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General abortion questions
An abortion is the medical process of ending a pregnancy. We offer two types of abortion care: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Read our answers to frequently asked questions about abortion below.
An abortion is the medical process of ending a pregnancy. An abortion is also known as a ‘termination’ or ‘termination of pregnancy’. At MSI UK, we offer two types of abortion: medical abortion (abortion pills) and surgical abortion. Both procedures are very safe.
Medical abortion (or the abortion pill, as it’s sometimes called) involves taking two types of medication at different times to end a pregnancy. It is available up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.
The first medication, mifepristone, 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, misoprostol, 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. Read our page on medical abortion where the procedure is explained in more detail.
Surgical abortion is a safe and simple procedure carried out by specialist doctors in a clinic, and involves the pregnancy being removed through the vagina using a suction method. Your gestation (how many weeks pregnant you are) and your medical history will determine the surgical abortion procedure offered to you.
Surgical abortion is available up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.
Read our page on surgical abortion where the procedure is explained in a little more detail.
If you are pregnant and you would like to talk through your options, please call us on 0345 300 8090.
Most people having an abortion can choose how it will be carried out. Your choice will depend on your individual circumstances, such as your past medical history, your gestation (how many weeks pregnant you are) and how you feel about the different options.
At MSI UK, we offer the following treatments:
Medical abortion (abortion with pills): up to 9 weeks and 6 days gestation
Surgical abortion: available from 6 weeks gestation, up to 23 weeks and 6 days gestation
You can find out more about the abortion treatment options available at this link: How to choose your abortion treatment
If you’d like to talk through your options, you can call us on 0345 300 8090.
Abortion is very safe when performed in a Department of Health and Care Quality Commission registered clinic, with specialists performing approved treatment, like at MSI Reproductive Choices.
The World Health Organisation says that the risk of death from a safe abortion is lower than death caused by a penicillin injection, or by continuing with pregnancy*.
Like any surgical procedure or medical treatment, abortion does carry some risks, and we will explain these to you clearly during your consultation with us.
*World Health Organisation (2012), Safe Abortion: Technical and Policy Guidance for Health Systems (second edition), p.49. Available
at: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/70914/1/9789241548434_eng.pdf
If you have decided that abortion is the best option for you, you can call us on 0345 300 8090 to book your consultation. Our advisors will arrange treatment for as soon as possible, at a time that suits you. Remember: You must have an appointment before you attend any of our clinics.
Please note that paying privately will not make the process quicker than NHS-funded abortion care as all of our clients go through the same booking process.
98% of our clients in the UK are funded by the NHS, meaning there will be no cost to you for your abortion. If you want to access private abortion care, you can find out more about the fees at this link: Private abortion care
Every year, thousands of people who are unable to access abortion care in their country travel to England for safe, legal treatment.
We can give you advice on your pregnancy options over the phone or in person. However, we recommend you contact us ahead of travelling so that we can:
– Answer any questions you might have about your treatment options, costs, travel and accommodation.
– Arrange for you to have counselling over the phone should you wish.
– Arrange for you to discuss your treatment options with one of our nurses.
You can find out more about travelling to England to access abortion care at this link: Travelling to England
If you’re travelling from abroad to one of our centres, we will tend to book consultations and treatment appointments on the same day (subject to our appointment availability and your medical history). We’ll give you comprehensive information about what to expect following your abortion and how to manage any symptoms you may experience. We advise against travelling long distances home the same day of treatment, and we strongly recommend you try to stay overnight locally with friends or family if possible.
Once you’ve booked your abortion appointment with us, you can begin to prepare for your abortion appointment.
For advice on how to prepare for your appointment, click this link: How to prepare for your abortion treatment
You do not need to discuss an abortion with your GP if you don’t want to, and when you contact us, we are not required to tell them about your appointment either. If you’d like to speak to your GP, they can also talk you through your options and refer you to abortion care services.
It’s entirely your decision if you want your GP to be notified. You may be able to self-refer for an appointment by calling our advice line on 0345 300 8090.
While most people are very sure of their decision to have an abortion, others may be undecided. If you are feeling unsure, or want to discuss your options with someone impartial, we can arrange an abortion counselling appointment for you over the phone.
Counselling is a talking therapy that will help you discuss your feelings and situation in a confidential, safe environment. MSI Reproductive Choices counsellors are highly trained and qualified to help you explore and manage your thoughts, feelings and issues. They offer caring, non-judgemental support.
Counselling is optional as part of our abortion care for most clients, and all NHS clients are entitled to free counselling sessions before, during or after treatment.
You can call us on 0345 300 800 to arrange an appointment.
You can find out more about our free, confidential abortion counselling service at this link: Abortion counselling
Everyone is different and can feel a range of emotions around their decision to end a pregnancy. If you need to talk through your feelings at any time after your abortion, we can arrange a counselling appointment for you. Please call us on 0345 300 8090 to arrange an appointment.
Yes, you can attend your appointment with one adult, however they will need to wait in the waiting area during your appointment.
Arranging childcare
Unfortunately, you won’t be able bring any children into the clinic with you. This is to be as sensitive as possible to others who may be in the waiting areas. Because of this policy we do not have facilities for children in our clinics. Please make sure you arrange childcare. (Please note that as some of our clinics are within a GP practice, there may be children present in shared waiting rooms.)
We’re committed to protecting your privacy. If you want to call us for advice you do not have to tell us who you are, and we will not call you back unless you want us to.
All contact and treatment information is confidential. We are not required to tell your GP. The decision you make about your abortion care will just be between you and our teams.
If you give us information over the phone or online, which suggests that you or someone else is at serious risk of immediate harm, we will ask to put you in touch with services that can help. There are some things that we think are too important to keep between just you and us, and we will talk to you about whether other people need to know what’s happening.
We have a duty of care to do this if we feel there is any risk of harm – but we will tell you if we need to do this and why.
Data protection
We are committed to protecting your privacy. We are legally responsible for making sure that all personal, sensitive, and confidential information we hold and use is done so lawfully. This covers information we collect directly from you, or information we may receive from other individuals or organisations.
MSI UK’s booking and advice line does not use caller display and calls are not traced. Calls to our advice line may be recorded for training purposes, and calls are played back in instances of a complaint.
You can read more about how we protect your privacy here: Privacy policy
You can also pick up a privacy notice explainer leaflet in our clinics.
If you are having an NHS-funded abortion, we may offer you some tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We will talk you through these tests, how you will get your results, and answer any questions you may have.
You may be offered tests for:
– Chlamydia
– Gonorrhoea
– HIV
– Syphilis
If we offer you these tests, we strongly advise that you have them as a precaution. Chlamydia, in particular, is the most common STI in the UK and often has no symptoms. More information on chlamydia and other STIs will also be available in our clinics.
