Understanding Manual Vacuum Aspiration

MVA is done to end a pregnancy. It's often used during the first trimester, or up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. It may sometimes be used up to 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Your healthcare provider will talk with you about this procedure. Ask questions if something is unclear.

• Tell your healthcare provider what medicines you take. Include both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Also include vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
• Have any tests your provider asks for. You may need to have a urine pregnancy test, a blood test, and an abdominal ultrasound. You may also have a pelvic exam.
• Take any medicines your provider gives you. You will be given antibiotics to prevent infection. You may also be given medicine beforehand to open the cervix.
• Decide on the type of pain medicine you want during the procedure. Many people feel cramping during an MVA. The degree of cramping is different for every person. Your provider can give you pain medicine, such as ibuprofen. They may also give you medicine to help you relax during the procedure.

You'll also be asked to sign an informed consent form. Signing the form means you understand what is going to happen. It means you agree to the procedure. Be sure all your questions are answered before you sign the form.

An MVA is done in a clinic or healthcare provider’s office. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to do. You will be able to leave the same day.

During an MVA:

• You will lie on your back on the exam table. You will be asked to place your feet in the foot holders.
• The healthcare provider will do a pelvic exam. They will put a speculum into your vagina to better see the cervix.
• The provider will inject numbing medicine (local anesthesia) around the cervix.
• The provider will open, or dilate, the cervix with tools called cervical dilators. You may feel cramping during this time.
• Once the cervix is open wide enough, the provider will use a handheld suction device to empty the uterus.
• After, the provider may do an ultrasound to check the uterus.
• All tools will be removed.

You will be taken to a recovery area after the procedure. You will be watched until you recover from the anesthesia. If you had local anesthesia, you will likely be able to leave within 30 minutes. If you were put to sleep for the procedure, you may need longer to recover. You will also need a ride home.

Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to care for yourself after the MVA. You will most likely be able to return to your normal activities when you feel up to it. This includes bathing and having sex. But in some cases, you may be told to limit your activities for a while. Follow the provider’s advice.

After an MVA, you may have irregular vaginal bleeding for a few days to weeks. You may also have some cramping. Over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen and a heating pad may help. Your period will come back in 1 to 2 months.

You may also feel many different emotions after an MVA. It’s OK to feel emotions like relief or sadness. If you think you need help coping, ask the clinic or the healthcare provider about counseling services.

MVA is a safe and effective procedure. Problems are rare. But all procedures have risks. The risks of MVA include:

• Infection
• Heavy bleeding
• Blood clots
• Injury to the uterus, cervix, or other nearby parts of the body
• Incomplete abortion
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia

Call right away if you have:

• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing

Call your provider right away if you have any of these:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider
• Very heavy bleeding, soaking 2 pads per hour for 2 hours or more
• Increasing belly pain
• Dizziness, nausea, or muscle aches
• Vaginal discharge that smells very bad
• Signs of pregnancy, like nausea or breast tenderness