Should I use sanitary pads on the first day of a medication abortion?

Medical abortion, commonly referred to as "medication abortion," generally requires the use of sanitary pads on the first day, as vaginal bleeding may occur after the procedure and sanitary protection is needed.

Medical abortion involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol orally to terminate an early pregnancy. It is suitable for pregnancies up to 49 days' gestation. The medication reduces progesterone activity in the body, leading to miscarriage, while another drug induces strong uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue from the body. Because vaginal bleeding commonly occurs after medical abortion, it is necessary to use sanitary pads.

During medical abortion, the uterus sustains fresh trauma and vaginal bleeding increases the risk of retrograde infection. Therefore, personal hygiene must be carefully maintained. Showering is recommended instead of bathing in a tub to prevent contaminated water from entering the vagina and causing infection. Sexual intercourse, heavy physical labor, and working in cold water should be avoided for one month to prevent lowered immunity and the development of other illnesses.