We will also carry out blood tests and check your pulse rate during the health assessment part of your treatment.
Read more about what to expect during your appointment.
The decision about whether to continue or end the pregnancy is yours to make. This might not be the same decision your partner, friends or family would make.
We believe that no one should be judged for having an abortion, though we understand that there may still be some stigma attached to abortion within religious communities, or from peers or family who have religious views.
However, there are many religious pro-choice organisations who disagree with abortion stigma and explain that shaming people for accessing treatment is not in line with their overarching religious values. These organisations believe that abortion can be a moral option. Catholics for Choice; Christians for Choice; Muslims 4 Choice; and Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice are just some of the organisations who promote being part of a faith community and being pro-choice.
If you feel unable to talk to friends or family about your decision, and want to speak to someone impartial, we can arrange an abortion counselling appointment for you.
The decision about whether to continue or end the pregnancy is yours to make. This might not be the same decision your partner, friends or family would make.
If you feel that you’re being pressured into having an abortion, please let us know. We will not provide treatment unless you are certain of your decision. As part of an abortion appointment, you can have a private consultation before treatment, away from any person who has accompanied you to the clinic. This will give you an opportunity to talk to our team in private and let them know what you are experiencing.
You might feel unable to talk to those closest to you or worry that you won’t get impartial support from them. This is where counselling can really help. Our counsellors are highly trained and qualified, and they offer caring, non-judgemental support. If you’d like to arrange counselling with MSI UK, you can call us on 0345 300 8090 to book an appointment.
No, having an abortion will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. The World Health Organisation* has published data showing there is no link between abortion and breast cancer, and no increased risk.
Abortion is common. Nearly one in three pregnancies ends in an abortion around the world. Yet, this aspect of healthcare is not often talked about in everyday conversation. Abortion stigma can make some people feel like their decision must be kept secret and silent, leading to a lack of access to relevant and accurate information on the matter.
Read our page on abortion misconceptions to find out more.
*World Health Organisation (2012), Safe Abortion: Technical and Policy Guidance for Health Systems (second edition), p.49. Available at: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/70914/1/9789241548434_eng.pdf
Some people worry that having an abortion will affect their future fertility. This is not true: there is no link between abortion and infertility, and that’s true whether you have one abortion or more than one.
You can conceive again quickly after an abortion; in fact an egg can be released from the ovary as soon as five days after your treatment so you could become pregnant again before your next period.
If you do not want to get pregnant after having an abortion you may want to have a contraceptive method in place. Contraception counselling is a part of your NHS-funded abortion care with MSI Reproductive Choices, should you wish to start a method of contraception following an abortion. At your abortion appointment, you will be offered a range of contraceptive methods and we’ll be there to advise and talk through your options with you.
Medical evidence suggests that the foetus cannot feel pain before 24 weeks gestation, as the nervous system is not yet fully developed*.
*Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2010), Foetal Awareness: Review of Research and Recommendations for Practice. Available at: https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/rcogfetalawarenesswpr0610.pdf
The decision about whether to continue or end the pregnancy is yours to make. This might not be the same decision your partner, friends or family would make.
Many people accessing abortion care do not wish for their families or friends to know they have done so. This can be for many reasons such as domestic abuse, sexual assault, honour-based violence, sexual exploitation and gang involvement. Some people accessing abortion care simply wish to keep the matter private, and that is their choice too.
There is support available if you are struggling, frightened or need some advice. Organisations such as:
Women’s Aid (Offers support for women and children survivors of domestic violence)
Barnardo’s (Offers support for children and young people who have been abused)
Karma Nirvana (Provides a National Honour Based abuse and forced marriage Helpline)
Red Thread (Offers support for young people to break the cycle of violence in their lives)
National Centre for Domestic Violence (Offers emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic abuse)
Modern Slavery Helpline (Provides a fully-trained Helpline of Advisors to eradicate modern slavery)
St Mungo’s (Offers services such as hostels and housing to fight homelessness)
NSPCC (Offers support to children and their families to prevent child abuse)
Victim Support (Offers support to victims of crime and traumatic incidents).
At MSI UK we provide free, confidential counselling services as part of abortion care. Our counselling team is available any time you need to talk before, during and after your treatment, even if your abortion was some years ago.
Call us on 0345 300 8090 to arrange a counselling appointment.
We have over 60 clinics across England providing reproductive healthcare services. To find out where our clinics are, click this link: Find us
There is no limit to the number of abortions you can have via the NHS. Abortion is common: nearly one in three pregnancies end in an abortion worldwide. At MSI UK we know that each abortion is different and surrounded by a unique set of circumstances, and when contacting us, we will provide a safe, non-judgemental space where you can ask your questions and make a booking.
Medical abortion
One of the treatment options we provide is a medical abortion, which uses medication to end a pregnancy. This option is available for up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. Read our answers to frequently asked questions about medical abortion below.
A medical abortion (or abortion with pills, as it’s sometimes called) uses medication to end a pregnancy. The treatment involves taking two types of medicine at two different times. It is the safest treatment option up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy for most people (some clients may need to take the two types of medicine at the same time; if this applies to you, the nurse will discuss this with you during the appointment).
The first medication that is taken, called mifepristone, blocks the hormone needed for pregnancy to grow.
A second medication is called misoprostol, which causes the womb to contract and expel the pregnancy.
At MSI Reproductive Choices, medical abortion is available up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.
You can read more about a medical abortion, and what to expect during treatment here: Medical abortion
At MSI UK, medical abortion is available up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.
Not everyone is eligible for a medical abortion, and may be offered a surgical abortion.
We will calculate your gestation (how many weeks pregnant you are), take your full medical history during your consultation, and may carry out some tests to ensure your safety.
The ‘morning after pill’ is not the same as the abortion pill. The abortion pill ends an existing pregnancy whilst the ‘morning after pill’ prevents a pregnancy, which is why it does not cause an abortion.
You can read more at this link: What is the difference between the ‘morning after pill’ and the abortion pill?
Side effects of the medication are fairly common and may include:
– Nausea or vomiting
– Headaches
– Diarrhoea
– Fever/chills, temporary flushes, or sweats
If you are sick within 20 minutes of taking the first pill, ring our 24-hour aftercare line on 0345 122 1441.
Any side effects may begin fairly soon after taking the medication, but usually settle once the pregnancy is passed.
The Abortion Act 1967 states that an abortion must be authorised by two doctors, so in the UK, it is illegal to buy abortion pills online.
Depending on where they come from, the pills may also be ineffective or poor quality, and come with little or no information on how to administer the drugs, and no contact number for aftercare if needed.
