FAQs

You might have lots of questions about safe abortion in Kenya. We answer some of the things people ask and give links for more information below:

A gestation estimate can be calculated by counting the days from the first day of your last period. Because it is very difficult to predict when a woman ovulated, this calculation method provides only an estimation of maximum possible gestation. The confirmed gestation, after an ultrasound, may provide a different result.

The details of your procedure will not be made known to anyone without your consent, and we will only call or email you to confirm your booking and ensure you have the information you need to proceed safely with your medical procedure.

While you wait to see the nurse and doctor, you may wish to consider which long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) method might suit you best. My Best Fit is your personal contraception advisor and can help you determine what contraceptive solution will work best with your priorities and your lifestyle. As part of your time with the nurse, you will also have the opportunity to discuss your contraception options and you may be able to have a LARC fitted on the day, which can significantly reduce the cost of having one fitted. Ask your customer service advisor when you call to make a booking.

You will be asked medical questions to help determine your eligibility for your choice of termination of pregnancy procedure when you call to make your booking.

It is very important you are at least 6 weeks since your last menstrual period or have a confirmed pregnancy on ultrasound. If a pregnancy cannot be seen on ultrasound you may need to reschedule your appointment.

At your appointment you will be asked questions about your medical history to ensure any risk factors you have are properly managed. You will also be asked to consent to the procedure after being explained the process and risks involved.

There is no lasting contraceptive protection from having an abortion and you can ovulate as soon as two weeks after the procedure, even if you are still bleeding. It is important you discuss your contraception options at your consult and begin using a reliable contraception method right away.

Depending on your preferred method, there are different guidelines about when you can start using each method of contraception.

Method of contraceptionAdvice
Contraceptive pill, implant or injectionSurgical abortion Start on the day of the abortion, or within five days after the abortion for injections. Medical abortion Start on the day the day the medication is taken, or within five days for injections.
IUD / IUSSurgical abortion Can be inserted at the end of the surgical procedure or at a follow up appointment. Medical abortion At your post-medical abortion consult or when you receive confirmation the termination of pregnancy was successful.
Vaginal ringYou may insert a vaginal ring the day after your procedure, as it is sterile, but you must wash your hands thoroughly to avoid the risk of infection while you heal.
CondomsWhen you can safely resume vaginal intercourse.
Cervical cap, diaphragmWhen you can safely resume vaginal intercourse.
Fertility awarenessUse a backup method until you can be confident your cycle has returned to normal.

Treatment

How long you are in the clinic depends on which treatment you choose. Look at the different treatment options here.

Abortion treatment is very safe, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy. No clinical procedure is without risk and these are fully explained to you before treatment.

  • Vacuum aspiration (local anaesthetic) up to 12 or 14 weeks – you will feel cramping similar to period pain. You are given pain relief tablets and a numbing injection to the neck of your womb (cervix). 
  • Vacuum aspiration with conscious sedation up to 14 weeks – you are relaxed and sleepy and will feel little or no pain.  You will be given a numbing injection to the neck of your womb and sedative medication is given through a cannula (thin plastic tube) placed into a vein in your hand
  • Dilatation and evacuation from 15 to under 24 weeks – over 18 weeks this is done under general anaesthetic so you will  be unconscious and  feel no pain during the procedure. Anaesthetic or sedative medication is given through a cannula (thin plastic tube) placed into a vein in your hand.  From 15 to 18 weeks treatment is usually done with conscious sedation so you will be relaxed and sleepy and will feel little or no pain.
  • Early medical abortion up to 10 weeks (70 days) – you will have strong cramping similar to period pains.  We can give you strong codeine and you can also take ibuprofen. 
  • Medical abortion over 10 weeks (70+ days) – gas and air and painkillers are given as needed for the contractions experienced during labour and delivery. Over 22 weeks gestation you will need feticide which involves mild discomfort during the injection to your tummy.

Afterwards

Recovery after an uncomplicated abortion usually happens fairly quickly .Most women feel relieved after treatment, but some may feel sad or guilty. Call 0110693728 to make an appointment for post abortion counselling if you feel the need to talk. 

Most women bleed for 1-2 weeks – use sanitary towels during this time. The bleeding is like a normal period (there may be some blood clots). There may be spotting until your next period. After surgical abortion, a few women will not experience bleeding until their next period.

If your bleeding soaks 2 or more sanitary towels per hour for 2 hours in a row, contact the clinic or Aftercare line on 0110693728 urgently for advice. 

Use sanitary towels for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment.  Tampons can be used for your next menstrual period.

Most women return to their normal routine in a day or 2. Rest until you can resume your usual activities

You can have sex as soon as you feel sufficiently recovered from the abortion. You can get pregnant almost immediately after treatment, so it is important to use contraception if you do not want to get pregnant.

It’s best not to travel within 24 hours of treatment. If you must travel, make sure you know how to get emergency medical care if needed. If you choose to travel after taking the 2nd medication (misoprostol) of the abortion pill up to 10 weeks – you may have cramps and bleed heavily during travel.