I had a medical abortion yesterday at the age of 15.
By anonymous on 11/05/2009
Hello All :). I had a medical abortion yesterday at the age of 15. By sharing my story, I hope it helps younger women going through the same thing feel a little bit at ease as it is fairly positive. So, I found out I was pregnant last Friday as I was a week overdue my period. I do have a boyfriend and as we used contraception, I stupidly thought it was a late period as I still haven't fallen into a pattern. Anyway, I took a pregnancy test with my best friend very close at hand for support. When it showed positive, I was shocked and distraught. I told my mum the day after and she immediately phoned Marie Stopes and booked for a private abortion (as I was about seven weeks.) The people on the phone were lovely and I was booked my first appointment a couple of days after. So, my first appointment at Marie Stopes went like this. I waited in the waiting room for what felt like an eternity, very nervous. Eventually a nurse called me in and she asked me about my medical history, took my blood pressure and a finger prick test to see whether I was positive or negative blood type. I am positive so didn't need an Injection, thank goodness. I then took my first pill with water and went home. I felt no side effects or symptoms from this pill. I then went back the next day for the second set of pills. These were four pills to dissolve in the cheeks of my mouth for half an hour. During the train journey home, I started feeling a bit shivery and shaky, whether this was because I was scared of everything gushing out of me on the train (which it didn't, of course!) or just the side effects of the pills, I don't know.
After about 45 minutes, I began to get a cramp at the very bottom of my stomach that was sore but bearable. I didn't need to take any painkillers and the bleeding was just like a period. I lay down for a while and after about two hours something scary happened. I stood up to go to the toilet and blood started rushing out of me, almost like a wee. I sat on the toilet waiting for it to stop and suddenly (sorry to be graphic) what felt like a large red ball just flew out of me! I said to myself, ‘okay, I probably shouldn't look at that’. I flushed the toilet and cleaned myself up. And that was that, the worst part was over and it lasted about 45 seconds.
Following this, I had some milder cramping and a couple of big blood clots, but nothing I couldn't handle. I had a really good night’s sleep and woke up, for the first time in a month without feeling sick and my appetite for chocolate is back, thankfully! So I suggest, ladies, have a duvet, the TV remote, a bottle of water, some BIG pads, a toilet near, painkillers if you need and don't worry, it's over before you know it. X
Editor’s note: Thanks for sharing your experience with us…It sounds as if it was very straightforward for you and you’ve come through it physically very well. It will help some readers know what to expect and be reassured, although people’s experiences vary enormously as the stories show.
It must have felt quite urgent to get the situation sorted as soon as possible and I expect you are feeling quite relieved that it’s over. Having had a bit of time now since your abortion, you may be thinking or feeling a little differently about it. If you do, we can help – just call the helpline or visit your nearest centre for some support.