The level of pain varies from person to person. Both medical and surgical abortions cause some amount of cramping. These cramps can feel like light to heavy menstrual cramps, like when you get your period. Most of those who have had an abortion report cramps that last from five minutes to a half-hour. It is normal to experience some bleeding during and after either a medical or surgical abortion. You can use pads that are for periods. Most women find that an over-the-counter pain reliever is enough to help with their pain, and they are physically capable of returning to work or school after a surgical abortion.

If you have a surgical abortion, the procedure itself takes five to 15 minutes. Some kind of painkiller is used in all abortions. Also, general anesthesia can be used if the girl or woman would prefer to be asleep for the procedure. The use of general anesthetics can increase the amount of time the girl or woman would need to remain in the clinic after the procedure as well as the medical risks and costs of the procedure.

The clinic you choose will talk with you more about how you may feel physically and emotionally before, during and after the abortion. It is important to remember that each person has a unique experience of pain.