Private Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortions involve a surgical procedure to remove the pregnancy tissue from the womb.

There are two types of surgical abortion, manual/vacuum aspiration and dilation & evacuation. Here at Clarewell, we offer manual/vacuum aspiration which is a recommended surgical procedure for pregnancy between 7 weeks and 13 weeks and 6 days.

However, at Clarewell Clinics this can be carried out up to 9 weeks and 6 days. Once the abortion is complete, patients are free to be discharged and recover in the comfort of their own home.

There may be times when it is not possible to remove all of the pregnancy tissue. This is often not an issue as the body can expel the remaining tissue within a week or two after the procedure. As long as there is no heavy bleeding present then the body should be allowed to take its own course.

Most of the time surgical abortions are a success and women are able to go back to their normal life quickly after. It is highly unlikely that a surgical abortion will fail.

You can book your surgical abortion provided you are not over 9 weeks and 6 days pregnant, your clinician has deemed you physically fit to undergo the abortion and there are no complications with either you or the pregnancy itself that cause concern.

• You are allowed to eat before the procedure as long as you are not receiving general anaesthesia. If you wish to eat, we recommend that you only eat light food and water for a few hours before the procedure.
• Shower or bathe beforehand to ensure that the skin is clean so that the risk of infection can be reduced.
• Ensure that you have access to a personal phone in cases of possible emergency.
• Arrange for someone you know to drive you home from the appointment.

You will need two full days off of work. We recommend taking things easy for the first week or so after your abortion (i.e. no heavy lifting or intense physical labor/workouts).

We are more than happy to provide you with a medical note. Please note that we will never disclose the specific details regarding your visit.

Yes. You can bring your partner, friend or family member to your appointment. In fact, we know how difficult this time can be and it always helps to have someone you know and trust by your side.

However, if you feel that you would rather not bring someone to the appointment, rest assured that our staff are here to support you and make you comfortable in any way possible. Clarewell Clinics is a safe space for all patients.

You must arrange to have a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure as you may feel tired and weak.

• One of our clinicians will double check your consent for the procedure to go ahead as planned.
• A cannula (fine needle) may be placed into the back of your hand or arm so that any medications or a drip can be administered if needed.
• Your heart rate and blood pressure will be measured.
• Your pulse will be taken, and the amount of oxygen in your blood will be measured by attaching a special clip onto your finger. This does not hurt.
• A speculum will be inserted into your vagina, and products of conception will be removed using a suction pump.

The doctor, nurse and healthcare assistant will be attending to you in the procedure room to make sure you are comfortable and to keep you informed through every step of the procedure.

At the end of your procedure you will be transferred to the recovery room where specially trained nursing staff will look after you. Our nursing staff will keep you hydrated, updated, and medicated to help with any nausea or pain until you are ready to be discharged home.

You will need to stay in the recovery room for at least 30 minutes. Before you leave, you will be given painkillers and antibiotics to help with your recovery at home. If your vaginal bleeding is only light, you have passed urine and you are not feeling faint or unwell, you may go home. You will be discharged when your nominated driver attends the clinic to collect you.

We will minimise the pain associated with the abortion by using local anaesthetic medications. You will experience some discomfort during and after the procedure for which you can take painkillers, but this should not cause you any distress or intense pain.

Yes, absolutely you can. Please let us know at the time of your booking (or upon your arrival) so that we are ready to accommodate your wishes.

Absolutely. We are able to offer you various types of contraception during your appointment including:

• Coil: This can be fitted at the time of your procedure
• Implant: This can be fitted at the time of your procedure.
• Contraceptive injection: This can be given after the procedure before you go home and will need to be repeated every 12 weeks.
• Oral contraceptive pill: The first tablet should be taken that night or the next morning. You will be given advice and a supply before you leave the clinic.
• Condoms: A supply of condoms will be given to you before you leave the clinic if you need them.

If you prefer, you can arrange an appointment for your contraceptive requirements at your GP surgery or a local sexual health clinic. If you do not wish to fall pregnant again, please use a reliable method of contraception until you can discuss your options.

Absolutely. Please request this at the time of booking so that we may book you an extended appointment.

For more information about our STI tests, please visit this page.

We will only charge the consultation fee.

We do provide sanitary towels in our clinics, however, If you have a preference in feminine hygiene products then you are welcome to bring them in clinic for use after the abortion procedure.

We recommended that no invasive products are used (tampons, menstrual cups, etc) and that only sanitary towels or panty liners are used for at least the first week in order to minimise the risk of infection whilst your body heals.

It is your choice to have a private burial or cremation for the foetal remains. If you wish to not be involved with this, then the remains will be treated and handled with respect and disposed of in an incinerator.

• There may be a period-like bleed for a few days after the procedure, this should gradually stop.
• Your next period should arrive within the next 3 – 8 weeks and may be heavier or lighter than usual.
• You may experience cramping pain for up to two weeks.

• You may shower and bathe as normal.
• You can take pain medication to help with any discomfort.
• Avoid sexual contact, use of tampons and swimming for the next 4 weeks after the procedure. This is to reduce the risk of an infection.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy objects within the first 2 weeks after the procedure.
• You should perform a pregnancy test 4 weeks after the procedure (please do not perform a pregnancy test before 4 weeks as it may result in a false positive).

Support is available from your consultant, and there are services available that your doctor or specialist can refer you to which offer a listening ear, information, or emotional and psychological support.

A follow up appointment is optional approximately 2 weeks after the procedure has taken place. This may be to ensure that you are recovering according to plan. If you have any questions or concerns before your two week follow up, you are more than welcome to contact us and we will do our best to put you at ease.

If you are still experiencing pregnancy symptoms, take a pregnancy test 3 weeks after the procedure. If it is positive, contact us for help.

A follow up appointment is optional approximately 2 weeks after the procedure has taken place. This may be to ensure that you are recovering according to plan. If you have any questions or concerns before your two week follow up, you are more than welcome to contact us and we will do our best to put you at ease.

To reduce the risk of infection, we recommend refraining from sex until any bleeding has stopped. If you do resume having sex, use a reliable method of contraception to avoid any unwanted pregnancies, as abortion has no effect on your fertility.

Dependent upon the usual length of your cycle (usually it is around 28 days), you should expect your period within 4-6 weeks of having an abortion.

You will be fertile as soon as the surgical abortion is successfully completed.

Having an abortion does not impact your fertility nor your ability to carry a baby to term in most cases. The procedure is very simple, and you should expect to have your period within four weeks of having an abortion – meaning it is physically possible to become pregnant again soon after the procedure due to it ‘restarting’ your menstrual cycle. If becoming pregnant is something you are concerned about, you can discuss contraception options with your consultant.