Clinical services guide

Medical abortion

This page is an accessible HTML version of the PDF shown below.

This booklet contains information about your medical abortion. Read this information carefully and keep it to look at later on. Ask us if you have any questions after reading it.

Things to know

Consent

• It is important that you understand the process, any risks, and that you are sure about your choice.
• Risks of medical abortion are described in the medical risks section.
• We will ask you to give your written consent to the process.
• It is important that you understand our fees and charges so you can give informed financial consent.

Interpreter services

Please let us know if you need a telephone interpreter to help you understand any of this information. If you need one at any time before or after your procedure, you can call: TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be connected to us on 1300 003 707.

Accessibility statement

An accessible text version of this document is available online at msiaustralia.org.au

Make a complaint or provide feedback

If you would like to provide any feedback, you can:

• talk to any staff member at the clinic
• write directly to the clinic
• call our National Contact Centre on 1300 003 707
• use our feedback form on the homepage of our website: msiaustralia.org.au

If we don’t satisfy your concerns, you may also escalate your complaint to the independent body in your State.

• You may also pass some clots, which can be different sizes.
• You can expect to have some bleeding for around 2 weeks.
• You may have some light bleeding until your next period.

Pain in your abdomen (lower tummy) is normal and can range from mild to strong. Pain should get better after the pregnancy has passed. Strong cramping does not usually last longer than 24 hours. If you have pain in your abdomen, there are some tips in the pain management section of this book.

Other side effects of medication

Step 1 can cause:

• headache
• breast tenderness
• fainting
• hot flushes
• itching and rash.

These side effects are not common, but if you do experience them, they are usually mild.

Step 2 can cause:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• fever and chills.

These side effects can be common, but they usually don’t last long.

Effect on future pregnancies

An uncomplicated medical abortion will not affect your chance of becoming pregnant in the future.

Pain management

If you have pain, you can manage it with these methods.

Uterine massage

Frequent, firm massaging of your lower tummy area will help your uterus (womb) muscles, and can reduce bleeding and cramping. It can also help prevent blood clots.

• Lie on your back, sit on the toilet or in a comfortable position
• Feel at the top of your pubic bone, press down firmly and massage in a downwards direction with your hand. You can use your fingertips, knuckles or the heel of your hand.
• Do this massage hourly for 3 minutes at a time, on the day of your abortion, then 5 times a day, or until your cramping/bleeding has stopped.
• If you have discomfort during the massage, don’t stop the massage but take pain medication.
• One of our nurses will demonstrate the method to you prior to you leaving the centre.

You can put a hot water bottle, wheat bag or heat pack where the pain is.

• Do not apply heat directly to your skin.
• Always follow the product instructions.

You will be provided with pain medication for moderate or strong pain.

Follow the directions on the packaging and do not take more than instructed.

To reduce the chances of infection, do not insert anything into your vagina for 1 week.

• This includes tampons, menstrual cups, fingers, or having vaginal intercourse.
• If you intend to use the vaginal ring or a diaphragm for contraception, please discuss this with the doctor at your appointment.

Possible signs of infection

These symptoms are not common and could mean you have an infection. If you experience any of these symptoms more than 24 hours after  Step 2, call us on 1300 888 022.

• Fever
• Feeling tired, rundown or flu-like symptoms
• ongoing abdominal (lower tummy) pain
• Unusual vaginal discharge

If you had nausea (feeling sick) before your treatment, it will probably get better within 24 hours of completing the treatment.

• Breast fullness or tenderness can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Do not squeeze or massage your breasts.
• A pregnancy test will often remain positive for 2 weeks and sometimes up to 1 month after a medical abortion.

You should get your first menstrual period 4 to 8 weeks after your treatment; however some contraceptive methods may change this.

As soon as you feel well enough, you can do your normal activities and exercise.

You may be able to have a medical abortion without any, or little, interruption to work.

• If you have a physically demanding job, you may want to take some time off.
• When you feel better you can go back to work.
• Remember to ask for a medical certificate during your appointment. Your support person can also ask for a medical certificate.

What is it: A small amount of tissue may stay in the uterus, or blood may collect and form a clot. This can cause heavy and/or long lasting bleeding and/or pain.

Action/treatment: May require more tablets or a surgical procedure. You will not have to pay for this if treated in one of our clinics.

Illustration key:

1. Retained clot or pregnancy

What is it: The pregnancy remains and may continue to grow.

Action/treatment: May need a repeat medical abortion or a surgical procedure. You will not have to pay for this if treated in one of our clinics.

Illustration:

Continuing pregnancy

What is it: When bacteria enters the body and can cause disease. This is uncommon and serious infection from abortion is rare.

Action/treatment: We will test you for infections and we will give you antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.

Illustration:

Infection

What is it: Excessive or prolonged bleeding

Action/treatment: You may need further surgery, intravenous fluids or a blood transfusion at a local hospital.

Effect on future pregnancies

An uncomplicated medical abortion will not affect your chance of becoming pregnant in the future.

Emotional effects

Everyone has different feelings about their own treatment. 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. Simply call us on 1300 003 707 to make a booking.

If the pregnancy was a result of sexual, family or domestic violence, you can also call 1800 Respect. They offer 24/7 information, counselling and support at 1800 737 732 or you can chat online at 1800respect.org.au.

This page last edited: September 2024
Ref: 1721-MSIAU-240920