Is an abortion very painful?

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Pain from Abortion

Abortion is a decision you will have to make. But it is not an easy decision. Its a decision that seems to be an easy way out to a situation that will haunt you for the rest of your life.

Some feel pain during an abortion, and some do not feel pain during an abortion. Its the emotional pain that you will carry with you. Its the emotional pain that you will remember.

I know some people carry guilt and grief with them for what they did and some never look back on the day of their abortion. I am one of those that does carry the guilt, grief, and remorse for having an abortion. A day never goes by that I dont think of the child missing from my life.

Its been many years since my abortion. I was scared to tell my parents I was pregnant. My boyfriend of 2 years, couldnt handle the situation and just abandoned me. I had no one to turn too. I was 18 years old and none of my friends had any good advice to give me. Back then I dont know if they had organizations to go to, or people to talk to. Had I known my situation might have turned out differently.

I miss the child that Ill never hold, kiss, or watch grow up. That is what I live with. That is the guilt and sadness I carry with me.

Here are more stories and comments from WikiAnswers contributors:

• If you choose to get drugs, you won't feel a thing. Afterwards, you can except some cramping and a little bleeding. Maybe a little nausia from the drugs. They just numb you down there and you are awake during the whole thing. Good luck.

• I just got an abortion, and it didn't hurt at all. actually, you have a few options. you could do the local anesthetic, which you will be numb, but awake. you'll still feel the tugging and pulling, and some cramping afterwards, but it's not bad.
  
  Then there's the general anesthetic, which is what i chose. It puts you to sleep, and I didn't feel a thing at all. When I woke up, i felt completely rested, a little grogy because the anesthesia was still in my system. It felt like i had one too many shots of tequila when i woke up. no headache, just felt a little drunk. I had a little cramping, it wasn't bad. They gave me 800mg of ibuprofen, which took care of the cramps completely, and i felt fine the next day.
  
  The abortion isn't painful, but there are the emotional issues that may stick with you. Personally, I'm fine, I don't regret what I did, and I have no guilt. But I knew that if i brought the baby into my world, it wouldn't be happy. and i know i wouldn't have the heart to give it up for adoption once i saw the baby. these are other things you need to think about. as far as physical pain, you have nothing to worry about at all, it's almost, if not completely, painless.

• Having an abortion will be the most tremendous pain that you will probably ever feel in your life and you will pay for it the rest of your life. You will never, ever forget it, and you will never, ever get over it. If you don't want the responsibility of having a baby right now, or if you just can't, please, please give someone else the opportunity to love the precious life that is inside of you right now. It is not just "a thing", it is an actual human life, no matter how big it is. Ask yourself, what if your mother would have had an abortion when she was pregnant with you? And what might this child become if you only give it a chance to live. I know that it would be very difficult to give up 9 months (or more) of your life, but to save another life, it will be well worth your time (and that's an understatement!). Take care.

• I definetly agree with the person above. They tell you it wont hurt, but it is the worst pain i have ever experienced- physically and emotionally. Don't do it.

• I agree with the two people above me. It's not the physical pain you need to worry about. It's the pain of guilt that will stay with you.

• Ok, first off, as for the 3 answers above me. It really depends on your beliefs and where you stand with the abortion arguments. I just got an abortion a few days ago, and I feel perfectly fine now. They're right, I will never forget it, but it's not fazing me. it just depends who you are.

• I found the actual abortion to be extremely uncomfortable during the first 2/3. After that it feels like an extremely bad period. After you leave the clinic (they usually allow you to stay in the room for as long as you need to recover and feel steady on your feet) you will probably want to sleep through the severe pain, which lasts for about 1-3 hours. After this time, it tends to feel more like a normal period.
  
  As far as the emotional pain goes, I didn't have any major problems with this, but probably because it was a well thought out decision which included my boyfriend. My boyfriend was also present for the operation (it is just done on a normal gynecological bed) and was very supportive afterwards. Whether or not you have this benefit, I recommend seeing a counselor afterwards--it can't hurt, and it is not expensive.

