“Remember that the anxiety & anticipation sometimes is worse than the experience.”
This client explains their anxieties before having a medical abortion, and shares that they found the reality of their experience to be easy and straightforward.
I was really nervous going ahead with my abortion. I was torn on which option was best pain- wise and anxiety-wise. I chose to take the medical abortion pills.
My phone call appointments were very easy and straightforward, and after my second call my pills came two days afterwards, in the post. After taking the first pill, I was nervous for what I was going to experience. The first pill was nothing and gave me light spotting about 9 hours post taking it.
“Being able to be in my bed and have a friend come and check on me it was extremely bearable.”
The following day I took the second pills. I did this orally as this worked better for me. I laid in bed and was preparing myself for the worst, but it didn’t kick in for about 2 hours after. I had taken paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine, which prepared ahead of any cramps. My cramps were minimal after taking the first four pills and being able to be in my bed and have a friend come and check on me it was extremely bearable.
“I am thankful for such an easy and simple process.”
The ‘worst’ of it only came after taking the final two misoprostol 3 hours after the first, and pain lasted an hour to me, which was what only felt like a period (as someone who suffers with bad period cramps), I’d rate the pain a 5 or 6 out of 10.
I had no nausea, no chills, just cramps and letting the process happen with expected bleeding. I am thankful for such an easy and simple process, and having no real suffering or struggle with pain or symptoms.
I am now 4 days post- medical abortion, even the day after it still just felt like a normal light period, minimum cramps and I have since been able to go about my days. I had a good experience. Remember that the anxiety and anticipation sometimes is worse than the reality, and that others’ negative experiences will not always be how you yours will be, especially if you’re prepared.
Every person is different and will experience different levels of pain and bleeding throughout the process. Find out more about pain and medical abortion here.
Read more abortion stories
Sharing stories is at the heart of ending the stigma that too many people still feel when it comes to abortion.
Share your story as part of a new documentary film
MSI UK is working with a BAFTA and Emmy-winning production company on a documentary film that follows the stories of people considering and seeking a surgical abortion. We’re looking for people interested in sharing their story and being featured in the documentary.
