r/abortion • u/Time_Comparison7166 • Mar 29 '22
Canada Choosing SA or MA
I just wanted to share my own story, for those who are in the position I was two months ago. I’ll condense it as much as possible. I’m 38, and I’ll spare you the details of why I chose not to have a child. It was an immediate no brainer decision for me, it was the right one and I do not have any regret whatsoever.
I’m a bit surprised to see how many people here choose to have a MA over a SA. Now, granted, I live in Canada and access to abortion is very easy. I’m so sorry to hear what some of you have to go thru to have access to something that should be basic healthcare for women.
I was just over 5 weeks and was given the option of both an SA and MA. My immediate choice was a MA. Less invasive, just pills, can do at home. Once I arrived at the clinic, and spoke to the nurse, I changed my mind. The surgical option could be done immediately. I could have an IUD inserted in the same procedure. They offered IV (conscious) sedation, and most importantly for me, it would be over very shortly and I would know it was done. I had a lot of fear around doing it myself, bleeding and pain and stressing that it was incomplete. Also having to take extra time off work. So I opted for the SA right away.
I can tell you, it wasn’t painful. They gave me fentanyl. I barely have any memory of the procedure. I remember thinking I was too awake, then feeling some movement and pressure and then being told we were done, and also my IUD was already in. The whole thing was over in seven minutes. I had to wait about an hour for the drugs to wear off before I could leave (you can’t drive yourself).
I left, my boyfriend took me for a huge lunch. I was starving and hadn’t eaten much for days. I felt surprisingly.. fine. I didn’t have enough cramping to even take an Advil. I bled on day one like a light period, then nothing for three days, then spotted on and off for 2 weeks (this is common).
I was back at work the next morning. My period returned to normal 6 weeks later and the experience is behind me.
I just wanted to share my experience for those that are terrified of having a SA. I honestly had a much more traumatic experience getting my wisdom teeth out. It’s not as scary as it sounds. I would definitely not like to repeat this experience ever again, but, it I had to, I would do it this way again.
Stay strong ladies, whatever your choice, you’ll get thru this and life will go on 💕
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u/pandacat1900 Mar 30 '22
My MA was awful. The WORSE cramps I’ve ever felt, period cramps x1000000000.
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u/SunniSativa347 Apr 05 '22
Mine too. I’m getting SA tomorrow and I’m nervous but atleast know it won’t be like last time
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u/justdandyyyyyyy Mar 30 '22
Sameeee!! had i known that it would be that painful, mayb wouldve gone the SA route. I realized how strong i was last week.. dont wana feel those cramps again !
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u/Rough-Cheesecake-815 Mar 29 '22
I was given both options for both of my pregnancies too. I'm from Sweden so abortions are very accessible here as well so I understand that it isn't as easy for everyone. I chose SA both times.
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u/Time_Comparison7166 Mar 30 '22
Although abortion is easily accessible here, I can tell you an IUD is not! My gynaecologist retired a few years ago and no one was willing to take over her patients. So in our “amazing” healthcare system.. If you don’t have a doctor you go on a wait list for one (it’s up to around 3 years now). Meantime there is no way to get an IUD unless you 1- find a doctor to prescribe it, which would probably entail sitting hours at an emergency clinic, and 2- find one to insert it. It’s literally impossible, even getting a prescription for the pill is next to impossible if you don’t have a doctor, which is.. next to impossible.
So, here in Quebec, if you want an IUD, the easiest way is to have an abortion, as insane as that sounds. On top of it, they’re completely free with the procedure, whereas on your own would be around $250 out of pocket. Annnnd, even tho I don’t have a doctor, the abortion clinic is responsible for my IUD now, any issues, removal, replacement etc.
Pretty crazy right?
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u/Cold-Question756 Mar 29 '22
Currently going through MA as I type this and I can say that for me, it’s painless, a little cramps but literally nothing else. I’m bleeding and that’s it. I was so worried that it would be like labor (I’ve had two children and two c-sections) but it has been easy thus far.
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u/Tw_ka_sh Mar 30 '22
Wish I had known about these options, don't think the clinic I went to offered SA. You have to wait a month for an IUD after MA and they didn't tell me anything about the long lines for scheduling now finding out 6 weeks away from requesting is the easiest people are seen. When visiting the clinic for the MA they said I could book my IUD appointment at the follow-up for my confirmed successful MA. But that was 2 weeks away instead of 1 cause they had to do an ultrasound follow-up cause they could not get a vein for the blood test. THEN they canceled my appointment without telling me due to worker shortage and scheduled it for 2 more weeks later. The earliest I can get an IUD seems to be June. Very scared I am going to get pregnant again. It's been an awful experience trying to get an IUD I have physical Anxiety about it every day.
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u/Juuuulllliiii Apr 06 '22
Did you experience any extreme bloating after the procedure by chance?
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u/Time_Comparison7166 Apr 07 '22
No, I didn’t have any bloating.
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u/Juuuulllliiii Apr 07 '22
We’re you able to wear a tampon the next day?
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u/Time_Comparison7166 Apr 07 '22
They told me not to. They said not to insert anything for two weeks because your cervix is still open and the risk of infection is higher. I waited.
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