Surgical Removal of Retained Products of Conception

You can prepare by following simple steps to ensure you are comfortable and ready on the day.

• Complete your pre-appointment questionnaire
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Bring absorbent sanitary pads
• Eat a light meal beforehand unless advised otherwise
• Arrange someone to accompany you home

You may wish to have simple pain relief (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen) ready for after the procedure. A consultation will take place beforehand to explain the process and answer any questions.

Most people take 1–2 days off to recover.

You may feel tired, with mild cramping and light bleeding for a few days. If your work involves physical activity, you may need longer. Return to normal activities when you feel ready.

Seek medical advice if you develop heavy bleeding, severe pain, or a high temperature.

Yes, you can bring a partner, friend, or family member for support.

They can usually stay with you during the consultation but will be asked to wait during the procedure. If you are having sedation or feel unwell afterwards, it is important to have someone accompany you home.

You should arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure. A friend, family member, or taxi is recommended. Public transport is best avoided if you feel unwell or need to rest.

It is a short procedure that removes remaining pregnancy tissue from the womb.

An ultrasound may be used beforehand to confirm the tissue. The cervix is gently opened, and a thin suction tube (vacuum aspiration) is used to remove it. The procedure usually takes 10–15 minutes and does not require cuts or stitches.

You can usually go home the same day. Mild cramping and light bleeding are common for a few days afterwards.

Pain is usually well managed with anaesthesia.

Local anaesthetic is commonly used to numb the cervix. You may still feel pressure or cramping during the procedure. Some people choose gas and air or sedation for additional comfort.

Afterwards, mild cramping is common and can usually be managed with standard pain relief.

Yes, you can listen to music if you wish.

If you are awake during the procedure, music can help you feel more relaxed. Bring your own headphones and keep the volume low enough to hear instructions if needed.

Yes, STI testing can be done during your appointment.

A clinician will advise which tests are appropriate. This may include urine samples, swabs, or blood tests, depending on your risk and symptoms.

In some cases, a small amount of tissue may remain and require further treatment.

This may involve medication or a repeat procedure. Rare complications include infection, heavier bleeding, or injury to the womb.

Seek urgent medical care if you have:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking two pads per hour for two hours)
• Severe pain not controlled with pain relief
• A high temperature or unusual discharge

Follow-up advice will be provided to support your recovery.

Yes, it is recommended to bring sanitary pads.
Bleeding or spotting is common after the procedure. Use pads rather than tampons or menstrual cups for at least two weeks to reduce infection risk.

You can usually go home the same day after a short recovery period.

Light to moderate bleeding and mild cramping are common for 1–2 weeks. Most people return to normal activities within 24–48 hours, depending on how they feel. Avoid tampons and vaginal sex for 1–2 weeks.

Seek medical advice if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or unusual discharge.

Routine follow-up is not usually required.

You should monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if you have heavy or persistent bleeding, severe pain, fever, or unusual discharge. A follow-up can be arranged if needed.

It is best to wait until bleeding has stopped, usually around 1–2 weeks.

This reduces the risk of infection and allows the cervix to close. Only resume when you feel physically and emotionally ready.

Contact a healthcare provider if you still have pregnancy symptoms after the procedure.

Wait at least 3 weeks before taking a pregnancy test, as hormones can remain in your body and affect results. Earlier assessment may be needed if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever.

No, these should be avoided for at least 1–2 weeks.

Use sanitary pads instead to reduce the risk of infection while the cervix is healing.

The procedure works immediately by removing the remaining tissue.

Symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pain usually improve quickly. Mild bleeding and cramping may continue for a few days as your body recovers.

Your period usually returns within 4–8 weeks.
The first period may be heavier or more uncomfortable than usual. Your cycle should settle over the following months. Seek medical advice if your period has not returned after 8 weeks or if bleeding is very heavy.