What is a medical abortion?
A medical abortion uses a medicine or a combination of tablets to cause the non-surgical termination of an early pregnancy up until the 12th week of pregnancy.
The safest, most effective type of medical abortion requires the use of two different pills. These medicines, called Mifepristone and Misoprostol, provoke the spontaneous expulsion of the pregnancy from the uterus 95-98% of the time. However, misoprostol alone is also effective 80-85% of the time.
More scientific information:
Misoprostol is on the list of essential medicines of the World Health Organization. Misoprostol causes contractions and helps to expel the products of conception from the uterus.
Misoprostol alone is highly effective, safe and acceptable for abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The effects of this method of abortion include cramping and prolonged menstrual-like bleeding. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The risk of serious complication is exceptionally low. Research indicates that it is safe to perform the medical abortion procedure at home as long as the woman lives near a hospital or other emergency service.
More scientific information:
Mifepristone and Misoprostol are on the list of essential medicines of the World Health Organization. 53 Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is required to sustain a pregnancy. Without this hormone the attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine wall is disrupted, and the uterus contracts. Misoprostol enhances contractions and helps to expel the products of conception from the uterus.
Mifepristone with Misoprostol are proven to be highly effective, safe and acceptable for home use in early first trimester abortions. The effects of this method of abortion include cramping and prolonged menstrual-like bleeding. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The risk of serious complication is exceptionally low. Research indicates that it is safe to perform the medical abortion procedure at home as long as the woman lives near a hospital or other emergency service.
Is it difficult to use Misoprostol by yourself?
No. You can take Misoprostol on your own. Using Misoprostol is no more…
How to use misoprostol (cytotec) to cause an abortion?
You will need 12 pills of misoprostol, 200 micrograms (mcg) each. To cause an…
Which brand of misoprostol should I use and can different brand names can be used together?
Misoprostol alone has the following brand names: Cytotec (200µg Misoprostol…
Which type of pill containing Misoprostol is the most effective to cause an abortion?
All brands are effective. The most important thing is that the pills contain…
I am more than 12 weeks pregnant and can travel; where can I find clinics that can help?
Late abortions are available in the following countries:
Can Misoprostol be used if you have Chlamydia?
An infection with Chlamydia is one of the main causes of infertility and must…
Are there injections that could end my pregnancy?
The only injection that can successfully end a pregnancy is methotrexate. This…
What is Methotrexate?
Methotrexate can be used to induce an abortion in combination with Misoprostol…
Do antibiotiocs have an effect on the contraceptive pill and/or Misoprostol?
Antibiotics can diminish the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill as it may…
Does Provera (a progesteron) help to induce an abortion?
No it does not. Provera does not contain a working substance to make the womb…
How do you know if you are pregnant and how long you have been pregnant for?
Most women determine that they are pregnant if they are sexually active and…
How many weeks into your pregnancy can you do a medical abortion?
You can do a medical abortion at home until the 12th week of your pregnancy.
I've been pregnant for more than 12 weeks. Can I still use Misoprostol?
Misoprostol still works after 12 weeks of pregnancy. However 4% to 8% of women…
What if you are not pregnant but take the medicines anyway?
Your health will not be harmed if you are not pregnant but take the medicines…
What if you have a RH - bloodtype?
Usually doctors advice women who have an (surgical) abortion or miscariage or…
What is a contraindication and how do you know if you have one?
Contraindications are conditions or situations might keep you from being able…
What is an ectopic pregnancy and how do you know you have one?
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that grows outside the womb, usually in a…
Can I have an abortion if I have an IUD?
An IUD is a contraceptive, a small coil of about 3 cm inserted by a doctor into…
Why shouldn't you be alone when you do a medical abortion and what if you do it alone anyway?
You are strongly advised to use the medicines in the presence of someone you…
Why should you be within 60 minutes of a hospital or first aid centre when you do the abortion?
It is absolutely necessary to be within one hour of help, in case you lose too…
What painkillers can you use?
NSAID's like Ibuprofen, Diclofenac and Naproxen are the most effective…
Can (homeopathic) medication that decreases menstrual pain be used with Misoprostol?
