Medical Abortion: Reason, Types, Risk, And More

A medical abortion (also known as a medication abortion) is the termination of pregnancy with prescription drugs like mifepristone & misoprostol.

A medical abortion can be done at nine weeks and after pregnancy is confirmed.

What are the reasons for having a medical abortion?

• Women may opt for medical abortions to end an undesirable pregnancy
• End an inherited or congenital condition and complete an early miscarriage. 
• It can also be a choice for women who might risk their lives if they carry a pregnancy due to health issues.

What types of abortions are there?

There are two types of abortions: 

1. Medical abortions-

Women take two medications (usually within 48 hours). A doctor may give the medication in their office or at the patient’s home (or a combination of both). Your doctor will provide you with dosage and timing directions.

2. Surgical Abortions-

Abortions can be performed surgically for a variety of reasons, including personal preference, being too far along in pregnancy, and failing medical abortions

How should one get ready for a medical abortion?

• Get pregnancy confirmation and physical examination.
• Pregnancy ultrasound.
• Duration of pregnancy and ectopic status confirmed.
• Blood and urine test results confirming pregnancy

Expect the following symptoms after both medication doses

• Bleeding and cramping one or four hours after the second tablet.
• Heavy bleeding that continues for several hours, along with blood clots.
• Hour-long cramps.
• Upon the second dose, you may experience chills or a low-grade fever that lasts for the entire day. Others report dizziness, diarrhoea, and fatigue.

Does medical abortion pain feel like labour pain?

A medical abortion feels similar to severe menstrual pains. The severity of cramping and pain differs from woman to woman. Take over-the-counter pain medications for any discomfort or pain. Inquire with your healthcare practitioner about pain-management drugs.

Benefits of medical abortion 

Medical abortion, or medication abortion, is a method of terminating a pregnancy using medication. While it is essential to consider the potential disadvantages, there are also several advantages to this method:

1. Non-invasive:

Medical abortion does not require any surgical procedures, which can benefit women who prefer to avoid surgery.

2. Privacy:

Medical abortion can be done in the privacy of a woman’s home, which can be a more comfortable and convenient option for some women.

3. Early termination:

Medical abortion can be performed in the early stages of pregnancy, often within the first ten weeks. It can allow women to terminate the pregnancy before it becomes more advanced and potentially more complicated.

4. Safe and effective:

Medical abortion is generally considered safe and effective, with a success rate of over 95%.

5. Control:

Medical abortion gives women greater control over their reproductive health and the decision to terminate a pregnancy.

6. Cost-effective:

Medical abortion is often less expensive than surgical abortion, making it a more affordable option for many women.

7. Lower risk of complications:

Medical abortion has a lower risk of complications compared to surgical abortion, which can be beneficial for women with certain medical conditions or who are at a higher risk for surgical complications.

Disadvantages of medical abortion

1. Incomplete abortion:

In some cases, the medication may not effectively terminate the pregnancy, resulting in an incomplete abortion. It may require surgical intervention to complete the procedure.

2. Side effects:

Like any medication, the drugs used in medical abortion can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and fever. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with medication.

3. Bleeding:

Medical abortion can cause heavy bleeding, lasting several hours or even days. While most women experience only moderate bleeding, some may require medical attention.

4. Emotional effects:

Some women may experience emotional distress after undergoing a medical abortion. It can include feelings of sadness, guilt, or regret.

5. Need for follow-up care:

After a medical abortion, it is important to receive follow-up care to ensure the procedure is successful and address any possible complications.

6. Accessibility:

Medical abortion may not be available in all areas or restricted by laws or regulations. It can make it difficult for women to access this pregnancy termination method.

Risks of medical abortion

A medical abortion carries the following risks:

• An abortion that is not successful.
• Uncontrollable and heavy bleeding that didn’t stop.
• Infection.
• Fever.
• Symptomatic problems like diarrhoea and abdominal ache.
• The medications can trigger allergic reactions.

Recovery after medical abortion?

Recovery following a medical abortion might take a variety of times. In some circumstances, you might be able to resume your regular activities in a day or two. Avoid engaging in any painful activities. You could experience various feelings, including relief, grief, worry, or guilt. These emotions are normal and should be expected. Discussing how you feel with a mental health expert, such as a counsellor or therapist, could be beneficial. Your healthcare practitioner might be able to suggest mental health specialists who can assist you.

Once you’ve had a medical abortion, when may you become pregnant again?

Once ovulation has resumed, you will be able to conceive. Four to six weeks following a medical abortion, you should continue your regular menstrual cycle. Due to hormonal shifts after the surgery, your initial menstruation may be a little erratic. The termination of a pregnancy through medical means should not have any effect on subsequent pregnancies unless there are difficulties.

Conclusion

Medical abortion is an intensely private matter. Your healthcare team ensures you are safe and well taken care of. Your healthcare professional will be able to educate you on what to do and what to expect before, during, and after the treatment. You can avail of branded and generic medicines by uploading your prescription on the Truemeds app. When ordering medications online, you may save money by selecting an alternative or generic medicine advised by Truemed’s expert doctors. You can save up to 72% on your purchase and get free home delivery pan India.

Disclaimer: This information shouldn’t be used to diagnose or treat a medical condition or be used in a medical emergency.  You must consult a  qualified medical professional should be consulted to diagnose and treat all medical conditions.