• When a person asks, "is an abortion painful?", they are not asking for an anti abortion response. The choice for an abortion is not a simple one, most of the time it is based upon the current social, financial, and psychological status of that particular female. It may be easy for one to point out the horrible pain that another may feel for the rest of her life, especially if you are married, financially secure, and are mentally prepared for a child. The simple fact is there are many girls and women who are not. Myself being one of them at one point in my life. I had just graduated with a BA, starting law school the following semster. I was broke... I recieved full scholarships and financial aid throughout my time in college. I worked 3 jobs to just get by and had been taking the pill for years. My now ex boyfriend wanted nothing to do with a child. I was alone, broke, and no where near ready to deal with what life would be like. I thought of ways I could do this and make it on my own. I couldnt see it. All I could see was a life of poverty and a horrible up-bringing for an unprepared for child. I sought all my options, and was an emotional wreck. I was put under general anesthesia and delt with cramping and bleeding after the procedure for only 2 days. I experienced dreams (nightmares) for much longer. I know one day I will be an exceptional mother and be able to provide for this child: financially & emotionally. I wont have to worry about the cost of a pregnancy or the price of diapers and private school. The decision I made was right for me & the physical pain you experience should be the last question in your mind. You need to know why you are considering it, what all of your options are and what the outcome of all your decisions could lead to. Realize the reality of what you are considering: your pregnant with a new life forming inside of you and you wish to terminate that life. Make a conscious decision that no one pressures you into. Only you know whats best for you and no one can tell you otherwise. I suggsst you call a unplanned pregnancy hotline and speak with a professional rather than listen to others' opinions (which are nothing close to personal experiences) and make a personal educated decision on such a highly controversial issue.

• I had my first abortion just 6 months ago. They put me to sleep where I live. So you go to sleep wake up and your done. You have cramping just like a period. It was more painful to live with after. I woke up and realized what had just happened and became histerical. After a few weeks I blocked it all out and dont even think about, but If I do then I cry. Some girls it doesnt bother. I grew up against it my whole life and I still cant believe I went through with it. If you do it then I would reccomend being put to sleep if possible. Everyone who gets one and is awake says it hurts bad. So maybe a drive to the city would be worth it.

• yes it is painful. If you feel its the right thing to do then do it. if you are not sure then I think you should take it up with the other mate, and if they don't know you should take it to the man over all and that is God. And you will get the right answer. I've done it and yes it is emotionally effecting me and my boyfriends life but we got through it together, and now we are having twins but we were just not ready as teens. So you do what you feel is right, no matter what these people say, its your life and they won't be there for you when you do have the baby. So whoever needs the advice I'm not telling you to listen to me but don't listen to anybody, do what you and your mate feels is right, and if your mate is not there take it to The Lord and Savior. JESUS

• the pain of abortion is nothing u are asleep the whole time, its the living with what u did that is painful unti the day u die

• mild to extreme period like cramps occur when you wake up if you are asleep. you'll get some pain medication though. if you are sure of your decision, emotional pain is not something that will be too hard on you. make sure it's the right thing for you to choose. you don't have to regret your abortion.

• why does everyone have to have so much emotion. I hope yopu know that guys do not like to get even close to single women with children. And even if you are with someone at the time... the chances are (with your situation) that you won't be seeing that guy very long.

• The whole process is extremly painful, if they don't put you to sleep..... You feel like the hose they put in you will suck out all your organs and you feel severe pain in your belly button area, from the inside the umbelical cord... IT is the worst pain any woman can go through... Seriously think this OVER and really know if you are going to be ok with the choice you make.....
  
  I would not wish anybody the physical pain during and emotional pain after...

