Lakeside Women’s Clinic FAQs

1.What is a medical abortion?

A medical abortion is used to terminate a pregnancy up to 10 weeks using medication instead of a surgical procedure. Two appointments at the clinic are required.

The first medication, Mifepristone, is taken in the clinic. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone which is necessary for pregnancy. The second medication, Misoprostol, is taken at home 24-48 hours later. Misoprostol induces contractions (felt as cramps) in the uterus to expel the products of conception.

A follow-up appointment is necessary to confirm the successful termination of pregnancy.

2.Why choose a medical abortion?

Most women who choose medical abortion are surprised by how easy the process is and would opt for this method again, if necessary. Medical abortion is like an induced miscarriage and many appreciate that it is a relatively non-invasive process.

Your privacy is maintained because the abortion will take place at home, or wherever you choose to be. You can also decide if you would like to have someone with you or be alone during the process.

3. Are medical abortions safe?

A medical abortion is very safe. There is no evidence that medically ending the pregnancy will have any effect on future fertility or any other aspect of your overall health. Having a medical abortion does not increase your risk for breast cancer or create complications for future pregnancies.

Despite the general safety of medical abortion, it is still important to use contraception. Contraception counselling is offered at Lakeside and we would be happy to discuss birth control options with you. Remember that condoms are the only form of protection against most sexually transmitted infections.

4. Are medical abortions effective?

A medical abortion is very effective. The effectiveness will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy when you take the medication.

For those who are 8 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 94-98% of the time.

For those who are 8-9 weeks pregnant, it works about 94-96% of the time.

For those who are 9-10 weeks pregnant, it works about 91-93% of the time. 

If an extra dose of medication is required, it works about 99% of the time.

5. What if it doesn’t work?

If the medical abortion is not successful, your doctor or nurse practitioner will discuss your options with you. You may need another dose of medication or you may need to have a surgical abortion (also known as a dilation and curettage or D & C procedure).  

6. Will it affect my period?

A medical abortion starts a new menstrual cycle, so your period should go back to normal 4 to 8 weeks after your medical abortion.

7. Will it hurt?

The amount of pain differs from person to person. Some people report mild pain not unlike their normal period pain and others are very uncomfortable and may use pain medication. 

Here are some strategies for pain control:

• Uterine Massage: This involves firmly pressing down on your abdomen with your fingertips. Rub in a circular motion from the belly button down to your pubic bone. It can take up to 10 minutes of massage to feel any relief of pain.

• Drink warm liquids such as tea or hot cocoa.

• Use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen. Remember not to apply directly to the skin – use clothing or a towel between the skin and the heat.

• Practice mindfulness meditation.

• Distract yourself with a calming activity.

8. How much bleeding can I expect?

On average, bleeding lasts for 14 days. It is normal for bleeding to be heavy for 2 to 3 days and then change to light bleeding which can last for 30 days or more.

9. What are the side effects I should be concerned about?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you could be experiencing an emergency. Please call us right away.

• Too much bleeding: soaking 2 or more maxi pads in an hour for 2 hours in a row.

• Blood clots larger than a lemon.

• Severe pain or cramping that medication does not help.

• Chills and fever of 38°C or higher after day 2-3 of heavy bleeding.

• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours.

• Fainting.

• Vaginal discharge that smells bad.

• Feelings of sadness, anger, or feeling down that don’t go away.

• Still feeling pregnant (fatigue, morning sickness, or breast tenderness) more than two weeks after your medical abortion.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please call us right away.

10. Do I need a referral for a medical abortion?

No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment. Appointments can be booked by patients themselves or by a referring doctor’s office.

11. How many days in advance can I make an appointment?

Please call us as soon as you can. We appreciate how time-sensitive an abortion is and we can sometimes even accommodate same-day appointments.

12. Do I need parental consent to have a medical abortion if I am under 18 years of age?

No, patients do not require parental or guardian consent to have a medical abortion.

13. Do you accept private insurance if I do not have OHIP?

Many private insurance providers will cover the cost of some appointment types. Please discuss with your specific insurance provider for clarification on your coverages and procedures for reimbursement.

14. How soon can I start taking birth control after a medical abortion?

You can start a new birth control method immediately after having a medical abortion.

15. How long do I have to wait before I have sex again after a medical abortion?

After having a medical abortion, it is highly recommended to wait a minimum of two weeks before vaginal insertions of any kind.

16. Can a medical abortion affect breastfeeding?

Yes. Both misoprostol and mifepristone can pass into breast milk. However, these amounts are small and should not cause any problems for your infant.

17.  Will anyone find out that I had a medical abortion?

Your visit to Lakeside Women’s Clinic is 100% confidential. We will not disclose any information about your visit to anyone without your written consent, unless required to by law.

18. Why do I need testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea at the first appointment for a medical abortion?

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are very common but, most women don’t realize they have these infections because they don’t usually cause any symptoms. We test for these infections because if they are present, they could lead to complications during a medical abortion, or serious health issues later on.

19. How will a medical abortion affect my emotions?

Although we cannot predict how you will feel before, during, and after a medical abortion, it is normal to experience a variety of emotions.

• Feelings of relief, sadness, elation, or feeling down are normal and may be strong due to the hormonal changes that occur with a pregnancy and abortion. Most individuals find these feelings do not last very long and get better with time.

• Your partner or support person may also experience a variety of emotions. It can be helpful to discuss these emotions with them.

• It is helpful to have a support person/people. This may include a partner, family member, friend, and/or health care provider. Please call us or seek help if you are experiencing intense emotions and would like more information on post-abortion counselling. Click here for a list of helpful resources. If you need immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1.

20. How long will I need to rest? 

We recommend that you listen to your body. You may want to take it easy for a day or two, or until you feel ready to return to your normal activities. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Despite how well you may feel, we recommend that you not exercise intensely/vigorously for the first week. Increased activity may cause more cramping and bleeding.

• Breast tenderness and swelling may last up to 2 weeks. Avoid stimulation of the nipples to reduce breast discharge.

• It is normal to pass blood clots, especially when getting out of bed or repositioning from laying to sitting/standing.

• Most pregnancy symptoms begin to go away within 24 hours after the abortion and nausea is usually gone by the third day.

For more information and support on abortion rights in Canada, visit the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, or Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights.