Medical Abortion

A medical abortion, also known as a medication abortion, is a type of abortion that uses medication to terminate a pregnancy. It is a non-surgical method of abortion that can be used up to 10 weeks of gestation.

How it Works

The medical abortion procedure typically involves taking two types of medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, is taken first and works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. This causes the lining of the uterus to break down and the embryo to detach from the uterine wall.

Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone and causes the uterus to contract, expelling the embryo and other pregnancy tissue. The misoprostol can cause cramping, bleeding, and other symptoms as the body expels the pregnancy.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of medical abortion depends on the gestational age of the pregnancy. It is most effective when used up to 7 weeks of gestation, with a success rate of around 95-98%. The success rate decreases slightly as the gestational age increases, but it is still around 90-92% effective up to 10 weeks of gestation.

Risks and Side Effects

Like any medical procedure, medical abortion carries some risks and side effects. Common side effects include:

• Bleeding and cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue

More serious complications can occur, but are rare. These include:

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Allergic reaction to the medication

Contraindications

Medical abortion is not suitable for everyone and should not be used in certain situations, including:

• Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus)
• Pregnancy with an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
• Known or suspected allergy to mifepristone or misoprostol
• Bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications
• Severe asthma or other respiratory disease

Follow-up Care

After a medical abortion, it is essential to follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure that the procedure was successful and to check for any complications. A follow-up visit typically includes an ultrasound to confirm that the pregnancy has been terminated and a physical exam to check for any signs of infection or other complications.

Availability

The availability of medical abortion varies by country and region. In some areas, it may be available through healthcare providers, while in others, it may only be available through specialized clinics or online telemedicine services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a medical abortion?
A medical abortion is a procedure that uses medication to terminate a pregnancy.

How does a medical abortion work?
It typically involves taking two types of medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, which cause the uterus to contract and expel its contents.

What are the medications used in a medical abortion?
Mifepristone and misoprostol are the most commonly used medications.

At what stage of pregnancy can a medical abortion be performed?
It is typically performed up to 10 weeks of gestation, but may be possible up to 12 weeks or more in some cases.

Is a medical abortion painful?
Some women may experience cramping and discomfort during the procedure, while others may not.

How long does a medical abortion take?
The process can take several hours to several days to complete.

Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with medical abortion?
Possible risks and side effects include bleeding, infection, and nausea, among others.

Do I need to see a doctor after a medical abortion?
Yes, a follow-up appointment is usually necessary to confirm the abortion was successful and to check for any complications.

Can I get pregnant again after having a medical abortion?
Yes, it is possible to become pregnant again after a medical abortion, and women should consider using contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Is a medical abortion the same as emergency contraception?
No, they are not the same, although both can be used to prevent or terminate pregnancy, they work in different ways and have different indications.