What is medical abortion and how is it performed

All About Medical Abortion

Medical abortion is one of the many methods available to deal with an unplanned pregnancy. It can be performed on an early-detected pregnancy anywhere between 4-10 weeks. Medical termination of pregnancy is non-invasive, safe and effective. It involves the use of abortion pills or chemical abortifacients as it is referred to in medical terms. It is FDA approved and endorsed by many women around the world

There are two pills involved in medical abortion. This regimen is also referred to as the combination therapy. Extensive research has been conducted on medical abortion and the combination therapy is known to be the most effective

Mifepristone and Misoprostol are the active ingredients in each of the two pills respectively. Based on the active ingredient, the pills are available in the following trade names:

1}  Mifepristone: Mifeprex, RU-486

2}  Misoprostol: Cytolog, Cytotec

Medical abortion requires minimal clinical supervision. When a woman confirms from her doctor that she has conceived and that the pregnancy is not ectopic, she may even buy abortion pills from an online pharmacy. However, women must take necessary precautions and consider all the contraindications carefully

A general usage regimen for the pills

The abortion pill kit  works with a complex dosage regimen which must be followed strictly for a safe abortion

1}  Mifepristone must be taken on day one. Each pill of Mifepristone contains 200mg of it. A single pill must be swallowed orally with water on day one of beginning the regimen. No symptoms are observed after this intake

This pill temporarily suppresses the action of the female hormone, progesterone, that sustains a pregnancy. Pregnancy thus fails to develop further and is separated from the uterus. One must strictly note that pregnancy is not complete at this point. These contents must also be expelled from the body.

2}  Misoprostol is the secondary medication. It must be taken within 24-48 hours of Mifepristone intake. Each pill contains 200mcg of the component. 4 pills can be taken vaginally or even orally. Vaginal use is more effective. Each of the 4 pills must be inserted one by one and must not fall off for at least 30mins. A woman may face severe cramping and bleeding after this pill.

Misoprostol aids the expulsion of pregnancy contents from the uterus by dilating the cervix and enhancing uterine contractility

This is the general dosage routine which may differ in special cases. One must always consider a doctor’s advice for a dosage regimen specific to their case.