AMA - I had a surgical termination

[GinFling]

I had a surgical termination 8 weeks ago, and I wondered if this might be a helpful thread for other women who may be going through the process. Although I could find lots of clinical info on the net, and lots of medical speak (it could be ‘uncomfortable’ etc), I really struggled to find anything about what it would actually be like. So ask me anything, if it might help...

Hi can I ask how long it took for you to have the procedure done? I worry about waiting too long

@needingadvice2 hi, it took me just over a week, I didn’t go to my local hospital as they only offered medical termination (which is the case with most NHS hospitals), so I contacted BPAS and Marie Stopes and just went with whoever could see me quicker. So it’s good to get the process started as soon as possible, I believe two weeks from referral to procedure is average.

Can I ask how far along you were and what anaesthetic was used? I'll be about 5 weeks when I have one with just LA next week and I'm wondering what the actual injection is like?
Were you given any tablets to help soften the cervix beforehand, if so what were they like, did they cause sickness etc?

Hi @Meredithgrey1, I was 13 weeks along. I had a general anaesthetic, that was the only option at the clinic I attended and TBH I was really glad, as I think it’s a bigger procedure the further along you are. I’ve had a local anaesthetic for a cervical procedure before, and it was a sharp stinging sensation - not awful, and over in seconds, but not totally painless. I did have tablets to soften the cervix beforehand, they didn’t make me sick, they started some cramps but it was no worse than period pains. They did give me the most horrendous diarrhoea that evening though! I hope it goes ok for you, sending you a virtual handhold.

With what they are doing, it would be shocking to be anything less than general.

For health reasons I only want surgical but read on this site they’re trying Not to preform them and only doing medical did u have problems getting a surgical I think possibly I’d only be aloud surgical but just incase with Covid they may try and push medical I’m scared hope that makes sense