How is a medication abortion performed?
Oct 24, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
Medical abortion, also known as medication abortion, primarily terminates early pregnancy through the use of drugs and is generally limited to intrauterine pregnancies within 49 days of gestation. Note that if the gestational sac has not been expelled after 6 hours, a surgical evacuation (dilation and curettage) will be required. After medical abortion, excessive physical activity should be avoided during the one-month recovery period, and sexual intercourse is strictly prohibited to prevent infection.
Medical abortion, also known as pharmaceutical termination of pregnancy, primarily involves taking medication to end an early pregnancy. It is generally limited to intrauterine pregnancies within 49 days of gestation. The specific procedure is as follows:
1. Visit a hospital for a clinical evaluation to confirm whether the gestational age and physical condition are suitable for medical abortion.
2. After confirmation through examination, take the prescribed medication as directed by a doctor. Typically, mifepristone tablets are taken to induce uterine contractions and terminate the pregnancy.
3. Return to the hospital after 48 hours for observation, then take misoprostol tablets orally under medical supervision.
4. Following medication, abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding will gradually occur, and a white, villous gestational sac will be expelled from the body. After healthcare professionals confirm complete expulsion, the patient may be discharged.
Note: If the gestational sac has not been expelled after 6 hours, a surgical evacuation of the uterus (dilation and curettage) will be required. During the one-month recovery period following medical abortion, excessive physical activity should be avoided, and sexual intercourse is strictly prohibited to prevent infection.
