Medical abortion pills by post

The failure rate of medical abortion is small – just 3% of cases, but it’s still very important to check that you are not pregnant after the miscarriage.

For your telephone consultation, you will be connected to one of our experienced consultants via telephone. Our consultants are always neutral and empathetic to your requests and will support you with your decision whenever possible.

Please note: Due to the nature of consultations, occasionally previous appointments can run over and cause slight delays. Please rest assured that if there are delays, the consultant will call you as soon as they are able to.

Your consultant will discuss with you the reasons for your request, make an assessment of the duration of your pregnancy and will enquire about your health. They will then advise if medical abortion by post is the best option for you.

In certain circumstances, for example where there is doubt about your menstrual date, duration of pregnancy or period regularity, you may be required to attend the clinic for an ultrasound scan or have this locally if you don’t live within reasonable travelling distance of The Gynae Centre.

Once your treatment has been approved and your consultant is happy for you to proceed, they will clearly explain to you step by step how to take the medications, how soon the miscarriage process will take place and everything you need to know about aftercare. They will also discuss with you the common side effects of the pills and possible complications. Your consultant will provide you with their mobile phone number in case of emergencies or aftercare. You will also have support from The Gynae Centre team via the clinic phone number and over email 24/7.

Your phone consultation will be followed by an email with details of the conversation including the medications and full information about the risks and side effects associated with the termination.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and chills are common side effects. If these happen, just observe, as they usually improve after 24 hours.

In 7% of women placental tissue may remain within the uterus, leading to continuous and sometimes heavy bleeding. This may require surgical evacuation, which may be done at additional cost.

Infection is every rare but do contact the clinic if you have fever for more than 38 hours or if it develops 2-3 days after the miscarriage.

Ectopic pregnancy: Like all pregnancies, you should be aware of the risk of ectopic pregnancy (about 2%) unless you have had an ultrasound to confirm that the pregnancy was inside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy may lead to bleeding inside the abdomen which can be serious and sometimes fatal unless treated promptly. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy may be manifested by stabbing pain in the lower abdomen associated with bloating, discomfort in the upper abdomen, shoulder pain, dizziness and fainting episodes. If this occurs you should contact 999 or go to hospital directly if your condition permits.

Heavy bleeding: Especially if pregnancy is over 6 weeks, if you soak 9 sanitary pads in < 6 hours, (1.5 litres) you should consider calling an ambulance especially if you are feeling dizzy or if you faint.

Termination of pregnancy has not been found to affect future fertility but has been found to be associated with increased risk of premature deliveries, more so with increased number of terminations.

Contraceptive pills can be started immediately after the miscarriage, and we will be happy to provide you with prescriptions for up to one year at no additional charge.

If you desire a contraceptive device, this can be fitted at our clinic during your first period (see our fees on the website) or alternatively, you can visit your GP.

The process of miscarriage is variable from one individual to another. If you travelling by air in the next 14 days, please make sure that you do not take the abortion pills prior to your flight. We advise that you do not travel for 2 weeks after medical abortion. This is because of the risk of bleeding.

However, you can start taking the abortion pills once you land and if are going to stay in that country for 2 weeks before travelling by air again.

We are not responsible for custom regulations to the country that you are visiting. Please check that it is not illegal to carry the abortion pills to your destination.

Furthermore, complications and side effects, such as heavy bleeding, can develop. You will need to be prepared to visit your nearest hospital emergency department in case of complications.

If you do have to travel we suggest that you attend the clinic for an ultrasound scan to be certain that there is no retained placental tissue which might initiate an episode of heavy bleeding during your travel. If you know you need to travel it would be safer for you to have manual evacuation, after which you can travel 24 hours later.

1. If you have irregular periods
2. If you are uncertain of conception dates
3. If you have been been on oral contraception in the last 3 months
4. If you have previously had 3 caesareans
5. If you have taken the morning after pill