure you know how to access emergency services at your destination in case of a complication. Please be aware that, if you are having the abortion pill up to 10 weeks and choose to travel soon after taking the second medication you may start to have cramps and bleed heavily whilst you are traveling.
Air travel following surgical abortion with sedation and general anaesthetic
Please inform us if you need to fly following your surgery. Flights of 4 hours or more should be avoided for up to 48 hours after receiving a sedative or anaesthetic.
We advise that:
If you need to fly after general anaesthesia /conscious sedation you should only do so, if you flight begins more than 12 hours after receiving your sedative or anaesthetic.
You must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can seek medical help should you become unwell
You should only catch your flight if you feel well and are not experiencing any of these symptoms: dizzy, lightheaded, nausea or vomiting, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain.
Air travel following surgical abortion with sedation and general anaesthetic
Please inform us if you need to fly following your surgery. Flights of 4 hours or more should be avoided for up to 48 hours after receiving a sedative or anaesthetic.
We advise that:
If you need to fly after general anaesthesia /conscious sedation you should only do so, if you flight begins more than 12 hours after receiving your sedative or anaesthetic.
You must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can seek medical help should you become unwell
You should only catch your flight if you feel well and are not experiencing any of these symptoms: dizzy, lightheaded, nausea or vomiting, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain.
Unexpected or unusual symptoms after an abortion.
Call 1011 for an ambulance if you have experienced any of the following in the last 24 hours after your treatment:
- loss of consciousness
- severe allergic reaction
- a confused state
- concern for a heart attack or stroke
- chest pain
- slurred speech
- breathing difficulties
- fits that aren't stopping
- Lasting pain
- Discolored or smelly vaginal discharge
- Abdominal tenderness
- Fever
- A general feeling of being unwell or still feeling pregnant
- continuous and heavy bleeding that soaks 2 or more maxi-size pads in an hour for 2 hours in a row
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