You should only take medical abortion pills if it has been prescribed to you by a qualified health professional. Please do not purchase abortion pills online. They may not be suitable, you may be risking your health, and you do not need to.
Please remember that if you live in the UK, you can receive safe, confidential and NHS-funded abortion treatment at one of MSI UK’s clinics across England. Please call us on 0345 300 8090 to arrange a consultation.
If you have already ordered pills online we would advise that you call us before taking them on 0345 300 8090.
If you live abroad or want to access private abortion care, click this link: Private abortion care
Our Medical Abortion Treatment and Aftercare booklet contains all you need to know about medical abortion, including detailed instructions on how to take the medical abortion pills, what to expect and how to look after yourself.
You can read and download it here: Medical Abortion Treatment and Aftercare Booklet
Please find a recap of the four steps of a medical abortion below:
Step one: Taking the first tablet (mifepristone)
Once you receive the pack, take your first tablet (1 mifepristone tablet). Remove only the mifepristone from the blister pack (or from your plastic bag labelled “1” if you receive the package by post) and swallow it with plenty of water. Most people can continue their daily routine as normal after taking mifepristone. Occasionally you may experience some bleeding and pain. If you vomit within 30 minutes of swallowing the tablet, call our 24-hour aftercare line on 0345 122 1441.
Step two: taking the second set of tablets (4 misoprostol tablets) 24-48 hours after completing step one
The tablets work best if you leave 24-48 hours between the first and second steps, but you can take them up to 72 hours after (please note that if more than 72 hours pass and you have not taken the misoprostol tablets you may need to come back to the clinic to repeat the treatment).
24-48 hours after completing step 1, remove the 4 tablets of misoprostol from the blister pack (or from your plastic bag labelled “2” if you receive the package by post). Place all 4 tablets either vaginally (which we recommend as there are fewer side-effects), or if you prefer in your mouth between your gum and cheek.
You can take your chosen method of pain killers 10 minutes before you plan to take the misoprostol.
The tablets might come out of the vagina when you start to bleed. If the tablets come out at this point, don’t worry as the medication will have been absorbed within 30 minutes.
Step three: Taking the 2 extra tablets (misoprostol) 3 hours after completing step two
If you are sure that you have already passed the pregnancy after completing step 2, you do not need to follow step 3.
If you are not sure (which will be most people), please take the remaining 2 tablets of misoprostol 3 hours after completing step 2. You will need to place these 2 misoprostol tablets in the vagina or between your cheek and gums.
If you have very little or no bleeding by 48 hours after taking the second pills (misoprostol), it is possible the medical abortion has not worked so please call our 24-hour aftercare line on 0345 122 1441.
Step four: Pregnancy test
It is important that you take the pregnancy test included in the medical abortion pack 3 weeks after you have completed Step 3. Please use the pregnancy test we have provided as it is different to the shop bought tests. The pregnancy hormone can be present for up to two months after an abortion. This means that a shop bought pregnancy test may remain positive for up to two months, even though you are no longer pregnant, which is why you need to use the special one we provide.
Medical abortion is not a pain-free procedure, but most people can manage it safely at home. Most people will have significant cramping pain and will find pain relief helpful. If pain is severe, this is usually short lived and is relieved when the pregnancy passes.
Pain relief should be taken before you take the misoprostol, or if preferred when you start to feel cramps building up.
For advice on pain relief, read our Medical Abortion Treatment and Aftercare booklet here.
Recovery times after an abortion will be different for everyone, but you’ll usually feel better within a few days. It is important that you take all the time you need to look after yourself.
Everybody is different, but 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.
To read more about recovery and what to expect following a medical abortion, read our blog: How long does it take to recover from an abortion?
Medical abortion is a very safe option, but as with any medical treatment, there are possible complications or risks, and it is important that you understand the signs to look out for.
Incomplete abortion – uncommon (affects 3 in 100 people)
This means that the pregnancy is no longer developing, but some of the tissue is left in the womb. This can cause pain and bleeding, and may lead to infection. If incomplete abortion is diagnosed, further treatment will usually be recommended. The treatment offered may be medical (such as taking misoprostol tablets and antibiotics) or a minor surgical procedure to remove the pregnancy tissue from the womb.
If medical abortion tablets are given at the same time, the risk increases slightly to 5 in 100 people.
Treatment failure (continuing pregnancy) – uncommon (affects 1 in 100 people)
This means that the pregnancy continues to develop, even after taking both sets of tablets. In the event of continuing pregnancy further treatment, such as medical (misoprostol) or surgical treatment, will be discussed. Depending on how many weeks pregnant you are the options would include repeating the medical abortion or offering a surgical abortion. Very occasionally you may need to be referred to another NHS service.
We recommend doing a pregnancy test 3 weeks after treatment (any earlier test will not be reliable).
If medical abortion tablets are given at the same time, the risk increases slightly to 2 in 100 people.
Infection – uncommon (affects less than 1 in 100 people)
This can be reduced by following our aftercare advice. If an infection is not treated it can lead to further serious problems and future infertility. If you have symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), such as unusual vaginal discharge, fever, or pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen you must seek urgent medical attention. See your GP or visit your local A&E department.
Haemorrhage – very rare for a medical abortion (affects less than 1 in 1000)
If you experience bleeding that is soaking through more than 2 sanitary pads an hour you should seek urgent medical advice.
Infection after an abortion
Infection after an abortion is uncommon, but if it occurs it is easily treated. If you have any of the following symptoms, please call our 24-hour aftercare line on 0345 122 1441:
– Vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant or is an unusual colour for you.
– Fever, feeling shivery or like you have the flu lasting more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol.
– Lower abdominal pain that persists or becomes worse after passing the pregnancy.
Sepsis can be caused by an infection and whilst after an abortion it is rare, it can be serious. Symptoms of sepsis can be like having the flu at first.
If you have any of the signs below it is important to seek urgent medical advice:
– Confusion
– Slurred speech
– Extreme shivering
– Severe muscle pain
– Being unable to urinate
– Severe breathlessness
– Cold, clammy and pale or blotchy skin
– Loss of consciousness
Please keep in mind that not everyone will be suitable for medical abortion treatment. However, you may still be suitable for a surgical abortion. During your consultation we will discuss your medical history to make sure the option is safe for you.
If you have any questions about treatment suitability, you can call us any time on 0345 300 8090.
No, there is no blood test to show if you have had a medical abortion with pills.
A medical abortion is like a miscarriage. The risk of not passing all of the pregnancy tissue happens in both medical abortion and miscarriage, and is treated the same. If you think that your medical abortion with MSI UK has not worked, then please contact us on 0345 300 8090.
