MTP Procedure
Medical abortion can be started in a medical office, clinic, or at home. The procedure involves taking two medications- Mifepristone and Misoprostol
These two medicines are taken by the woman within 7 weeks of the first day of the last period. The first medicine, Mifepristone blocks the progesterone hormone and prevents the embryo from staying implanted and growing. It also makes the uterus lining thinner.
Within next 48 hours, the second pill Misoprostol is given that contracts the uterus and expels the embryo through the vagina.
The patient receives the first medicine in the doctor’s office or clinic and the second medicine is taken at home, hours or days later. The fetus and placenta are expelled in the form of vaginal bleeding that lasts up to 1-2 weeks. After that, further evaluation (usually an ultrasound) is done to confirm that the abortion is complete.
In some cases, the second pill- Misoprostol can also be given directly through the vagina, buccal route, or sublingual route.
The reason for medical termination of pregnancy is highly personal. But it is important that the woman is 100% certain about the decision. If a woman decides to continue the pregnancy after taking the first pill used for medical abortion, it may lead to major complications. Medical abortion generally doesn’t affect future pregnancies unless a complication develops.
FAQs
What are the risks associated with medical abortion?
Potential risks of having a medical abortion are-
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Does medical abortion hurt?
As the fetus is detached from the uterus and expelled through the vagina, the patient does experience slight pain. The medicines cause cramping and heavy bleeding. Therefore, the doctor usually prescribes some pain medications to manage pain and antibiotics to prevent infection, even though the chances of infection are rare.
Is the abortion pill effective?
Yes, abortion pills are very effective. When used properly, the medical termination of pregnancy is 98% effective. The success rate decreases with each additional week of pregnancy. If the medicines fail to terminate the pregnancy, the woman would need to undergo a surgical abortion.
What are the factors that affect medical abortion costs in India?
Medical abortion cost in India ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000 approximately. And the exact cost is influenced based on the pre and post-abortion evaluation and the duration of the pregnancy.
What are the advantages of medical abortion?
The biggest advantage of medical abortion is that it be done as soon as the woman finds out she is pregnant. It is a minimally invasive procedure and also costs less than surgical abortion.
What are the signs of incomplete abortion?
The signs of incomplete abortion include-
- Excessive bleeding
- Consistent pain
- Discomfort in the abdomen region
- Bleeding that lasts more than 3 weeks
- Severe pain/cramps
- Heavy fever that lasts more than 1-2 days
Does medical termination of pregnancy affect a woman’s ability to conceive?
There are no clear indications or evidence available that suggests that medical abortion affects a woman’s ability to conceive in the future. However, if some complications arise during the abortion, then the woman may experience some side effects.
How many follow-ups are required after medical abortion?
Generally, after medical abortion, the doctor advises taking follow-up after 2-3 weeks. During the follow-up, the doctor performs a pelvic examination, looks for signs of infection, does an ultrasound, or talks about contraceptives to prevent future unwanted pregnancies.
Recovery After Medical Termination of Pregnancy
The amount of time required to recover after medical termination of pregnancy varies for each woman. In some cases, the woman is able to resume normal activities in the next 2-3 days. In other cases, the woman may need at least one or two weeks to return to normal activities.
During the recovery period, the woman may experience a range of emotions, including relief, sadness, stress, and possibly guilt. These feelings are common and expected. It will be helpful to speak with a professional, such as a therapist or counselor about these feelings.
Medical abortion is not covered under insurance. Thus, the patient has to bear the expenses personally. Get in touch with a certified gynecologist and find out how much medical abortion costs.