• All I remember was a nurse telling me "how much better I'd feel" when it was all over, no more sickness and tiredness.. then i remember her holding my hand and I remember crying "is it over yet, is he almost done?" because it did hurt, and I did feel everything, and the cramping on the way home was unbearable..I was also nauseaous too, and my boyfriend, well three days later, he was nowhere to be found. Now, 18 years and four children later, I think about the son or daughter that would have been 18, that would have been graduating high school, would have been an older brother or sister to my four children.. and know that while the physical pain will fade, the memory of what I did, and the memory of that child I killed because I took the easy way out haunts me constanty. Pain killers will not take away that pain..Therapy and counselors couldnt even help. I was wrong to take a life that I created! While no-one can tell you what YOU will experience in the "physical pain category",because we all handle pain differently, I'm sure many of us can tell you that the emotional pain is life-long.

• It was like severe cramps. I didn;t need morphine as the pain was not that intense. I think it will depend on the length of pregnancy and the individual's pain threshhold. I have not suffered emotionally from it although I am now EXTREMELY careful about protected sex. Which can only be a good thing.

• I was 7 weeks along with twins and had been very, very sick. I found out that one had died and as sick as I was I didn't think the other would survive either. I hadn't eaten in that 7 weeks .. I had lost 15 pounds and my blood pressure which was normal before pregnancy .. shot up to 160/120. I was miserable and in bed 24 hours a day except to use the bathroom which was every 30 minutes because I was so sick and had diarrhea.
  
  My husband and I decided to terminate the pregnancy because of my health. I'm 35 yrs old - it was my first pregnancy and I've been with this same man for almost 19 years. I had the procedure done at Planned Parenthood just 5 days ago.
  
  At the 'appointment' I was put in a room to wait with 10 other girls -- we felt like a bunch of cattle being led to slaughter. We all waited for hours until it was our turn. Every 15 minutes or so ... one of us was led out of the room to have our procedure done. I didn't want the Valium or the Morphine - just took the pain pill they gave me with the pills to make my cervix dialate. I also had some phenergan for the extreme nausea but that was it. The worst part was the 4 hour wait to be called in. You sit in an uncomfortable chair and wonder what's going to happen next.
  
  The procedure took about 5 minutes - it was quick and the pain wasn't too bad .. it was more pressure in the area than pain. I do remember breathing deeply when I would get a cramp and thinking that I hoped it was almost over. The tube that sucked out the tissue etc. wasn't bad .. it felt like when you have your hand on a hose and you feel water going through it.
  
  Afterwards I was taken to a room to recover with the other girls who looked and acted like Zombies because they had taken all of the drugs. I was given pills to keep infection away - ibuprofen for the pain and a pill that is to help my insides go back to pre-pregnancy size. Those pills cause cramping but a heating pad on the abdomen and some tylenol will help get you through that.
  
  I do find that I cry for silly reasons now and I hope it's just the hormones leaving my body. I'm also VERY afraid of getting pregnant again. I just couldn't deal with being that sick and having the miscarriage. My husband is getting a vasectomy next month but we will still be using condems so I'll feel 'safe'.
  
  It truly was the worst day of my life when I think about it ... but it was also something that needed to be done as I was finally able to eat the next day. I do believe that if it's something you've thought through and something you feel is right for YOU ... you should do it. The 15 yr old girl I was in the waiting room with was taking some pretty heavy drugs and drinking. I hate to think of what her baby would be going through had it been in her body much longer. :(

• One thing I would like to say to everyone out there that may be planning to have an abortion is that its a choice that you have to make. there are only 2 choices when you get pregnant & abortion is a choice that some people truly have to make. What they don't need is all you religious fanatics judging them & making them feel even worse than they already do. Some people that come to this website may actually take your advice seriously & have the child that they can't take care of properly. You need to keep your judgements to yourself & all the crazy freaks you go to church with. And to all the women out there that are plannning on doing this, I wish you all the luck in the world. Don't let these people scare you with their crazy opinions. Not that I'm saying that there isn't a God, but the information that they get about these things come from the Bible, and the Bible isn't always right. And to all you Christians out there, you bring shame to your religion and shame to yourselves by scaring these poor defenseless women who are making one of the biggest decisions they will ever have to make in their lives. Good luck to all the women about to make this decision.