Surgical abortion
One of the treatment options we provide is a surgical abortion. Surgical abortion is a procedure that involves the pregnancy being removed through the vagina using a suction method. This option is available for up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. Read our answers to frequently asked questions about surgical abortion below.
A surgical abortion is a safe and simple procedure carried out by specialist doctors in a clinic, and involves the pregnancy being removed through the vagina using a suction method. We offer surgical abortion up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.
The type of surgical abortion procedure we offer you will depend on how many weeks you have been pregnant and your medical history. Read our surgical abortion page for more detail about the procedure.
The procedure for a surgical abortion can differ depending on your gestation (how many weeks pregnant you are). No matter what stage your pregnancy is at, surgical abortion is a very safe and quick procedure.
You can find out more about the different types of surgical procedure and what to expect on the day at this link: Surgical abortion
Recovery time after an abortion will be different for everyone, but you’ll usually feel better within a few days. It is important that you take all the time you need to look after yourself.
To read more about recovery and what to expect following a surgical abortion, click this link: Surgical abortion recovery and aftercare
We also have a 24-hour dedicated aftercare line, where you can talk to one of our nurses about your aftercare and recovery on 0345 122 1441.
We will make every effort to make sure you are comfortable before, during, and after your procedure.
If you’re having a general anaesthetic, you’ll feel no pain during the surgical part of the procedure as you’ll be completely asleep. If you’re more than 14 weeks pregnant, you may be given some medication to help dilate the cervix and this can cause some cramping pain.
If you’re having sedation, you can feel some discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen as the uterus (womb) contracts at the end of the procedure. If you’re having sedation, a painkiller will also be given to you.
If you’re not having any anaesthetic, it’s likely you’ll experience some pain, but will not have the side effects of the drugs used for sedation. If you’re not having sedation or a general anaesthetic, you can take 400mg of ibuprofen and/or 1 gram of paracetamol an hour before your appointment. Please inform the nurse on arrival of any medication you have taken. Please do not take aspirin as this can increase bleeding.
For 2 weeks after the procedure you may experience constant or intermittent cramping-type pain in your abdomen as the uterus contracts and returns to its normal size. We’ll give you advice on pain relief, such as paracetamol, codeine, or ibuprofen. These pain medications will not interfere with any abortion medication.
If you’re concerned about the level of pain you’re experiencing, or if your pain is not being controlled by taking painkillers, please call our 24-hour aftercare line on 0345 122 1441, attend an A&E department, or see your GP.
We offer three options of anaesthesia during the surgical abortion procedure. During your consultation we can discuss which option would be recommended, given your unique circumstances and medical history.
No anaesthesia
This is suitable for clients less than 10 weeks pregnant, especially if you have given birth vaginally before. You can take ibuprofen and paracetamol before the procedure. Some people should avoid using ibuprofen, and others should use it with caution. Please do not take aspirin as it can increase bleeding. You will be in the treatment room for about 10 minutes. The procedure is uncomfortable, but usually only lasts a short time. You will feel severe cramping pains which will pass when the procedure has finished. Our nurses will stay with you and keep you distracted. We will give you a heat pad and other pain relief afterwards.
The benefits of no anaesthesia include:
– Avoiding the risks associated with anaesthesia.
– Being able to eat and drink before the procedure.
– Quicker recovery time.
– Being able to drive yourself home.
Sedation anaesthesia or general anaesthesia
With both types of anaesthesia, you are not likely to remember the procedure. They both involve administering the same types of medications through a needle or cannula (small tube) in the vein, usually in the back of your hand. The amount of medication administered is unique to each person’s needs. Our anaesthetist will be with you at all times during this procedure.
If you are having an anaesthetic, you will need to fast before your appointment. This means not eating or drinking for some hours in preparation. Please read ‘How should I prepare for my abortion’ for details of when you must stop eating and what you are able to drink before your appointment.
Sedation anaesthesia (typically for under 14 weeks gestation): You are given a smaller dose of medication, resulting in heavy drowsiness or unconsciousness for the short duration of the procedure, and a quicker recovery. You will retain control over your breathing and reflexes, but are not likely to remember the procedure.
General anaesthesia (typically for under 23 weeks 6 days gestation): You are given a larger dose of the medication, resulting in a deeper unconsciousness for a longer duration. It will take you slightly longer to recover. You may not retain control over your breathing and reflexes, so we may administer oxygen and help you breathe through a mask or a plastic tube in your throat. The anaesthetic risks and complications (below) increase as the level of anaesthesia increases.
Side effects from the anaesthetic
Drowsiness – you should not drive, sign important documents (such as contracts), or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours following the procedure. Some car insurance specifies that you should not drive for 48 hours after a procedure with anaesthetic, so please check with your insurance provider.
Nausea and vomiting – please let the doctor or nurse know if you are feeling nauseous, as we can give medication to help.
Heightened emotions – for some clients, this means they may feel a range of emotions after treatment. A nurse will be on hand to help and this sensation normally passes after 10-20 minutes.
Bruising – you may develop some bruising and pain where the cannula has been inserted into the vein. Bruising usually settles within a week.
Pain – you may experience a cold sensation or pain in the vein during injection of the anaesthetic. This settles quickly and is not harmful. Sometimes you may feel soreness in the vein after the procedure, which settles after a few hours.
Possible complications and risks from anaesthetic
Adverse drug reaction – reactions to anaesthetic medications are rare and can range from mild (rash) to severe (anaphylaxis). The anaesthetist will assess and treat any adverse drug reactions.
Airway difficulty – spasm of the airway or vomiting during the procedure are rare complications. The anaesthetist will monitor you during the procedure and will deal with any complications if they occur. However, if the anaesthetist is concerned that vomit may have entered the lungs you will be transferred to an NHS hospital service.
Prolonged recovery – most clients feel fully awake, relatively comfortable, and nearly back to themselves within 30-60 minutes after waking up. On rare occasions – due to dehydration, recreational drug use, or other co-existing health problems – it may take longer for you to feel back to normal. We will not discharge you from our care until we’re confident that you’ve fully recovered, you can walk around independently, and your pain is well managed. If you do not start to feel like yourself within a normal timeframe, or if you have persistent pain, this may be a sign that you need further care to recover and we may transfer you to a more advanced healthcare setting such as a hospital.
Difficulty or failure gaining intravenous (IV) access – this is where the anaesthetist has difficulty inserting the needle/cannula into the vein. It can be affected by the size and depth of your veins or dehydration. This is rare, but if it happens, it may mean that your treatment cannot proceed today.
Please keep in mind that anaesthetic will not be suitable for everyone. During your consultation we will discuss your medical history to make sure the option is safe for you. We will take further advice as necessary to make sure the safest option is offered to you.
