Summary

Medical Abortion is a method of terminating a pregnancy through drugs. It is a safe and perhaps most effective method during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Moreover, this can be done at a doctor’s office hospital, along with follow-up visits to your doctor. Furthermore, medical abortion is a big decision linked to many emotional and psychological concerns. If you’re thinking about getting this procedure, this blog covers all the details.

What does the Medical Abortion Process Look Like?

There is no need for surgery or anesthesia in medical abortion and can be done in a medical office or clinic. Medical abortions can also be performed even at home, though you should consult your doctor first to ensure there are no complications.

Medicines

The following drugs are available for medical abortion:

• Oral contraceptives like mifepristone and misoprostol prevent the embryo (fertilized egg) from getting implanted into the uterus.
• Misoprostol is a medication that makes the uterus contract to eliminate the embryo via the cervix.
• Misoprostol (vaginal, buccal, or sublingual) – A steadily dissolving misoprostol tablet is placed in your vagina or your mouth between your teeth and cheek (buccal route) or under your tongue (sublingual route). Within seven weeks of the starting day of your last period, you should take these drugs. There are fewer side effects, and the vaginal, buccal, or sublingual courses may be more effective.
• Vaginal misoprostol – If taken before the embryo reaches nine weeks of gestation, it can alone be effective. Vaginal misoprostol, on the other hand, is less effective than other medical abortion techniques.

Abortion via Surgery

• Aspiration (Suction) – Aspiration is a surgical abortion that takes place six to sixteen weeks after a period. Because this treatment may be uncomfortable, a local anesthetic is commonly used to numb the cervix during this surgery. A long plastic tube is inserted when the cervix has been dilated sufficiently, and the fetus and placenta are suctioned out. If required, scrape any remaining fetal fragments or blood clots using a curette.
• Evacuation & Dilation (D&E) – A dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion are comparable to a vacuum aspiration technique in many ways. The cervix must be expanded (Dilated) enough to allow the larger pregnancy tissue to pass because the pregnancy is further along, necessitating the physician softening and dilating the cervix ahead of time. Cervical preparation can take anywhere from a few hours in the early stages of the second trimester to a day or two for more advanced treatments.

What are some of the common side effects of abortion?

The following are some of the most prevalent side effects of abortion drugs:

• Morning sickness
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Stomach pain

You may be given medication to help you cope with the pain of the medical abortion both during and after it. Depending on the number of weeks in your pregnancy, your doctor will tell you how much discomfort and bleeding to expect. You may not be able to go about your typical daily activities at this time, and bed rest is rarely advised. Ensure that you have a sufficient supply of more oversized sanitary napkins.

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FURTHER READING

What are the after-effects of Medical Abortion Complications?

Following a medical abortion, you may have the following signs and symptoms, which may necessitate medical attention:

• Heavy bleeding – two or more pads required 
• Abdominal or back discomfort that is severe
• Fever that lasts more than 24 hours
• Vaginal discharge with a foul odor

You’ll need to see your doctor again after a medical abortion to make sure you’re recovering well and can assess your uterine size, bleeding, and any signs of infection. Avoid intercourse or use of tampons for two weeks following the abortion to avoid the risk of infection.

You’ll probably have mood swings after a medical abortion. It might be beneficial to discuss them with a therapist.

Which Side-effects occur after surgical procedures?

The following are some of the possible adverse effects of a surgical abortion procedure:

• Cramping
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Light-headedness
• Heavy hemorrhage or bleeding that lasts longer than expected
• Clots in the blood
• Infection of the cervix or uterus
• Suicidal ideation or depression
• Abortion and breast cancer

Are There Any Other Complications to Consider?

In rare circumstances, there may be additional complications of surgical procedure to consider:

The most significant difficulties are uterine pain and subsequent bleeding, uterine perforation, harm to surrounding organs (bladder or bowels), cervical laceration, failed abortion, septic abortion, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

What Are the Signs That a Medical Abortion Is Right for Me?

There are many personal or health-related reasons for undergoing an abortion. Medical Abortion is a procedure for ending an unwanted pregnancy or finishing an early miscarriage. If you have a medical condition that renders carrying a pregnancy life-threatening, you can have a medical abortion.

Key Takeaways/Conclusion

If you suspect you’re pregnant or have verified your pregnancy with a home test, see your doctor right away. If you want to terminate the pregnancy, you should do so as soon as possible. Additionally, early decisions of abortion can be good as they eliminate a few side-effects associated with delayed termination. Make sure to talk to your doctor about all of your alternatives.

Terminating a pregnancy is a significant decision that you must take wisely. You can get counseling if in a dilemma and discuss with a close relative or friend and a doctor. Hence, you can go ahead with abortion after careful consideration.

For any concerns or queries regarding medical abortion, contact our experts now.