Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) is a safe, effective, and commonly used procedure to end an early pregnancy or manage an incomplete miscarriage. It is quick, usually performed under local anaesthesia, and recommended by health authorities worldwide. This guide explains the procedure step-by-step, what to expect, recovery, and when to seek help.
What is MVA?
MVA uses gentle suction (a hand-held vacuum and a soft sterile tube called a cannula) to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus. It is suitable for early pregnancies and for treating incomplete miscarriage, and it can be performed in outpatient clinics by trained providers.
Before the Procedure: Consultation & Preparation
- Medical history: Your provider will ask about health conditions, allergies, and medications.
- Assessment: A pregnancy test and an ultrasound (if available) may be done to confirm gestation and location.
- Consent & counselling: You will receive information about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and asked to give informed consent.
- Fasting/medication: Usually no deep fasting is required for MVA under local anaesthetic. Your clinician will advise about pain medication or sedation options.
Pain Control & Comfort
Pain relief may include:
- Topical or local anaesthetic around the cervix (numbing injection).
- Oral analgesics (eg. ibuprofen or paracetamol) given before the procedure.
- Light sedation in some facilities on request or if clinically indicated.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Cleaning and sterile preparation
The vulva and vagina are cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce infection risk.
2. Cervical opening (dilatation)
A small instrument or osmotic dilator may be used to gently ease the cervix open. In many cases, only minimal dilation is needed.
3. Insertion of the cannula
The clinician inserts a soft, sterile cannula (thin plastic tube) through the cervix into the uterine cavity.
4. Suction (aspiration)
The cannula connects to a manual vacuum syringe. Controlled suction removes the pregnancy tissue. This step usually takes 1–3 minutes. You may feel cramping like a strong period cramp.
5. Check for completion
After aspiration, the provider inspects the tissue and may perform a quick ultrasound or uterine sweep to confirm the uterus is empty and bleeding is minimal.
How Long Does MVA Take?
The suction part of MVA is brief (5–10 minutes). With counselling, preparation and recovery, plan for a clinic visit of about 30–60 minutes. Most patients go home the same day.
Aftercare & Recovery
Typical recovery includes:
- Mild cramping for a few hours (pain relief helps).
- Light bleeding/spotting for several days up to 1–2 weeks.
- Normal everyday activities can usually be resumed the next day, but heavy exercise and sexual intercourse are best avoided for about one week.
- Fertility returns quickly — discuss contraception before leaving the clinic if you do not wish to conceive immediately
Normal symptoms: mild cramps, light bleeding, tiredness. These usually improve within days. If you’re breastfeeding, MVA is safe and has no long-term effect on milk supply.
When to Seek Medical Help
Contact your provider or seek urgent care if you experience:
- Very heavy bleeding (soaking 2 or more pads per hour for 2 hours)
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain not controlled by painkillers
- Fever (≥38°C) or chills
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Dizziness, fainting, or signs of shock
Benefits & Effectiveness
MVA is:
- Highly effective and immediate
- Associated with less bleeding than some medical methods
- Quick recovery and same-day discharge
- Considered very safe when performed by trained providers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is MVA painful?
Most women experience cramping similar to heavy periods. Pain is usually well controlled with local anaesthetic and oral analgesics.
Can I have MVA if I am breastfeeding?
Yes. MVA is safe during breastfeeding and does not affect long-term milk supply. If sedation is used, wait until you are fully awake before breastfeeding.
How soon can I get pregnant after MVA?
Fertility can return quickly — sometimes within weeks. If you do not want to become pregnant, consider initiating contraception immediately; your provider can advise options.
Our Services & Commitment
At Women for Women Kenya, we provide MVA performed by trained clinicians in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental setting. We offer counselling, pain management, ultrasound follow-up when needed, and contraceptive support.