Side effects of surgical abortion are common, but short-lasting. Any side effects that you experience will depend on your procedure and anaesthetic choice, and can include:
Bleeding – this can start immediately or up to 72 hours following the procedure. Bleeding can be heavier than a normal period, with small clots, but it is not a period. It can last up to 1-2 weeks.
Pain – cramping pain is normal following the procedure as the uterus contracts to its normal size.
Side-effects from cervical preparation medication (if required):
– Nausea
– Diarrhoea
– Chills or light fever
– Cramping pain
– Bleeding – If you start to bleed after cervical preparation, please let one of our nurses know right away, so we can assess you.
If you have any worries about any pain or symptoms you experience following your abortion, you can call our aftercare line on 0345 122 1441 any time, day or night, to speak to a nurse.
Surgical abortion is a very safe procedure (many times safer than childbirth), but as with any medical procedure, it is not free from possible complication or risks, and it is important that you are aware of the signs to look out for.
Infection – uncommon (affects less than 1 in 100 people)
Can be reduced by following our aftercare advice. If an infection is not treated it can lead to further serious problems and infertility. If you have symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), such as unusual vaginal discharge, fever, or pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen you must seek urgent medical attention. See your GP or visit your local A&E department.
Retained tissue (retained products of conception) – common (affects less than 5 in 100 people)
This is where part of the pregnancy is not removed from the uterus, or a blood clot forms in the uterus following the procedure. Retained tissue, products, or clots will sometimes pass spontaneously, or they may require further treatment (medication, or another surgical procedure similar to a surgical abortion).
Heavy bleeding (haemorrhage) – uncommon (affects 1 – 4 in 1000 people)
This can happen during the procedure, immediately afterwards, or up to 10 days after you’ve returned home. It can be associated with having had previous pregnancies, previous C-sections, and increased age.
Perforation of the uterus – uncommon (affects less than 5 in 1000 people)
This is the risk of instruments piercing or tearing the uterus, bladder, or bowel. The risk increases at higher gestations. If we become aware that this has occurred, we will transfer you to a hospital.
Cervical damage – uncommon (1 in 100 people)
This can happen during the surgical procedure. If this happens the surgeon will make a decision on whether to repair the damage or transfer you to an NHS hospital.
Treatment failure (continuing pregnancy) – uncommon (1 in 100 people)
This means that the pregnancy is continuing to develop, even after the procedure. Further treatment, such as medical (misoprostol) or surgical treatment, will be discussed. Transfer to another service can also be made in the event of continuing pregnancy. We recommend doing a pregnancy test 3 weeks after treatment (any earlier test is not reliable).
Thrombosis (clots in the legs or lungs)
This is a risk of being pregnant and a risk of any surgery. There is also a risk of thrombosis with air travel. The risk increases with a higher gestation.
Serious complications have warning signs. If you experience any of the symptoms below call us straight away:
Abdominal pain or discomfort that is not helped by pain relief medication, or by heat pad.
Vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant.
Feeling hot and shivery with a high temperature of 38°C or more.
Generally feeling unwell.
Very heavy bleeding that soaks through more than 2 sanitary pads (suitable for a heavy flow) an hour.
If you bleed heavily during or immediately following your treatment, we are often able to manage this on site, but may transfer you to a hospital.
Sepsis can be caused by an infection in any part of the body. Sepsis after an abortion is rare, but very serious. Symptoms of sepsis can be like having the flu at first. If you develop any of the signs below it is important to seek urgent medical advice:
– Feeling dizzy or faint
– Confusion
– Slurred speech
– Extreme shivering
– Severe muscle pain
– Being unable to urinate
– Severe breathlessness
– Loss of consciousness
– Cold, clammy and pale or blotchy skin
If you have any worries about any pain or symptoms you experience following your abortion, you can call our aftercare line on 0345 122 1441 any time, day or night, to speak to a nurse.
If you don’t have any special requests, we always make sure that all foetal tissue is managed and disposed of in a respectful and professional way. We also follow all relevant UK legislation, including The Human Tissue Act, which has a clinical framework for the storage and disposal of foetal tissue.
If you would like to arrange burial or cremation, please let us know when you book your appointment. We can advise you on how to make preparations.
Abortion aftercare
Everybody will have a different experience after either a medical or surgical abortion has been completed. To help support your recovery, we have answered frequently asked questions about abortion aftercare below.
Everybody is different, but 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.
Read more about pain and bleeding during and after a medical abortion in our Medical Treatment and Aftercare Booklet
It’s perfectly normal to experience some bleeding after having a surgical abortion. This can start immediately or up to 72 hours after your procedure, and can last up to 1-2 weeks.
Bleeding can be heavier than a normal period, with small clots, but it is not a period. Please do not take aspirin during this time as it can increase your bleeding. If you bleed heavily during or immediately following your treatment, we are often able to manage this on site, but may transfer you to a hospital.
Some people can haemorrhage – this is uncommon and affects around 1-4 in 1000 people – but it can happen during the procedure, immediately afterwards, or up to 10 days after you’ve returned home. It can be associated with having had previous pregnancies, previous C-sections, and increased age.
If you find that you’re experiencing very heavy bleeding that soaks through more than 2 sanitary pads (suitable for a heavy flow) an hour, please call us straight away. You can reach us on our dedicated aftercare line: 0345 122 1441 – open 24 hours a day.
Read more about surgical abortion
Most people will have significant cramping pain and will find pain relief helpful. If pain is severe, this is usually short lived and is relieved when the pregnancy passes.
Pain relief should be taken before you take the misoprostol, or if preferred when you start to feel cramps building up.
– Ibuprofen (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drug)*: Take 400-600mg (2-3 tablets) of ibuprofen. You can repeat 2 tablets (400mg) every 6 hours as needed for up to 48 hours. Do not take more than 6 tablets (200mg strength, 3 if 400mg strength) in 24 hours.
– Paracetamol*: You can also take 2 tablets of paracetamol every 4 hours, making sure you do not take more than 8 paracetamol tablets in any 24-hour period.
– Codeine*: If the pain becomes severe, take one tablet of codeine and if it isn’t improving after 15 minutes take a second tablet. You can have two tablets of codeine every four hours for up to 48 hours.
Do not take more than 8 tablets of 30mg strength in 24 hours. Severe pain is usually short lived and is relieved when the pregnancy passes. Codeine can cause drowsiness so please do not operate machinery or drive whilst taking codeine.
– Heat: A hot water bottle, heat pack or bath can also be really helpful.
We do not recommend using aspirin as pain relief, but if you are taking it for medical reasons you should continue to do so.
