Unwanted pregnancy – medical abortion
Every year about 17,000 abortions are performed in Denmark. Abortions can be medical or surgical. What’s important is that the method chosen is the most effective; that is, the most complete and uncomplicated method, and the one implying the least physical side-effects for the woman. Any woman who’s a Danish citizen has the right to have an abortion performed in Denmark, and it can be performed without referral from a family doctor.
Examination
Before the procedure, you’ll have an examination. You’ll have an ultrasound scan to determine the length of the pregnancy. Also, we need to make sure that the pregnancy is located in the uterus. After that you and the specialist will have a talk to find out which method is best for you, a medical or a surgical abortion. It’s recommended that a medical abortion is performed before the end of week 8 or 9. The main advantage of a medical abortion is that the risk of infection is low compared to a surgical abortion. You don’t have to have anaesthesia, you take an active part in the process, and you can start the treatment immediately. It is not necessary to know your blood group before a medical abortion as you don’t need to take antiD if you’re rhesus negative.
What happens
- On the day of the examination
At the clinic you take Mifegyne, which ends the pregnancy. You’ll stay at the clinic a little while after because you may feel nauseous and perhaps throw up. We’ll give you some tablets, Cytotec, to take home with you.
- On the day after the examination
On this day you may start bleeding and you can have some period-like pain. However, you needn’t be off sick on that day.
- 2 days after the examination
It’s very important that you have a grown-up person to stay with you on this day. You are to insert the 2 Cytotec tablets as far into your vagina as you can. You should do this between 7 and 8 in the morning. We recommend that you stay in bed for the next hour. Together with the Cytotec you should take some painkillers, e.g. 2 Panodils.
The abortion will usually take place within the next 4-6 hours. You’ll experience bleeding that’s heavier than an ordinary period.
After the abortion
After the abortion you should take it easy for a day or two.Pain
The pain you’ll experience for the 2 days the process lasts will feel like strong period pain.
Bleeding
It’s normal to bleed for about 1 week. The bleeding will be a bit stronger than usual. Then the bleeding will lessen, but you can bleed for up to 3 weeks.
Hygiene
During this time, in order to reduce the risk of infection, you should not use tampons. Again, to avoid infection take showers only, and don’t go swimming.
Activity
If you feel up to it, you can go back to work a couple of days after the abortion. You shouldn’t have sex as long as you’re bleeding (or use a condom). You can start taking the Pill the same evening you’ve had the abortion. If you’ve chosen to have an IUS, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Check-up
You’ll come in for a check-up 2 weeks after the abortion. About 5% need a D&C after a medical abortion.