Because some of these medications might counter the contractions of the womb…
How should you use Misoprostol (cytotec)?
You will need 12 pills of misoprostol, 200 micrograms (mcg) each.
Are there other ways to use the Misoprostol?
We strongly advise you to use Misoprostol under your tongue. This way, no…
Can you use Misoprostol if you are still breastfeeding?
It is better not to breastfeed during the first 5 hours after taking…
Is it safe to have a medical abortion if you've already had one in the past?
Women are fertile for about 40 years. Some women need more than one abortion…
Can I take part of the Misoprostol/Cytotec orally and part vaginally. Is this effective?
We strongly advice women to use Misoprostol under the tongue (dissolve under…
Can you eat or drink while you are taking the medicines?
You should not drink any alcohol or use drugs, as it can affect your judgment.
When will you start bleeding and how long will it last?
After using Misoprostol you should expect bleeding and cramps. Bleeding usually…
Can you go to work while doing the abortion? For how long must you rest before returning to work?
It is best to take Misoprostol on the weekends or when you can rest for a bit.
I took the first dose of Misoprostol and started bleeding. Should I take the next doses?
Yes, you must take the next doses, despite the blood loss. Scientific research…
How much and what colour is the blood loss?
The general rule is that fresh blood is red and old blood is brown. While…
Can you see the products of the abortion (placenta, embryo, blood) and what should you do with them?
Most of the time women can see blood and tissue in their sanitary napkin or in…
What are the side effects of Misoprostol?
The medical abortion normally causes side effects such as pain and cramping, as…
I've used Misoprostol a few days ago and I'm still in a lot of pain. Is this normal?
If the treatment was successful, you should no longer have any pain, just blood…
I've used Misoprostol but the pregnancy test is still positive. What should I do?
Sometimes, pregnancy test are still positive 3 or 4 weeks after the abortion
What is a complete, successful abortion and how do you know you've had one?
A complete abortion means that the body has expelled all the products of…
How do you know if you have complications and what should you do?
If performed in the first 10 weeks, a medical abortion carries a very small…
How do you know if you have a post-abortion infection?
Infections following medical abortions are very rare. If you feel weakness
How do you know if you have an incomplete abortion?
An incomplete abortion is an abortion that has only been partially successful.
What is a curettage/vacuum aspiration and is it necessary after medical abortion?
Vacuum aspiration (MVA)is a surgical intervention to remove the contents of the…
Can Misoprostol be detected in a blood test?
Misoprostol disappears from the blood after 12 hours, and it does not show up…
How do you know if you have a continuing pregnancy?
Continuing pregnancy is a pregnancy that continues to develop even after the…
What are the chances that the fetus will be malformed if you have an ongoing pregnancy?
If you have an ongoing pregnancy after using Misoprostol, the risk of having a…
Do you need to have an ultrasound after doing a medical abortion?
If you do not have symptoms of a complication, it is not necessary to have an…
How long will it take before Misoprostol will have effect and for how long will symptoms (bellyache, nausea, blood loss etc.) last?
In most cases Misoprostol will have an effect within 4 hours and you will start…
I used Misoprostol; bleeding is like during menstruation. Should I go to the hospital?
You do not have to go to a hospital, but you should get an ultrasound or do a…
Can you get pregnant again immediately after using Misoprostol?
Yes. You must immediately start taking precautions. For contraceptive methods…
Does medical abortion increase the risk of breast cancer?
No, having an induced abortion does not increase a woman’s chance of developing…
How long must you wait before starting to have sexual intercourse again after the abortion?
It is best to wait 4-7 days after taking the Misoprostol to have sexual…
Is a medical abortion dangerous?
Medical abortions performed in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy have a very low…
Will you be able to get pregnant and have children after a medical abortion?
A medical abortion does not affect your ability to conceive or bear a child in…
When can you get pregnant again after having a medical abortion?
Although it may be several weeks after your abortion before you get your…
How can you prevent a future unwanted pregnancy?
About 85% of sexually active women who do not use contraceptives become…
Do I have an infection?
Do I have an infection? A fever could indicate that you have an infection. If…