• It may not be physical pain that you experience from the abortion. But, the pain that hurts the worst is MENTALLY.

• For one thing what I just read about us "religious fanatics" was completely uncalled for. That statement was just about the rudest I have EVER heard. Truely, this site is for making opinions and asking questions, and that may be what you did, but you have no, ABSOLUTELY NO idea what you are talking about. This goes above and beyond "religious freaks" (as you would say). This actualy is a matter for God. And ma'm, to answer your your question, yes I know through God that this desision might leave scars emotionaly. I would tell you to pray about this and I will pray for you. I'm not sure exactly what God would think of this, but I do know what Satan would think. It's like a string that he pulls and right now, he just pulled this lady's string. No I don't want to get all religious on you, but I know in my heart the Bible is right. Read its words, it will guide you in the right direction. I know what what might help. I will lead you through the process. If you haven't done this yet, please, save this message and when the time is right, try it. 1. Go into a quiet room and neal down. 2. Tell God that you want to be his follower and you want to live for him. 3. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and be a part of you. 4. Ask him for forgiviness of all of your sins. 5. Tell your father how you feel and talk to him regularly I know that this will help. And for the record..........THE BIBLE IS MOST DEFINATELY ALWAYS RIGHT. With love and care, I wish you all the best.

• I had an abortion 2 weeks ago today. For anyone out there who wants an HONEST answer to this question, let me tell you that IT DOESN'T HURT!!!! For young girls out there, please know that some of the answers on this website is by Religious freaks that want to scare you, so they are going on here saying its sooo painful. Well, they're wrong, and they should not be on this website. Also, if you have a dick you should not be on this website.
  
  Anyways, here's my story: I'm 24, in school and do not want a kid right now. I made an appointment at a clinic close to home. It cost $460 total. I was really freaked out when I went in there, mostly because I heard that there was a lot of cramping after the procedure. Anyways, my lesbian friend Michelle took me, and I would recommend having a friend take you instead of your boyfriend. I had to fill out some paperwork, they took a blood sample and a urine sample to make sure I was pregnant. Then they took me to a room to get undressed & into a gown that they use at hospitals. A nurse came in to go over my medical history & told me that I would feel no pain. I did not believe her, but it turns out she was right! I got scared when they put me on the table, but I was glad it was all women in the surgery room. I was only scared for a few seconds though because they put me to sleep right away. Please ladies, find a clinic that puts you to sleep, I find it hard to believe that there are clinics out there that don't put you sleep.
  
  Anyways, I woke up & I was in the recovery room in like 10 minutes!!! The procedure did not take long at all. They got me to sit up & go into the bathroom to get dressed & put a pad on. I was scared I would be cramping, but the ride home was like 40 minutes, and I was slightly cramping for maybe the first 10 minutes of the ride home and that's all! I could not believe it!! I actually went to a X-mas party a couple of hours later.
  
  Be sure to take the pills to prevent infection that they give you. And sleep for maybe an hour after the procedure & you should be fine!! I thought surely I would be sore down in that area, but it felt totally normal, like nothing had even happened down there! I am a very tiny person, only 110 lbs. I hurt down there after sex sometimes, so I thought surely it would hurt similar to that, but there was NO PAIN! I went online to find a clinic. There was not a lot to choose from, but the clinic I chose had a nice website that outlined in DETAIL their procedure. I made sure the clinic was HEAVILY insured, which all of that info was also on their website. The clinic is an extension of a major hospital in my city, and the surgeons work at the hospital. That was a major factor in determining what clinic to go to. There were some clinics that would not have costed quite so much, but this is something that you don't want to skimp on, so choose a clinic that charges the most you can afford. I do not regret my decision AT ALL. I am so relieved. I felt HORRIBLE for like 3 weeks leading up to this. I was trying to finish my Finals for school while cramping, being tired, feeling sick; now I feel GREAT! If you know for certain that you really don't want a kid right now, get this done & you won't feel bad at all. For ladies that aren't sure, talk to someone that you trust... a friend, a sister, someone that will be there to JUST LISTEN, NOT JUDGE. Don't let anyone make you feel bad that you are thinking about getting this done. This is YOUR life, and no one else's. YOU have control of your body; don't let anyone make this decision for you. GOOD LUCK