If your pain has still not reduced after following the advice above, please call our 24-hour aftercare line on 0345 122 1441.
*Please make sure you follow the instructions on the box for any medication taken. Do not take any medication that you have a known allergy to or have been told not to take by a healthcare professional.
For advice on pain relief, read our Medical Abortion Treatment and Aftercare booklet here.
It’s perfectly normal to experience constant or intermittent cramps following a surgical abortion. It’s not unusual to continue to get cramping on and off in the first 2 weeks after treatment.
Every person is different, and will experience different levels of pain. We recommend the following tips for helping cope with any pain:
Paracetamol, codeine, and ibuprofen are all painkillers that will not interfere with the abortion medication. We will give you advice on when to take these tablets. Please do not take aspirin as it can increase bleeding. Do not take ibuprofen until 12 – 18 hours after your procedure.
Apply a heat pad or (warm) hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or blanket to your lower abdomen.
Wear comfy, loose clothes, make yourself comfortable and try to relax at home. We recommend you delay returning to work until 1-2 days after your treatment.
If you have abdominal pain or discomfort that is not helped by pain relief medication, or by heat pad, you can call our aftercare line on 0345 122 1441 any time, day or night, to speak to a nurse.
Read more about surgical abortion
After your abortion procedure, we may give you some antibiotics. The nurse will assess your need for extra protection against infection.
You may be given (sometimes we may give you different antibiotics, for example if you have allergies to the drugs we use):
Metronidazole - 2 tablets to take in the clinic; OR
Doxycyline – 1 tablet twice, daily for 3-7 days (not used if breastfeeding); OR
Azithromycin - 4 tablets taken together on day 1 and then 2 tablets day 2 and 2 tablets day 3 - 8 tablets in total.
How to take the antibiotic – Azithromycin
You have been given a 3-day course of the antibiotic called Azithromycin.
This 3-day course is in the two boxes of antibiotic you have been given. Both boxes contain 4 tablets of the same dose (250mg).
Please read the manufacturers leaflet before taking this antibiotic. This leaflet contains more information on this medication including possible side effects.
Azithromycin tablets can be taken before or after food. If the antibiotic upsets your tummy it is better to take after food.
If you think you are allergic to this medication, please do not take any tablets before checking with a doctor or nurse.
Please take Azithromycin as follows:
Day 1: Take 4 tablets (250mg tablets x 4) as a single dose
Day 2: Take 2 tablets (250mg tablets x 2) as a single dose
Day 3: Take 2 tablets (250mg tablets x 2) as a single dose
For more information check Patient UK website on https://patient.info/ and search for Azithromycin.
Here are some common questions and answers about antibiotics:
What does a ‘single dose’ mean?
A single dose means that you need to take the tablets one after the other with a glass of water. You don’t need to put all the tablets in your mouth at the same time.
What do you do if you forget to take your dose of antibiotic?
Remember it is important to finish the course of tablets. If you have forgotten to take your antibiotic dose, take it as soon as you remember (for example the next morning or within 24 hours), but do not take two doses at the same time. Leave 24 hrs between doses.
I have been sick after taking the antibiotics; will I need to take them again?
If you are sick within one hour of taking the tablets you will need get more tablets, otherwise you don’t need to worry.
If you’ve tested positive for chlamydia, you’ll need to see your GP as soon as possible for more antibiotics. You should also take care to follow the aftercare advice regarding how to minimise the risk of infection.
Can I breastfeed whilst taking the antibiotics which were prescribed to me?
Small traces of the antibiotics will be present in breast milk, but it’s fine to continue breastfeeding (if you’re breastfeeding you wouldn’t have been given Doxycyline).
If you’re able to, we recommend expressing some milk before attending the clinic to see you through until you can breastfeed again.
Read NHS guidance on expressing and storing breast milk
Can I drink alcohol while taking the antibiotics?
You should not drink alcohol while taking your antibiotics or for 48 hours after finishing your course.
I have diarrhoea and stomach cramps after taking the antibiotics, is this normal?
Diarrhoea is a common side-effect of the Azithromycin antibiotics and may last a couple of days.
The antibiotics aren’t relieving my pain
The antibiotics will not relieve any pain you may be experiencing – you’ll need to take painkillers for this. You can take painkillers and antibiotics at the same time, and we can advise you on painkillers that won’t interfere with any abortion medication.
If you have any more questions about antibiotics, or aftercare following your abortion, please call us on 0345 122 1441. Our lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
It’s fairly uncommon to get an infection following an abortion, but if you are concerned, you can find out what to look out for on this page: Do I have an infection after my abortion?
You can reduce the risk by following our aftercare advice.
It is important that you take the pregnancy test included in the medical abortion pack three weeks after you have taken the misoprostol tablets.
Please use the pregnancy test we have provided as it is different to the shop bought tests. The pregnancy hormone can be present for up to two months after an abortion. This means that a shop-bought pregnancy test may remain positive for up to two months, even though you are no longer pregnant, which is why you need to use the special one we provide.
If your pregnancy test is positive, call our aftercare line on 0345 122 1441 to speak to a healthcare professional. Our team can help you to book an appointment for an assessment, and further treatment if needed.
Read our blog on when to take a pregnancy test after an abortion for more information.
Following an abortion, your fertility will return almost immediately. An egg can be released from the ovary as soon as five days after your treatment, so you could become pregnant again before your next period. If you would like to start a method of contraception following your abortion, we are here to help.
Types of contraception
Contraception methods can be short-acting, long-acting, or permanent. They all have their different advantages and disadvantages, and not every method will suit everybody. They also each have different levels of effectiveness. We can talk you through any of these methods if you would like to explore them further, and can give you more information.
Many methods of contraception can be started on the same day following your abortion. This means you can leave your appointment knowing that you are protected right away. If you’re not sure of which method you would like to use long term, we can provide you with a short-term method. You can then make an appointment with your GP or local family planning service when you are ready for further contraceptive services.
Short-acting contraception includes:
– Combined pill
– Progestogen-only pill (POP or ‘mini pill’)
– Vaginal ring
– Contraceptive patch
Barrier methods of contraception include:
– External (male) condoms
– Internal (female) condoms
– Diaphragm or cervical cap
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) includes:
– Contraceptive implant
– Hormonal coil
– Non-hormonal coil
– Contraceptive injection
Permanent contraception includes:
– Vasectomy – also known as male sterilisation
– Female sterilisation (not offered by MSI Reproductive Choices)
Visit our contraception page to read about each of these methods in more detail.
Your first period will usually return between four to eight weeks following a successful abortion. It is also normal to pass more clots than usual.
