Manual Vacuum Aspiration, MVA
Manual Vacuum Aspiration is a brief, safe procedure that uses gentle suction to empty the uterus. It is commonly offered for early miscarriage care, for incomplete miscarriage, and for other clinical indications according to local laws and medical guidance. The aim is to provide clear information, good pain control, and careful follow-up so you feel informed and supported.
Key points
- MVA is a short procedure using a handheld suction device, usually with local anesthetic to the cervix, with or without light pain relief or sedation.
- Suitable for early pregnancy loss and incomplete miscarriage, and for other indications when clinically appropriate and lawful.
- Benefits include quick completion, predictable results, and a low risk of infection or retained tissue.
- Most people go home the same day. Cramping and light to moderate bleeding are expected and usually settle over the days.
- Future fertility is not harmed by an uncomplicated MVA.
- If your blood group is Rhesus negative, an anti-D injection is usually offered.
Evaluation and treatment: what to expect
- We confirm the diagnosis, review your medical history and allergies, answer questions, and obtain consent. You can pause at any time.
- Pain control is planned before starting. A local anesthetic is placed around the cervix. Tablets or a small injection for comfort may be given. Some settings offer light sedation.
- The cervix may be softened with medicine when helpful. A thin tube is passed through the cervix, and gentle suction is applied. The procedure is brief.
- We check that the uterus is empty, sometimes with a bedside scan. If you are Rhesus negative, anti-D is given. You rest for a short period, then go home with clear aftercare advice.
- Follow-up is arranged to review bleeding and pain, discuss results if tests were taken, and plan recovery and contraception if desired.
Emergency State?
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When to seek urgent care
Go to the hospital or call emergency services now if you have heavy bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour or large clots, fever 38°C or higher, severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain not eased by medicines, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, fainting or dizziness, or if you feel acutely unwell at any time.
Action plan
Arrange for a trusted person to accompany you and take you home if sedation is planned. Wear comfortable clothes and have a light meal unless you are advised to fast.
Use pads rather than tampons until bleeding has settled. Avoid intercourse until you feel ready and bleeding has stopped, or as your clinician advises.
Book your appointment with the doctor to confirm the diagnosis, discuss all options, including alternatives, plan pain control and aftercare, and arrange timely follow-up.
Rest on the first day, then increase activity as you feel comfortable. Many return to usual activities within a few days.
Write down questions for your follow-up review.
Use simple pain relief as advised. Expect cramping similar to period pain for a day or two, then lighter cramping.
FAQ - Manual Vacuum Aspiration, MVA
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs offer general information for patients. They do not replace medical advice. For urgent concerns, contact your local emergency number or visit the nearest emergency department.
A brief procedure that uses gentle suction through a thin tube to empty the uterus. Performed by trained clinicians in a clinic or hospital.
Common reasons include early miscarriage care and incomplete miscarriage, and other indications where clinically appropriate and lawful.
The procedure is brief. Preparation and recovery take longer, so plan for a few hours at the clinic.
Local anesthetic around the cervix is standard. Tablets or an injection for pain and anxiety may be offered. Some settings provide light sedation after a safety assessment.
Cramping and pressure are common. Discomfort is usually short-lived and improves with the medicines provided. Tell the team if you are uncomfortable.
Complications are uncommon. Possible risks include infection, heavy bleeding, retained tissue needing further treatment, and, rarely, injury to the cervix or uterus. Steps are taken to reduce these risks.
An uncomplicated MVA does not usually affect future fertility. Many conceive normally when they choose to try again.
A single dose may be given around the time of the procedure to lower infection risk, depending on your situation.
If only a local anesthetic is planned, a light meal is often fine. If sedation or general anesthesia is planned, fasting may be required. You will receive clear instructions.
In many settings, yes, with short periods when a companion may wait outside for privacy and safety. Local arrangements vary.
Bleeding is often like a period at first, then lightens to spotting and may come and go for up to two weeks. Cramping is common in the first days.
Many feel ready for light activities within a day or two, then build up gradually according to comfort and travel plans.
Wait until bleeding has settled and you feel ready, or follow your clinician’s advice. Use pads initially to reduce infection risk.
If bleeding stays heavy or pain persists, a review and a scan may be arranged. A small repeat treatment is sometimes needed.
Anti-D is usually offered to protect future pregnancies. Tell the team if you know your blood group.
Fertility can return quickly. A method can be started straight away, including a pill, an implant, or an IUD when appropriate.
Depending on diagnosis and local guidance, options may include expectant management, where the body passes tissue naturally, or medical management with tablets.
Laws and policies vary by country. Care will follow local regulations and medical standards. Ask any questions so guidance can be tailored respectfully.
Well-being is checked during follow-up. Support and counselling can be arranged if you wish.
A review is arranged to ensure recovery is complete, to discuss results if tests were taken, and to plan next steps, including contraception if desired.