In a surgical abortion the uterus is emptied of pregnancy tissue.

In this leaflet you can read more about how an abortion is performed and what you should pay particular attention to afterwards.

If you have been given a personal operation report, it is the instructions in the report that apply to you. You can contact the department (see below) if you are in doubt.

How is a surgical abortion performed?

The intervention takes place by emptying the uterus of pregnancy tissue. The procedure itself takes 5 - 10 minutes.

If your blood type is rhesus negative, an injection is given in connection with the procedure to prevent complications in a future pregnancy.

Can there arise any discomfort or complications?

• The overall risk of complications after abortion is 3 - 5%.
• Complications can be bleeding and/or infection.
• If the symptoms are caused by bacteria, they must be treated with antibiotics.
• Rarely perforation of the uterus can occur.

What can I do to prevent infection?

• Avoid bathing in tubs, swimming pools and sea water for as long as there is bleeding.
• Avoid intercourse without a condom for as long as there is bleeding.
• Use pads and not tampons.

Is there any pain after the abortion?

• During the first week, you may experience pain similar to normal menstruation.
• The medications you bought at the pharmacy are usually sufficient to treat the pain.
• If the pain becomes severe, you should see a doctor.

After the operation

• It is recommended that there is an adult with you on the first night after the procedure
• You should not operate vehicles or heavy machinery for 24 hours after the procedure
• You are allowed to eat and consume beverages without restrictions following the operation
• A few days after the operation you can resume normal activities like walking, running and household chores
• Work can be resumed the following day
• You can experience bleeding like a normal period or experience spotting for up to a week after
• Your normal period will return after 6 - 8 weeks
• If you start with birth control pills, you should take the first pill no later than the day after the abortion or the next day in the morning. If you take it later, you are not protected for the first month.

When should I take my medicine?

It is recommended that you take painkillers for the first time at:

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Your contact nurse is: 

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Additional comments: 

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What should I do if I feel sick?

You should seek medical attention if you:

• feel unwell
• get a fever of more than 38 degrees
• experience increasing abdominal pain
• start to bleed heavily
• observe foul-smelling discharge

In case of problems within the first day, you can contact:

The Department of Day Surgery on phone 38 62 10 41 from 08:00 - 15:00

If you have problems outside our normal opening hours, you can contact:

The Department of Gynecology on phone 38 62 31 91 up to three days after the procedure.