What to expect post-MVA

Disclaimer: I am NOT a medical practitioner and the below instructions are NOT intended to replace any instructions you receive from your medical practitioner; these should be referred to only as a general guideline.  They were provided by my OB prior to my Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) procedure; however, every patient and miscarriage is different so your doctor may recommend additional/different instructions for you.  I decided to post the guidelines my OB provided as a general resource since there was limited information about what to expect after a Manual Vacuum Aspiration procedure when I searched for it -- I thought this general information might be helpful to someone considering a MVA procedure.

Post-MVA (Manual Vacuum Aspiration) Instructions

• No sex, tampons, douching, swimming or tub baths for 2 weeks.
• You might experience some mild cramps.  However, contact your doctor immediately if you experience strong abdominal cramps.
• You may have no vaginal bleeding until your next period begins, or you may bleed moderately for as long as two weeks after the procedure.  The bleeding may also intermittently stop and then start again.  All of these bleeding patterns are normal. (Sanitary pads should be worn until the bleeding stops.)
• The bleeding should not, in any one day, be heavier than a normal period and it should not continue beyond 2 weeks.  If your bleeding is heavier than a normal period or lasts longer than two weeks, contact your doctor.
• Some women will develop a discharge during the next few weeks.  If an irritation or foul smelling discharge persists, contact your doctor immediately.
• Your next regular period should begin in 4 - 6 weeks.  If you do not have a period within that time period, contact your doctor.
• Return to the office for a follow-up within 2 - 3 weeks after the procedure.
• Continue to eat normal balanced meals.
• Continue taking pre-natal vitamins if you plan to conceive again.