Do Abortions Hurt, And How Long Does The Pain Last?

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Medical News TodaySubscribeAre abortions painful?

Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Lana Burgess — Updated on January 28, 2026

Do abortions hurt?
Other side effects
Risks and complications
Minimizing pain
Emotional impact
Getting advice
Summary

Key takeaways

Most abortions involve taking medication within the first 11 weeks of pregnancy. This type of abortion does cause pain or cramping, but the discomfort is short-term and usually manageable.
The other types of pregnancy termination involve local or general anesthetic to ensure there is no pain. All types of abortion are safe with a very low risk of complications when performed by a medical professional.
People can get confidential advice about abortion from nonjudgmental helplines and health professionals.

In this article, we discuss whether abortions hurt, the other side effects, and their potential risks and complications.

We also explore the potential emotional effects of having an abortion, minimizing pain and side effects, and getting advice about abortion.

The Dobbs decision

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that secured a person’s constitutional right to an abortion.

This means that individual states are now able to decide their own abortion laws. As a result, many states will ban or severely restrict abortion access.

The information in this article was accurate and up to date at the time of publication, but the facts may have changed since. Anyone looking to learn more about their legal rights can message the Repro Legal Helpline via a secure online form or call 844-868-2812.

woman sitting on a bed — Francesco Sambati/EyeEm/Getty Images

Do abortions hurt?

The experience of an abortion varies between individuals and depends largely on the type of abortion they have.

The three most common types of abortion are:

medical abortions
vacuum aspiration
dilation and evacuation

There are also self-induced abortions, which often involve using unregulated and potentially dangerous methods.

We discuss what to expect during each of these procedures below.

Medical abortion

A medical abortion is when a person takes two prescription abortion pills to end a pregnancy. According to the advocacy group Planned Pregnancy, a doctor will typically recommend this type of abortion up to 11 weeks after a person’s last period.

The first pill, mifepristone, stops the pregnancy from developing. The second pill, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and pass the pregnancy tissue. These contractions can be painful.

Some people describe the experience as being similar to having a heavy period and cramps, while others may experience more intense cramping.

When someone has a medical abortion, they usually pass out the pregnancy tissue within 4 to 5 hours. Individuals may experience some bleeding or spotting for several weeks after taking the pills.

Vacuum aspiration

Vacuum aspiration is a type of surgical abortion that involves the use of gentle suction to remove the pregnancy tissue. Healthcare professionals typically use it up to 13 weeks into a pregnancy.

The doctor will give an injection or medication to numb the cervix before performing the aspiration. Sometimes they can prescribe a general anesthetic, but this is rare.

Because the procedure involves pain-relief medications, vacuum aspiration usually does not hurt. However, a person may experience a dragging or pulling sensation during the process.

Some people may experience moderate cramping for 1 or 2 days after having vacuum aspiration, while others may experience bleeding or spotting for up to 2 weeks afterward.

Dilation and evacuation

Dilation and evacuation is another type of surgical abortion that doctors typically recommend if the person has been pregnant for more than 13 weeks.

Dilation and evacuation involve using a general anesthetic, which puts the person to sleep. This means they will not be conscious during the procedure and cannot feel pain.

The doctor begins by using dilators, which are thin rods, to open the cervix. They then use forceps and suction to remove the pregnancy tissue.

After a dilation and evacuation procedure, a person may experience some cramping for 1 or 2 days. They may also have spotting or bleeding for up to 2 weeks.

Self-induced

Self-induced abortions do not involve a doctor in a clinic. Some people carry out these types of abortions by taking improper prescription medications or, on more rare occasions, by inserting foreign objects into the vagina.

Depending on the method and level of risk, this could potentially result in significant pain or other risks.

Other side effects of abortions

In addition to the intended effects, abortions can sometimes cause temporary side effects.

Medical abortion

The potential side effects of a medical abortion include:

nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
fever
chills
dizziness
headache

Around one in 10 people experience these side effects, according to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS).

Surgical abortion

Surgical abortions include both vacuum aspiration and dilation and evacuation. The potential side effects of these procedures can include:

soreness
cramping
bleeding

Some people may also have negative reactions to anesthesia, leading to dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea.

