How long does termination pain last?

Asked by: Tristian Miller  |  Last update: November 28, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (29 votes)

If you get a medication abortion, the pain may last for several hours. The cramping should get lighter after the pregnancy is passed, how long that takes is different for different people and may last longer with a misoprostol-only medication abortion.

When does abortion pain stop?

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.

How long does the pain last after taking misoprostol?

The cramps may feel like a period or stronger, like labour pains. Strong cramps should only last a few hours.

How long does back pain last after an abortion?

Up to several days after the treatment, you may suffer from backache, stomach cramps and bleeding, comparable to a normal period. Most bleeding is expected after 4 to 7 days and can last longer than during menstruation. Bleeding often ends with brownish discharge. You may also pass clots of blood.

How long does it take your body to recover from an abortion?

Your recovery

You may have cramps and light bleeding for up to 2 weeks after a surgical abortion. Most people can return to normal activities 1 to 2 days after the procedure. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace.

Self-Managed Abortion: What to Expect After Taking Abortion Pills | Episode 6

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How long does it take for an abortion to clear?

Whether you've a surgical or medical abortion, you'll experience bleeding. This bleeding normally continues for up to 2 weeks, depending on how many weeks pregnant you were. This bleeding will feel like a period. After an abortion, you may be advised to sanitary pads rather than tampons while the bleeding continues.

How do you know if your uterus is damaged?

Some common symptoms of uterine problems include: Pain in the uterine region. Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding. Irregular menstrual cycle.

How do I know if my abortion is complete?

To confirm that the medication abortion was successful, a person will need follow-up testing, such as an ultrasound or blood test. A person can also use a pregnancy test, but it may take longer to provide reliable results.

How to relieve abortion pain?

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.

What happens if tissue is left in the uterus after an abortion?

Retained products of conception (RPOC) refers to fetal or placental tissue that remains in your uterus after a pregnancy. RPOC are more common when a pregnancy ends early, and can lead to bleeding, infection and other complications. Medication or minor surgery can treat RPOC.

How painful is the abortion pill at 6 weeks?

How much does an abortion with the abortion pill hurt? Just like with the abortion procedure, how much an abortion with the abortion pill hurts varies from person to person. For some people it may be similar to a heavy period and for others it may be more intense.

Why am I still testing positive after an abortion?

Finding yourself still testing positive on a pregnancy test after an abortion can be an unsettling experience. However, it is essential to remember that there can be various reasons for this occurrence, including residual hCG, incomplete abortion, or the possibility of a new pregnancy.

Does abortion hurt more than birth?

The participants in our study not only found the pain to be more severe, but also essentially different in quality, than menstruation cramps. Many of the women experienced the abortion as painful contractions similar to or worse than giving birth at full term.

What are the signs of incomplete abortion?

Vaginal bleeding: Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of incomplete abortion that should not be ignored. Pain and discomfort: Women can experience frequent lower abdomen or pelvic discomfort that spreads to the lower back, buttocks, genitalia, and perineum.

What to avoid after an abortion?

Avoid having sex for at least two weeks after the abortion. If you do, use a condom, with lube, to protect yourself from infection. Avoid travelling away from the area you had your abortion, for 24 hours after the abortion. If you must travel, make sure you know how to access emergency services at your destination.

How long does abortion pain last after taking the pill?

Most people start feeling better the day after taking the last pill. You may be able to resume normal activities within a day or two.

Is abortion painful at 1 month?

A medical abortion in 1 month of pregnancy can be painful and discomforting. For a few days, women can experience bouts of pain, in addition to some bleeding or spotting. This may go on for up to a week or two.

How many days should I rest after an abortion?

Resume normal activities the following day. Avoid activity that causes increased pain. If you receive oral relaxation or narcotic pain medications for the procedure, don't drive a car for eight hours. If you receive intravenous (IV) medications during the procedure, don't drive a car for 24 hours.

What happens if an abortion fails?

Failure of abortion, though infrequent, is a complication of the procedure. The woman can decide to attempt another abortion or to continue her pregnancy. Children born after a failed abortion may have limb or digit abnormalities and other congenital problems, though a number of infants with no defects are born.

What is the timeline for abortion?

But in general: You can use abortion pills (also called medication abortion) up to 77 days (11 weeks) after the first day of your last period. You can get an in-clinic abortion until 24 weeks (or later in some cases, for medical reasons).

Can an incomplete abortion resolve itself?

Treatment options for incomplete abortion

Expectant Management: In some cases, the body can expel the remaining tissue on its own. The doctor may recommend waiting a few days or weeks to see if the tissue passes naturally.

What is leftover tissue after abortion?

The term retained products of conception (RPOC) refers to placental and/or fetal tissue that remains in the uterus after a spontaneous pregnancy loss (miscarriage), planned pregnancy termination, or preterm/term delivery.

What does a collapsed uterus feel like?

Many women with uterine prolapse have no symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include bulging in the vagina, feeling pressure in the pelvis or vagina, and lower back pain accompanied by bulging in the vagina.

What does an abortion do to your body?

If you have a medical abortion, you may have side effects from the medicine such as nausea and diarrhoea. These side effects usually stop within 3 days. Bleeding is usually heavier after a medical abortion than a surgical abortion. The bleeding should reduce every day.