Does it mean the medical abortion has failed if there is no abdominal pain?

Mar 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, medication abortion refers to terminating a pregnancy through the use of drugs. Whether abdominal pain during a medication abortion indicates failure mainly depends on whether there is bleeding and discharge. If there is significant bleeding and discharge, the medication abortion may be successful. However, if there is no obvious bleeding and discharge, it may indicate a failed medication abortion. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

Generally speaking, medication abortion refers to terminating a pregnancy through the use of medications. Whether the absence of abdominal pain during the process indicates failure mainly depends on whether there is bleeding and discharge. If there is significant bleeding and discharge, the medication abortion may be successful. However, if there is no obvious bleeding and discharge, it may indicate failure of the medication abortion. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Medication abortion primarily works by affecting hormone levels in the body to stop embryonic development and expel it from the body. During this process, abdominal pain is not the sole or necessary reaction. Therefore, the absence of pain does not necessarily mean the medication abortion has failed. If there is no severe abdominal pain after taking the medication, but there is significant bleeding and discharge, and follow-up examination confirms that the uterine lining has been completely cleared, this does not necessarily indicate an unsuccessful abortion.

However, if throughout the entire medication abortion process there is absolutely no sensation of pain, and within several hours to days, no embryonic tissue or gestational sac is expelled, accompanied by minimal or no bleeding, this may suggest failure of the medication abortion.

It is recommended that women closely monitor their physical responses after medication abortion and undergo necessary medical examinations under a doctor's guidance to ensure the success and safety of the procedure.

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