Medical abortion is a procedure in which medication are given to terminate the pregnancy. It does not require surgery or anaesthesia. It's safer and effective during the first 8-9 weeks of pregnancy.Abortion is a big decision with both emotional and psychological consequences.
Why it's done?
The reason for abortion may wary to end an unwanted pregnancy, family size is complete or you have a medical condition that makes continuing a pregnancy life-threatening.
Potential risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- Failed medical abortion where abortion does not happen even after medication
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Risk of Infection
- Fever
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
One should be confirmed about her decision of medical abortion. If you decide to continue the pregnancy after taking medications used in medical abortion, your pregnancy may be at risk of major complications.
Medical abortion does not effects future pregnancies unless complications develop.
Medical abortion isn't an option if you:
- If the duration pregnancy is more than 9 weeks of gestation.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD).
- Have a ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the uterus)
- In case of some medical conditions like bleeding disorders, severe liver, kidney or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- if the patient cannot follow-up with the doctor or does not have access to emergency care.
- Have an allergy to the medications used.
A surgical procedure called suction and evacuation may be an option for women who can't have a medical abortion.
Before the procedure your doctor will like to:
- Evaluate your medical history and overall health
- Confirm your pregnancy with a physical exam
- Do an ultrasound exam to date the pregnancy and confirm it's not outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
- Do blood and urine tests
- Explain how the procedure works, the side effects, and possible risks and complications
Medical abortion can be done using the following medications: This is the most common type of medical abortion. These medications are usually taken within seven weeks of the first day of your last period.
Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin and preventing the embryo from staying implanted and growing. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.
If you choose this type of medical abortion, you'll likely take the mifepristone in your doctor's office or clinic. Then you will probably take the misoprostol at home, hours or days later.
You'll need to visit your doctor again about a week later to make sure the abortion is complete. This regimen is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Oral mifepristone and vaginal, buccal or sublingual misoprostol. This type of medical abortion uses the same medications as the previous method, but with a slowly dissolving misoprostol tablet placed in your vagina (vaginal route), in your mouth between your teeth and cheek (buccal route), or under your tongue (sublingual route).
The vaginal, buccal or sublingual approach lessens side effects and may be more effective. These medications must be taken within nine weeks of the first day of your last period.
The medications used in a medical abortion cause vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. They may also cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache