How long does a medical abortion take?
Jun 03, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Yuanyuan
Introduction
Medical abortion, also known as “medication abortion,” refers to the termination of early pregnancy using an oral combination of mifepristone and misoprostol. It is typically performed within 49 days after the last menstrual period. The medications are administered in multiple doses, and a certain amount of time—usually 3–4 days—is required from the initial dose until the drugs take full effect. After a medical abortion, close observation of vaginal bleeding is essential.
Medical abortion—also known as “medication abortion”—refers to the termination of early pregnancy using an oral regimen combining mifepristone and misoprostol, typically performed within 49 days after the last menstrual period. Mifepristone induces degeneration and necrosis of the uterine decidua and softens the cervix, while misoprostol stimulates uterine contractions to facilitate expulsion of the embryo.
The medications are administered in multiple doses over several days. It takes time—from initial dosing until the drugs exert their full effect—typically requiring 3–4 days to complete the medical abortion process.
Following medical abortion, patients should closely monitor vaginal bleeding. If bleeding exceeds normal menstrual flow or is accompanied by other discomforting symptoms, prompt medical evaluation is essential. Patients must strictly adhere to physician instructions and attend scheduled follow-up ultrasound examinations to confirm whether any gestational tissue remains in the uterine cavity. If both ultrasound and serum β-hCG testing confirm complete abortion, the body typically recovers spontaneously within approximately one month.
