Surgical Abortion Services

To reduce the chances of infection, do not insert anything into your vagina for 1 week. This includes tampons, menstrual/moon cups, fingers, or having vaginal intercourse. If you want to use the vaginal ring or diaphragm for contraception, please discuss this with the doctor at your appointment.

Below are some things you may feel after your procedure, or you may not feel any. If you are worried about anything you are feeling please call the free aftercare line on 1300 888 022

Bleeding

Bleeding can be different for each person and may last up to 2 weeks. It can vary during this time.

• Bleeding is not normally heavy.
• You may pass some small blood clots.
•  Some people may have no bleeding following their procedure – this can be normal too.

Call us if you experience any of the following:

• passing clots larger than golf balls
• bleeding heavier than a period for more than a few days
• soaking through a maxi-pad every 30 minutes for 2 hours or more. 

Abdominal pain

Some pain in your lower tummy is normal after your procedure. Pain and cramping should not be strong and should get better in a few days.

Call us: if pain is strong, does not go away, changes, or you are concerned.

Nausea

If you suffered from nausea (feeling sick) before your procedure, it may improve within 24 hours after the procedure. 

Call us: if nausea stays more than 1 week after your procedure

Breast discomfort

Breast fullness or tenderness can last for 1 to 2 weeks. For some people, particularly those over 12 weeks’ gestation, your breasts may become fuller or leak a little fluid for a few days.

For relief:

• try wearing a support bra
• take medication like paracetamol (e.g. Panadol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen)
• do NOT squeeze or massage your breasts.

 Call us: if your breasts are still sore after 2 weeks

Menstruation

You should get your first menstrual period 4 to 6 weeks after your procedure. Some contraceptive methods may affect this.  

Call us: if your period has not come in this time

Emotional effects

Everyone has different feelings about their own procedure. There is no right or wrong way to feel after your abortion. If at any time you would like to talk to someone, we provide free counselling services.  Call us on 1300 003 707 to make a booking

When you’re up to 22 weeks gestation in some states. Find out more about the surgical abortion service, including cost estimates here. To book a surgical abortion in one of our clinics, please call 1300 003 707.

6 weeks is usually when we can confirm your pregnancy on an ultrasound. If we can’t confirm your pregnancy, then we might not be able to go ahead. If we perform the procedure too early, there’s a higher chance that it will be unsuccessful.

MSI Australia provides surgical abortion services in:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Perth
• Other cities and regions

Most surgical abortions are done under anaesthesia (asleep), so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.  You might experience mild to moderate cramping after the procedure, similar to strong period pain. Pain can be managed with uterine massage, heat therapy or pain relief medication.

You may ovulate as early as 8 days after an abortion, meaning you can become pregnant before your next period. If you do not wish to conceive, consider long-acting contraception at the time of your procedure. For more information, read our blog post How Long After an Abortion Can You Get Pregnant Again?

Most surgical abortions are uncomplicated and will not impact future fertility. However, repeated surgical abortions can slightly increase the risk of cervical weakening.

Common post-abortion symptoms include: 

• Light to moderate bleeding for up to 2 weeks
• Mild cramping similar to period pain
• Temporary nausea or breast tenderness

Call our FREE aftercare line at 1300 888 022 if symptoms worsen or you have any concerns.

To reduce infection risk, avoid: 

• Tampons or menstrual cups
• Vaginal intercourse
• Swimming or bathing (showers are fine)
• Use sanitary pads only for at least one week.

Surgical abortion is highly effective. However, in rare cases (less than 1 in 500), the pregnancy may not be fully removed. If this happens, a follow-up procedure may be required at no additional cost.

MSI Australia offers IV sedation. In most cases, you will not be aware during the procedure, or remember it afterwards.

It’s recommended to wait at least 2 weeks before having vaginal sex to reduce the risk of infection.

Recovery time varies for each person, but mild cramping and light bleeding may last up to two weeks after the procedure. Most people feel well enough to resume normal activities within 24–48 hours, though it’s important to listen to your body.

Returning to Work

• Many people return to work the next day after an early surgical abortion.
• After the procedure, resting for the remainder of the day is recommended. Once you feel well enough, you can gradually return to exercise and daily activities. Avoid heavy lifting or tiring exercise for about a week. If you have a physically demanding job, consider taking a few extra days to rest.

Failed surgical abortions are extremely rare.  MSI Australia provides follow-up care if needed. Check this page for more details of our clinical standards.

You do not need a referral to attend a surgical abortion clinic at MSI Australia. Simply call our booking line on 1300 003 707, or use our online booking system to schedule an appointment.

If you’ve had a procedure and have any concerns, please call the Free aftercare service.

Yes. You can use our Cost Estimate Tool or call our team to discuss the surgical abortion cost based on your Medicare status, gestation, and other factors. This ensures transparency so you know what to expect financially before your appointment.

The base surgical abortion cost is usually consistent across our different locations. However, certain state-based regulations, available facilities, and any additional services may affect the final price. For the most accurate estimate, it’s best to speak to one of our national contact centre members at 1300 003 707.