• I just had a surgical abortion yesterday. I am 26 years old, married, have a great relationship with my husband, a wonderful home, no debt aside from the mortgage, a great job, strong faith ... and I too found myself unexpectedly pregnant. After weeks of discussion, praying and soul searching, we both decided that we were NOT ready for a child.
  
  At 7 weeks, I had planned to take RU-486. I checked into the clinic for my appointment, gave a urine sample, had a vaginal ultrasound to provide the gestational age, and sat down with the nurse to discuss the procedure. She said while taking the abortion pill may cause "the worst pain of your entire life." Admittedly, that scared me, and I didn't want to be at home in horrible pain the next day.
  
  I then opted for the surgical abortion. Because I had driven myself to the appointment, the nurse said that I wasn't allowed to have narcotic pain medication for the procedure. I tend to have a very strong tolerance for pain, so I figured that I would do just fine with the 800mg Ibuprofen, Reglan (for nausea) and Xanax (to mellow me out).
  
  The nurse led me back into the procedure room, which is like any other exam room I've been in, and gave me about 30 minutes for the Xanax to kick in. A knock at the door, and 2 female doctors entered the room to perform the procedure. First a speculum was inserted into the vagina and a Pap smear was performed. Then the cervix is washed with Betadine and numbed (yes this means they poke your cervix with a needle) with Lidocaine. At that time, the instruments to dilate your cervix are inserted. This part was uncomfortable in the sense that it felt like an extended Pap smear, with lots of pressure on my cervix. Once the suction machine was turned on, the extreme discomfort began. While it lasted only 1-2 minutes, it was some of the most intense discomfort I have ever felt. It felt as though someone was reaching into my uterus and twisting/squeezing. I broke into a dripping sweat, and one of the docs held my hand and encouraged me to keep breathing. I can honestly say that it is the first time I felt as though I was going to pass out from pain.
  
  Once the procedure was over, the cramping immediately subsided. I rested in the procedure room, used the bathroom and the doctor brought me some apple juice. My blood pressure had returned to normal and I was allowed to go home. On the drive home, I called my husband to tell him that I had gone through with the procedure that day. He was surprised and disappointed that he wasn't there with me.
  
  There isn't a doubt in my mind that we made the right decision. I don't feel emotional pain or sadness, just relief and gratitude that I live in a nation where I can make such a choice. I also feel appreciative that the staff of the clinic has made it their personal mission to provide compassionate care in a time of great distress.
  
  While many women say that they're unable to get over their abortion, I don't feel as though there is anything to "get over." I made a choice, which I will always live with, but I know it was absolutely the RIGHT choice for me.

• I recently had an abortion. I was scared because there are a lot of misconceptions out there about the pain. They didn't put me to sleep. Before anything goes into you down there, they put an IV into my arm where they put the pain killers. They gave me laughing gas to calm my nerves and one of the nurse of there to ready to hold my hand if I needed it.
  
  The actual experience of the abortion was scary. It was scary because of the lack of information out there about what the real experience is truly like. Here is my account. I'm already feeling the affects of the pain killers, the doctor opened me up. I have to admit when she first had to penetrate me with the device to open me it hurts (sort of like the male organ going into you - not really painful but you could feel it).
  