Some hormonal contraception can stop or change your periods, therefore if you started contraception around the time of your abortion, this may explain why your period has not returned.
Pregnancy
If you have had sex without using contraception, or your contraception has failed, you could be at risk of becoming pregnant. We are here if you need to talk and can help you access care and support if you need.
If you’ve had sex without using contraception, or your contraception has failed (for example you’ve missed taking a contraceptive pill or the condom split) you could be at risk of becoming pregnant. It’s possible to get pregnant at any time of your monthly cycle and, although highly unlikely, you can even get pregnant when you’re on your period.
You can find out more at this link: I’ve had unprotected sex. Am I pregnant?
To learn about emergency contraception, click here: emergency contraception
If you’re pregnant and are unsure what to do next, we can talk you through your options.
Using contraception when having sex is always the best way to prevent a pregnancy – you can choose from a range of long term and short term methods. If you’ve had unprotected sex or your contraception has failed (eg. you’ve missed taking a contraceptive pill or the condom split), emergency contraception can also prevent a pregnancy.
Emergency contraception is often referred to as the ‘morning-after pill’ when certain pills can actually be used within five days of having unprotected sex.
Read more about emergency contraception.
You can get emergency contraception for free from:
– GPs
– NHS walk-in centres
– Sexual health clinics
– Pharmacies
– Some Hospital A&E Departments
– Brook services (for under 25s)
Brook provides free, confidential relationships and sexual health services for young people including contraception, STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing and choices, counselling and online help and advice. For more information and to find your local service visit Brook’s website.
If you’ve had unprotected sex or your contraception has failed, you could be pregnant. Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary and can include the following:
– Late or missed period.
– Swelling or tenderness of the breasts.
– More frequent trips to the toilet.
– Nausea or vomiting (‘morning sickness’ can in fact happen at any time of the day).
– Change in appetite.
– Tiredness
If you’ve had unprotected sex within the last five days and don’t want to be pregnant, you can use emergency contraception such as “the morning after pill” or non-hormonal coil to ensure any pregnancy doesn’t continue.
It’s important to know the difference between the “morning after pill” and the “abortion pill”: read more at this link.
If you’ve had unprotected sex more than five days ago, it’s important to take a pregnancy test after about three weeks, if your period is late, or if you have abnormal bleeding. Different home pregnancy tests can have different sensitivities, so if you have any doubt that you’re pregnant –even when the test is negative – you should repeat the test a week later, or make an appointment with your GP or MSI Reproductive Choices.
If you’d like to know more, please call our advice line on 0345 300 8090.
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops in the wrong place. A normal pregnancy implants inside the uterus (also known as the womb) but an ectopic pregnancy implants somewhere else, most commonly within the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy is estimated to occur in 11 of every 1,000 pregnancies.
If you have had a scan that confirms the pregnancy is developing normally, your risk of ectopic pregnancy is extremely low. If you have not had a scan or the scan did not show the pregnancy because it was too early, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is still very small, but it is important to know the following.
As ectopic pregnancies do not develop properly, the abortion medication is not effective to treat them. Therefore, if we suspect you may have an ectopic pregnancy, we will refer you to hospital for treatment.
Please watch out for these signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy:
– Brown watery discharge (can be vaginal bleeding)
– One-sided pain in the lower part of your abdomen (“tummy”) or pelvis
– Pain in your shoulder
Other symptoms include:
– Dizziness
– Discomfort when passing urine or pooing
– Diarrhoea and vomiting
These symptoms may not be a sign of anything serious but if you experience any of these, please call our 24-hour aftercare line on 0345 122 1441.
If you have these symptoms, feel very unwell and have severe pain, please call 999 or be taken to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.
During the medical abortion it is normal to get pain and bleeding. If you have concerns that you may have an ectopic pregnancy during your medical abortion, please call our 24-hour aftercare line on 0345 122 1441.
If you have any of these symptoms, please give our nurses a call on our 24-hour aftercare line: 0345 122 1441
If you are experiencing severe pain, or feel very faint or dizzy, please call 999 or attend A&E as soon as possible.
You can read more about ectopic pregnancy at this link.
If you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, you can find out how many weeks pregnant you may be using our gestation calculator.
If you’ve had a positive pregnancy test and are thinking about having an abortion, it’s important to know how many weeks pregnant you are as this can affect your options. Medical abortion (the abortion pill), for example, is only available at MSI UK up to 9 weeks and 6 days gestation.
If you’ve had a positive pregnancy result and it was unplanned, read more about your options.
Remember, our friendly team are here for you – just call us to speak with one of our advisors.
Home pregnancy testing kits are available in pharmacies and supermarkets. Your local GP, family planning clinic, specialist young people’s clinics like Brook, and some pharmacies can also provide free pregnancy testing.
After a positive pregnancy test result you can find out your gestation (how many weeks pregnant you are) by using our gestation calculator, or visiting a GP or sexual health clinic. If you know the date of the first day of your last menstrual period, our tool can help you to work out your gestation.
If you have irregular periods, no periods, or if the stage of the pregnancy is unclear, gestation can be checked with an ultrasound scan.
How many weeks you have been pregnant can affect what abortion options are available to you, so it’s important to find this out.
Using contraception when having sex is always the best way to prevent a pregnancy – you can choose from a range of long term and short-term methods. If you’ve had unprotected sex or your contraception has failed (e.g. you’ve missed taking a contraceptive pill or the condom split), emergency contraception can also prevent a pregnancy.
Emergency contraception is often referred to as the ‘morning-after pill’ but in fact it can be used within five days of having unprotected sex, and it works by preventing or delaying ovulation.
It is important to know that if the morning after pill is taken after ovulation it is unlikely to be effective.
Read more about emergency contraception.
There are 3 types of emergency contraception:
The emergency contraceptive pill Levonorgestrel (LNG), also known as Levonelle: it can be taken within 96 hours (four days) of unprotected sex, however it is most effective within the first 72 hours (three days).
The emergency contraceptive pill Ulipristal Acetate (UPA) also known as Ellaone: this can be taken within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected sex.
The non-hormonal coil (CU-IUD or ‘copper coil’): this is the most effective emergency contraception and can be fitted up to 120 hours or 5 days after unprotected sex. A copper coil is a small, T-shaped copper device that is placed inside the womb and can provide contraceptive protection for up to ten years. One of the benefits of using the non-hormonal coil as emergency contraception is that, once fitted, you can then choose to continue to use it as your on-going form of contraception. Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods offer excellent protection against pregnancy, ranging from three months up to ten years. They’re ideal if you know that you do not want to have children for a while.
Because the morning after pill is unlikely to be effective when taken after ovulation, the most effective form of emergency contraception is the non-hormonal coil.
