Manual Vacuum of Aspiration of Pregnancy (MVA) is a way of performing termination of pregnancy 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 method is appropriate up to nine weeks gestation.

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

Choosing to terminate a pregnancy can be an emotionally difficult decision. This leaflet aims to provide information about Manual Vacuum Aspiration of Pregnancy and what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

What will happen?

You will have one or two visits to the hospital

1st visit:

  • You will be seen by a nurse and perhaps a doctor who are experienced with this procedure. They will be able to answer any questions you may have.
  • We will take a medical, menstrual and contraceptive history; future contraception will be discussed and agreed with you.
  • A blood sample may will be taken or arranged with you to check on your Blood Group.
  • You will be offered Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Testing, with a self-taken swab.
  • An ultrasound scan is performed to see how far your pregnancy has progressed.
  • If, after discussion you decide to go ahead with Manual Vacuum Aspiration Termination you will be asked to sign two consent forms.
  • A suitable time will be agreed with you for the procedure to happen. You will require a responsible adult to be with you on the day and to take you home afterwards

On the day of the procedure you will be asked to attend Women’s Outpatients Department. You can expect to be in the department for 2 – 3 hours

On admission you will be seen by the nurse.

You will be given some tablets to be inserted into the vagina. This can either be done by yourself using a tampon or, can be put in for you by the nurse. These are inserted approximately one hour prior to the procedure. These allow your cervix to be prepared for the procedure. We will give you some pain relieving medication.

What happens during the termination?

  • The procedure lasts 15 to 20 minutes in total.
  • You will be asked to lie on a couch where a speculum will be inserted to allow the doctor to see your cervix.
  • You will be given some local anaesthetic which will numb your cervix. This allows the doctor to gently open your cervical canal.
  • 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.
  • A small tube is then inserted through your cervix and gentle suction applied. This allows the doctor to aspirate the gestation sac from your womb; you may experience some crampy, period type pains.
  • The doctor or the nurse will use ultrasound to ensure that the sac has come away.
  • Most women feel well enough to go straight home after the procedure; others need to rest for a short amount of time.
  • 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.

The contraception that you have decided upon will be started at this time (coils can be put in at the time of the procedure or three weeks later at another appointment).

By the time you are ready to go home your you can expect your bleeding to be similar to a heavy period.

What happens after the termination?

Bleeding

It is normal to bleed for 2 to 3 weeks following this procedure. You should use pads and not tampons during this time. 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. It is usually relieved by Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. You should feel well enough to return to work the next day.

If the pain becomes more severe please contact Women’s Outpatients Department on 01228 814264

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 termination of pregnancy. 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.

 

Useful Contacts

Women’s Outpatients Department CIC: 01228 814264

Solway Clinic, Sexual Health: 01228 608989

Sexual Health Cumbria: 0845 371 4037

British Pregnancy Advisory Service: 08457 30 40 30

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

The Bridgeway (Sexual Assault Support Service 24/7 Helpline): 0808 118 6432

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

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