Medical abortion: A safe and effective method in early pregnancy
Termination of an unwanted pregnancy is a deeply personal and responsible decision. Modern medicine offers several options, and one of the safest and most effective methods in early pregnancy (up to the 7th week) is medical abortion.
What is a medical abortion?
It is a non-invasive method that involves two medications — mifepristone and misoprostol. These medications induce pregnancy termination, similar to a spontaneous miscarriage.
- Mifepristone blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy.
- Misoprostol, taken 24–48 hours later, causes uterine contractions and expulsion of pregnancy tissue.
Procedure steps
- Consultation with a gynecologist – assessment of pregnancy duration, health status, and suitability for the procedure.
- Mifepristone administration – done at the clinic under medical supervision.
- Misoprostol administration – usually at home, following the doctor’s instructions.
- Expulsion of pregnancy tissue – typically occurs within 3–6 hours after taking misoprostol.
What to expect?
After taking misoprostol, you may experience:
- Bleeding (similar to or heavier than menstruation)
- Cramping in the lower abdomen
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
The doctor will prescribe pain relief to reduce discomfort. Bleeding usually decreases after tissue expulsion, but spotting may continue for up to 2 weeks.
Follow-up care
A follow-up visit to the gynecologist is required within 2 weeks to confirm that the pregnancy has been fully terminated and no complications have occurred.
Effectiveness and safety
The medical method is 95–98% effective, especially when performed in early pregnancy. It is safe when done under medical supervision and following all instructions.
Who should not use this method?
- If the pregnancy is beyond 7 weeks
- If there are certain health conditions (e.g., bleeding disorders, specific heart diseases)
- If there is a suspected ectopic pregnancy
Conclusion
Medical abortion is an effective, safe, and humane method that allows a woman to terminate an unwanted pregnancy in its early stages, avoiding surgical intervention. Most importantly, this decision should be made with full information and professional support.
