We are here to support you.
Click here to get in touch and book online: Contact us

BOOK ONLINE

Please select the service you would like to book:

search-button

How long do you bleed after an abortion?

Abortion  •  21 May 2024  • 4 min read

Share






Copied


How long you will bleed for after an abortion depends on whether you have had a surgical abortion or a medical abortion (abortion pills). If you have had a medical abortion, you may continue to bleed for up to eight weeks after your abortion. If you have had a surgical abortion, you may have some bleeding that can last for up to two weeks. 

In this blog, we provide information on: 

How long do you bleed after taking abortion pills (medical abortion)?

Everybody is different, but when taking abortion pills, the abortion usually starts within a few hours and is usually completed within 1-2 days. Occasionally, it can take up to 2 weeks to fully pass all the pregnancy tissue, and you may continue to bleed for up to 8 weeks.  

Once the pregnancy has been passed, both the pain and bleeding will usually reduce.  

The bleeding may be quite heavy for a day or two as your uterus (womb) returns to its normal size. 

It is usual to pass clots for a few days and intermittently for 1-2 weeks.  

It is normal to have some bleeding or spotting, possibly with some small clots, for 2-4 weeks after a medical abortion and for some people it can be for up to 8 weeks after. This bleeding may come and go and be quite irregular, and you may continue to pass some smaller clots.  

If you ever feel worried, please call our 24-hour aftercare line on 0345 122 1441 to speak to a healthcare professional.

How long do you bleed after a surgical abortion?

It is normal to have some bleeding after your surgical abortion. This may be heavier than a normal period, with small clots and can last for up to two weeks.  

If it lasts longer than this, please call our 24-hour aftercare line on 0345 122 1441

Using menstrual products after an abortion

After a surgical abortion, we recommend you use the menstrual products you are most comfortable with. 

After a medical abortion, you can use any menstrual products, but using period pads is easier to track and monitor your bleeding. On days your bleeding is heavy, we recommend wearing a suitable pad such as the thick maternity ones. 
 
If you use tampons or menstrual cups, please consider using period pads instead for 48 hours after taking the second tablets (misoprostol), as this will help you monitor your bleeding. If you decide to use tampons or menstrual cups, please ensure you change them regularly. 

Abortion recovery and aftercare

It is important that you take all the time you need to look after yourself after an abortion. We are here to support you. 

You can always contact our dedicated aftercare line on 0345 122 1441 to talk to one of our nurses after your treatment. This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

To learn more about what to expect during and after an abortion, click on the links below: 


Share






Copied

Related posts

News


10 July 2024  • 2 min read

New MSI UK abortion clinic expands access to reproductive healthcare services in Manchester

MSI UK has opened a new abortion clinic in Central Manchester.

News


13 March 2024  • 7 min read

Why would anyone have an abortion outside the law?

Learn what may lead to people having an abortion outside the law, and why we believe no one should face prosecution.

Stories


8 September 2020  • 9 min read

Lily’s story – an abortion with “pills at home”

“I decided to write this detailed account to give something back to MSI UK for an amazing support I received from them.”