The non-hormonal can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated (released an egg), to prevent pregnancy.
Read more about emergency contraception methods.
The non-hormonal coil is a small, T-shaped plastic and copper device that’s put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse. It releases copper to stop the egg implanting in your womb or being fertilised.
The non-hormonal coil can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated (released an egg), to prevent pregnancy.
You can also choose to have the non-hormonal left in as an ongoing method of contraception. The emergency non-hormonal coil is the most effective method of emergency contraception.
Read more about the non-hormonal coil as contraception
The type of emergency contraception you use will depend on your preference and the risk of falling pregnant. You can assess your risk of falling pregnant by using a simple calculator.
When did you have unprotected sex? Use this useful calculator.
Read more about emergency contraception methods.
If you’re aged 16 or over, you can buy the emergency contraceptive pill from most pharmacies, in person or online. You need to be at least 16 years old to buy the morning after pill online. The cost varies, but it will be around £25 to £35. You will have to pay for the morning after pill if you choose to purchase online.
We recommend being assessed by a healthcare professional before using emergency contraception.
If you want the morning after pill for future use:
Some organisations may allow you to buy the morning after pill for future use. Check your options with your provider.
Read more about emergency contraception.
Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a quick, safe, and effective method of contraception, for those who are sure they don’t want any, or any more children. Read our answers to frequently asked questions about vasectomy below.
Vasectomy is a quick, safe, and effective method of contraception. It is a minor procedure which takes about 15 minutes and seals the tube (vas deferens) which carries sperm. This will prevent sperm entering your semen, which is the fluid ejaculated during sex. Without the sperm in the semen, an egg cannot be fertilised, which prevents a pregnancy.
It is a permanent method of contraception that cannot easily be reversed, so you should take some time to think about whether this decision is right for you.
Find out more at this link: What is a vasectomy
If you would like to book an NHS-funded vasectomy), your GP will need to fill out a referral form and send it to us. Find out more at this link: NHS-funded vasectomy
We also provide private vasectomy treatment. If you would like to make an appointment for a private vasectomy, you do not need to go to your GP. Find out more at this link: Private vasectomy
If you want to access vasectomy care with us privately, you can call us directly.
We provide the non-scalpel vasectomy procedure with local anaesthetic.
The prices for a private vasectomy are as follows, and include post-procedure semen testing at 16 weeks (if you’d like to test your semen at any point in the future, this will cost £40):
Consultation – £70
Procedure – £480
Total cost = £550
Remember: You may not have to access care privately. You can call us to find out if you’re eligible for NHS-funded treatment on 0345 300 8090.
No – there will be some sperm left in your tubes after your procedure, so you will need to use another method of contraception until we have confirmed the success of your vasectomy in writing.
We will test your semen at 16 weeks after the procedure. When you have given your sample, we will write to let you know that your vasectomy has been successful and that you can stop using contraception. In some cases this can take several tests.
Find out more at this link: Semen testing
A vasectomy will not affect your hormones, orgasm, or ejaculation, so there’s no reason why a vasectomy should affect your sex life. After a vasectomy, the testicles will still produce the hormone testosterone, which is the male sex hormone. Many couples say that they enjoy sex more after a vasectomy. This is because they can choose to have sex more spontaneously, without worrying about an unintended pregnancy.
After a vasectomy, you will still be able to ejaculate. Vasectomy does not affect orgasm or the appearance of your semen.
Once you have booked an appointment for your vasectomy procedure, you can begin to prepare so that it goes as smoothly as possible.
To find out what you need to prepare for the day of your appointment, click this link: Preparing for your appointment
As we only need to make a small puncture hole in the skin of your scrotum, your wound will be covered using just a simple dressing.
The dressing should be kept dry and held in place for at least 48 hours by wearing tight-fitting, supportive underwear during the day and at night. This provides more support, can reduce pain and swelling, and will be more comfortable. Please avoid taking a bath or shower during this period.
48 hours after your procedure:
-Have a short bath or shower to help remove the dressing.
-Avoid long soaks in the bath until the wound has healed.
-Do not use toiletries such as bath oils or talcum powder as they can irritate the area.
-Dry the area thoroughly. Put on the clean dressing you were given.
You should take a few days to relax and rest up after the procedure. If you have a job that involves physical strain then we advise that you take a couple of weeks off. Avoid heavy lifting or contact sports. We advise that you recline as much as possible during your recovery.
Find out more about how you can support your recovery at this link: Recovery and Aftercare
You can resume sexual activity whenever you feel comfortable. We advise you refrain from sexual intercourse for 48-72 hours after the procedure. Make sure to use contraception until we confirm in writing that your vasectomy has been successful.
Avoid sports and physical exercise for at least two weeks following the procedure. This includes swimming and golf.
Heavy physical exercise and contact sports should be avoided for four weeks. Examples include rugby, football, squash, cycling, skiing and going to the gym.
You can judge your recovery by how quickly your wound is healing and how fast any swelling or pain goes away. If you are in doubt, please call us for advice.
16 weeks after your procedure, we will need to test your semen in a laboratory. You should use another form of contraception You will need to use another method contraception until we have confirmed the success of your vasectomy in writing.
Find out more about semen testing at this link: Semen testing
When deciding whether you want a vasectomy treatment, please remember that a vasectomy reversal is possible but not guaranteed so it is better to view a vasectomy as a permanent method of contraception. You should only proceed if you are certain you don’t want to have any, or anymore, children.
Most people have a smooth recovery after their vasectomy. However, it’s a good idea to be aware of the possible complications so that you can react quickly if you notice any symptoms.
Find out more about possible complications and risks after a vasectomy at this link: Recovery and Aftercare
We are committed to protecting your privacy. If you want to call us for advice you do not have to tell us who you are. We will not call you back unless you want us to. All contact and treatment information is confidential, whatever your age. We are not required to tell your GP unless you want us to.
Keeping you safe
We have a responsibility to keep our clients safe. If you give us any information over the phone or online, which suggests that you are at serious risk of immediate harm, we would ask to put you in touch with services that can help. There are some things that we think are too important to keep between just you and us, and we will talk to you about whether other people need to know what’s happening.
Data protection
Our commitment is to protect your privacy. It is our legal duty to make sure that we follow privacy laws. These laws tell us how we should hold and use personal, sensitive, and private information.
MSI UK’s booking, and advice line does not use caller display and calls are not traced. Calls to our advice line may be recorded for training and quality purposes.
To find out more about how we handle, share, hold, and use your information, please pick up our Privacy Notice leaflet in any of our clinics.
If you would like to make a complaint about how we hold or use your personal data, you can write to us in an email to: information.governance@msichoices.org.uk