Abortion - medical - Symptoms,Causes
A medical abortion is the use of certain medications to end a pregnancy. The drugs help remove the fetus and placenta from the mother's womb (uterus).
There are different types of medical abortion.
Sometimes the woman has one for a health reason. This is called a therapeutic medical abortion.
Other times, she chooses (elects) to end the pregnancy. This is called an elective medical abortion.
See also:
MiscarriageMiscarriage
Surgical abortionSurgical abortion
Description
A medical, or nonsurgical, abortion can be done within 7 weeks from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. A combination of prescription hormone medicines are used to help the body remove the fetus and placenta tissue. The doctor may give you the medicines after performing a physical exam and asking questions about your medical history.
Medications used to end an early pregnancy include mifepristone, methotrexate, misoprostol, prostaglandins, or a combination of these medications. Most women who use medication do so because of a desire to avoid anesthesia and surgery.
Why the Procedure is Performed
There are several reasons a medical abortion might be considered:
The developing baby has a birth defect or genetic problem
The pregnancy is harmful to the woman's health (therapeutic abortion)
The pregnancy resulted after a traumatic event such as rape or incest
The woman may not wish to be pregnant (elective abortion)
The decision to end a pregnancy is very personal. Most health care providers recommend careful counseling before making such a decision.
Abortion is a controversial issue. A woman who chooses to end a pregnancy may feel she cannot share her decision with others. Therefore, it is important for her to identify those who may help her through what may be a difficult time.
Women who are trying to make this difficult decision should find a safe place in which they can obtain counseling regarding all options for pregnancy resolution.
If a woman chooses to have an abortion, she should find a safe place to have the procedure performed and obtain the proper support and follow-up care afterwards.
Risks
Risks of medical (nonsurgical) abortion include:
Continued bleeding
Diarrhea
Fetus not passing completely from body, making surgery necessary
Nausea
Pain
Vomiting
Before the Procedure
A pelvic examination is performed to confirm the pregnancy and estimate how many weeks pregnant you are.
A HCG blood test may be done to confirm the pregnancy.
A vaginal or abdominal ultrasound may be done to determine the exact age of the fetus and its location in the womb.
Update Date: Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Abortion - medical - Symptoms,Causes