  Then while on the gas and the pain killers and holding the hand of the nurse, the doctor went into my uterus and did her work. It was fast. You can feel the instrument she is using working inside you, but you shouldn't be nervous because it feels like someone touching you inside. You feel some pressure but it is pressure not pain. And I felt like I needed to use the bathroom. Kind of like the feeling you get when you have diarrhea but half of the actual characteristics.
  
  Then you're finish. My nurse helped me put my underwear and pants on and took me to the recovery room. Another nurse gave me juice and cookies and allowed my Husband to come and sit with me.
  
  I was surprise that it wasn't painful. I would do it again if another pregnancy was to occur but we learned out lesson and now we are taking preventative measures.
  
  The only painful thing really was from the pain killers side effects. It made me throw up. But that's an individual experience. I told my significant other that I wish I felt pain down there rather than the feeling of nausea. I didn't feel pain after the abortion. The doctor asked me if I felt cramping and I was surprise because I don't. They said I could have a heating pad while in the waiting room but why when I had no pain (besides the nausea from the pain killers).
  
  I had some bleeding similar to period bleeding but no pain. If you choose to go through with an abortion, you must be 100% sure you want it. Personally I wasn't 100% about it because I wanted to keep the growing life in me. But in the end it is a right choice. I am relieved and happy with this choice. If you get comments about how deadly painful it is, trust me. Carrying a baby through its 9months and giving birth is painful painful painful compared to an abortin. I had to get my four of my wisdom teeth out and the post-recovery is 1000 times worst then what I experienced in an abortion.
  
  I hope this will help you decide on your decision. And if you've already decided to go through with the abortion I hope this helps ease your mind about the pain. I must stress that you find a clinic that will treat you right. I'm fortunate to have one. It was the first clinic that opened in Canada that I went to. I did my research.

• It is the worst pain you will ever go through. No one tells you about the emotional as well as physical pain you go through. And the vacuum they use, you will never forget that sound, ever!
  
  Abortion for me was a rushed decision. I thought it was the answer to the situation I was in. No one told me that an abortion would only cause more problems and more pain.
  
  Abortion is a decision only you can make. Just get the proper counceling before you have one. Know all the information available.
  
  Abortion is a decison you will live with for the rest of your life. Trust me.

• Yes it hurts...emotionally and physically. I had mine 24 years ago and I still have not gotten over the pain.

• Abortion for me was the worst emotional and physical pain ever.

• It is extremely uncomfortable during the actual process, especially for the last 1/3. You will have severe cramps after which will usually last for a few hours, and then it feels more like a normal period.

• Every woman has two questions, "Is it a baby?" and Does it hurt?" The abortionist must answer "NO." He/she must lie to secure the consent of the woman and the collection of the clinic's fee. The women were told that we were dealing with a "product of conception" or a "glob of tissue." They were told that there would be only slight cramping, whereas, in reality, an abortion is excruciatingly painful.

• I had an abortion 2 days ago. i experianced moderate cramping afterwards. i do not feel any emotional pain or guilt. hormonal changes may cause some depression but, if you are sure of the decision, it will be nothing you can't deal with.
  
  
• Of course. But you will be given pain medication for it.
  
  An abortion involves scraping out the inside of your uterus. This will cause bleeding and soreness. It is suggested that you take at least the following day off work, and take it easy for a week afterwards. You will bleed during this time (like a period).
  
  The abortion itself is not painful. you are sedated for about ten minuets, then you will wake up in a comfy chair in a recovery room. I had a really great experience, the nurses and doctors where very nice and new that i was nervous. So they did their best to comfort me.
  
  
• yes it does hurt you because your killing something that you made and plus you feel the pain from it all when you could have just put it up for an adoption thats what i would have done instead of having the pain of killing my baby.
  
  
• I wonder what hurts more, having an abortion or childbirth or having a baby that you can not deal with or having a child that was a product of rape or incest or having a baby that will cost the mother her life.

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