Expectations and experiences of pain during medical abortion at home: a secondary, mixed-methods analysis of a patient survey in England and Wales (30 December 2024)

Summary

The objective of this study, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, was to explore experiences of pain during medical abortion and provide patient-centred recommendations for improving abortion experience and pain counselling.

Authors concluded: Abortion providers should use patient-centred recommendations to better prepare patients for pain during medical abortion. Setting realistic expectations can improve abortion experience and support informed method choice. Further research is needed to develop and test patient-centred counselling materials.