Is Abortion Painful?

What Happens During a Medical Abortion?

Pain during abortion varies significantly from person to person. No one can predict exactly how painful the procedure will be for any patient. What feels intense for one person may be mild for another; sometimes the procedure may also turn out to be completely pain-free. The level of pain and other side effects a woman may experience largely depends on several factors, including:

• Type of abortion
• Stage of pregnancy
• Overall health
• Underlying medical conditions
• Pain tolerance
• Stress level and emotions

Pain Experience with Different Abortion Types

Termination of pregnancy can be performed in two ways: medical abortion and surgical abortion.

Medical Abortion (Abortion pill)

Medical abortion in Singapore involves using prescription pills to end a pregnancy in the early stages, ideally around seven weeks. It uses two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone stops the pregnancy from developing, while the misoprostol triggers contraction-like cramps to expel the pregnancy tissue from the body. Many women describe the experience as moderate to severe menstrual cramps, similar to a heavy period or miscarriage.

Potential risks include:

• Incomplete abortion
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Fever
• Infection
• Diarrhoea and/or vomiting

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is carried out in a clinical setting as a day-only procedure. Instruments or suction are used to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Patients are typically sedated or unconscious, ensuring they feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, it is common to experience mild cramping during recovery, which some individuals, particularly those with lower pain tolerance, might find uncomfortable.

Additionally, certain potential complications, though rare, could contribute to pain after a surgical abortion. These include:

• Uterine perforation
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

How Long Does Abortion Pain Last?

For a medical abortion, the pain usually begins immediately after taking the misoprostol. This pain often peaks within two hours, which is when the uterus contracts to expel the pregnancy tissue. Patients may feel the pain for a few more hours up to a full day. However, once the pregnancy tissue passes, the worst pain usually ends quickly.

Surgical abortions are typically painless during the procedure. However, once the anaesthesia wears off, mild cramping may occur. This cramping can last for a few weeks as the uterus returns to its typical form without pregnancy.

How to Manage Pain During and After Abortion

While pain levels vary from person to person, some strategies can help make the pain and other side effects of abortion manageable. These include:

• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Resting in a comfortable environment
• Avoiding strenuous activities for at least 24–48 hours
• Using a heat pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen

When to Seek Help

While some pain and bleeding are normal after an abortion, it is crucial to know when to seek help. Contact your abortion doctor immediately if any of the following occur:

• Severe abdominal pain that does not improve with pain relievers
• Very heavy bleeding
• Shoulder pain
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Fever
• Chills
• Continued signs of pregnancy

Abortion is a safe and effective procedure, especially when performed or guided by a qualified doctor. While some patients may experience pain, its level and duration vary individually. Regardless of whether it is a medical or surgical abortion, pain during and after the procedure should be closely monitored to ensure any discomfort is addressed promptly. This not only helps manage pain and other side effects but also supports a safe and smooth recovery.

Contact us if you have concerns or need professional support. We are here to help you manage the pain throughout your recovery.