Manual Vacuum Aspiration Miscarriage (MVA) is a way of emptying the uterus (womb) using local anaesthetic whilst you are awake. MVA has been used for more than 30 years in the UK, United States and globally. It has been shown to be a safe procedure, with a high success rate and good patient acceptability.
This is appropriate where miscarriage has occurred up to nine weeks or equivalent size or where not all of the pregnancy tissue has come away at the time of miscarriage.
Local anaesthetic is used to numb your cervix prior to the procedure. A narrow tube is then used to empty your womb using gentle suction.
On admission
You will be seen by the nurse who will ensure that you fully understand the procedure and that you are happy to go ahead. Approximately one hour prior to the procedure you will be given some tablets to be inserted into the vagina in order to prepare your cervix. This can either be done by yourself using a tampon, or can be put in for you by the nurse. These allow your cervix to be prepared for the MVA. We will give you some pain relieving medication.
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure lasts 15 to 20 minutes in total. You will be asked to lie on a couch where a vaginal speculum will be inserted to allow the doctor to see the neck of your womb (cervix). You will be given some local anaesthetic to numb your cervix. This allows the doctor to gently pass a small tube into your womb. Some women find using some gas and air (Entonox) useful to help with any discomfort. The nurse will explain how to use this at the time of the procedure. Gentle suction is applied to allow the doctor to aspirate the pregnancy tissue from your womb.
The doctor or the nurse will scan to ensure that all the pregnancy tissue has come away.
After the procedure Many women feel well enough to go home straight after the MVA, however there are facilities available if more recovery time is needed.
During your stay you will be given antibiotic tablets to reduce the risk of infection. It is very important that you take these. If you feel that you cannot take these tablets please discuss this with the staff.
If your blood group is Rhesus negative you will be given an Anti D injection prior to discharge.
By the time you are ready to go home your you can expect your bleeding to be similar to a heavy period.
Bleeding
It is normal to bleed for 2 to 3 weeks following this procedure.
You should use pads and not tampons during this time to reduce the risk of infection.
If your bleeding is heavy please contact Women’s Outpatients Department.
Pain
Some women experience some mild to moderate pain in the days following the procedure this is usually relieved by Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
If the pain becomes more severe please contact Women’s Outpatients Department
Discharge
If you develop a smelly vaginal discharge it is important that you contact your GP for advice.
Infection
To reduce the risk of infection please use pads rather than tampons and avoid intercourse for whilst you are still bleeding.
Emotions
It is not unusual to feel low in mood following a miscarriage. If you are struggling to cope with these feelings in the coming weeks and months, be kind to yourself, accept support from friends and family. Please contact your GP for further help and support
Please also look at the Miscarriage Association website which has lots of helpful advice (see next page).
Further appointments
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Useful contact information
Women’s Outpatients Department CIC: 01228 814264
Aspen Ward - 01228 814287
Miscarriage Association: Miscarraige association
Association of early Pregnancy Units: Association of early pregnancy units
Confidentiality
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For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302