Risks and complications of abortions

Abortions are usually low risk. However, in rare circumstances, complications can occur.

Medical abortions

Although abortion pills are typically very safe and effective, they can sometimes be less effective, which can lead to the uterus still containing tissue.

According to the BPAS, around 2 in 100 medical abortions are incomplete, and 1 in 100 do not work at all, meaning the person may need to repeat the procedure.

Sometimes, a doctor will need to perform a surgical abortion to remove the remaining pregnancy tissue.

Very rarely, people who undergo a medical abortion experience severe bleeding, known as a hemorrhage.

Surgical abortions

Both vacuum aspiration and dilation and evacuation are safe and effective surgical procedures that carry a low risk of complications.

According to the ACOG, surgical abortions result in fewer complications than medical abortions. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 people experience complications during a second-trimester abortion.

If complications do occur, they may include:

remaining pregnancy tissue
infection
heavy bleeding
injury to the cervix, uterus, or other organs

Self-induced

Self-induced abortions are high risk procedures.

Using unsterilized tools can cause bacterial infections, which can lead to septic shock. Self-induced abortions can also cause:

incomplete abortions
hemorrhaging
uterine, cervix, or other organ injuries

Ways of minimizing pain and side effects

To minimize pain following an abortion, a person can try:

taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen
using a hot water bottle or warm compresses to help ease abdominal cramping
warm baths, if a healthcare professional recommends them

If these measures are not sufficient, speak with a doctor. They may prescribe stronger medications.

Emotional impact of an abortion

Every person feels differently after having an abortion. Some people may feel relieved from the stress of an unintended pregnancy.

Others may experience guilt or depression after having an abortion, even if they feel it is the right decision for them.

If a person feels guilty, sad, or anxious after having an abortion, they can speak with their doctor. The doctor can help them access talk therapy or support groups to process these feelings.

Alternatively, if a person is uncertain about speaking with a doctor, there are free and confidential helplines, such as:

the National Abortion Hotline
Exhale
Connect & Breathe

Be aware that some organizations that claim to support people who have had abortions have other goals, such as persuading people against them.

People can find more nonjudgmental support organizations on Planned Parenthood’s website.

Getting advice about abortions

Having an abortion is a personal decision. What is right for one person may not be right for another.

To get advice about abortion, a person can consult their doctor or research online. ACOG has a frequently asked questions section on abortion care that answers some of the common questions that people may have.

Unbiased, scientific sources provide the most factual information on abortions. Understanding the science behind abortions will help a person make an informed choice that they are most comfortable with.

Summary

Medical and surgical abortions are typically low risk ways to end a pregnancy, and every person’s experience is different.

Medical abortions may cause some pain and cramping because they cause the uterus to contract to expel the pregnancy tissue. A person can usually manage the pain using OTC medications.

Someone undergoing a surgical abortion will experience little pain during the procedure because doctors give a local or general anesthetic. However, people may experience some cramping for a few days afterward.

Abortion
Pain / Anesthetics
Pregnancy / Obstetrics

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Abortion care. (2022).https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion
Harris LH, et al. (2020). Complications of unsafe and self-managed abortion.https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMra1908412
How does the abortion pill work? (n.d.).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill/how-does-the-abortion-pill-work
In-clinic abortion. (n.d.).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/in-clinic-abortion-procedures
Pills by post – Abortion pill treatment at home. (n.d.).https://www.bpas.org/abortion-care/abortion-treatments/the-abortion-pill/remote-treatment/
Shamsi S, et al. (2020). An overview of unsafe abortion: Patterns and outcomes in a tertiary level hospital.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32844789/
The abortion pill. (n.d.).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill

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Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Lana Burgess — Updated on January 28, 2026

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Tag » When Should Cramping Stop After An Abortion

Do Abortions Hurt, And How Long Does The Pain Last?

Key takeaways

The Dobbs decision

Do abortions hurt?

Medical abortion

Vacuum aspiration

Dilation and evacuation

Self-induced

Other side effects of abortions

Medical abortion

Surgical abortion

Risks and complications of abortions

Medical abortions

Surgical abortions

Self-induced

Ways of minimizing pain and side effects

Emotional impact of an abortion

Getting advice about abortions

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

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