Understanding The Different Types Of Medical Abortions

Medical abortion, also known as medication abortion, non-surgical abortion, or abortion pill, is a method of ending a pregnancy without undergoing surgery.

It involves taking medication that causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy. There are typically two types of medical abortions:

1) Medical abortion using the combination of Mifepristone (RU 486, Mifeprex) and Misoprostol (Cytotec).

2) Or medical abortion using Methotrexate and Misoprostol.

Medical Abortion Using Mifepristone and Misoprostol (Cytotec):

Mifepristone is a medication that blocks the hormone progesterone, which is essential for pregnancy. This medication is taken orally and causes the uterus to contract and soften and dilate (open) the Cervix (lower end of the Uterus).

Using Mifepristone alone can expel approximately 40% of pregnancies that are 8 weeks or less.

After taking Mifepristone, a second medication, Misoprostol, can be taken the day of, or most commonly 24 to 48 hours later.

Misoprostol is a Prostaglandin that causes the uterus to contract and leads to vaginal bleeding and cramping which expels the pregnancy.

Medical abortion with Mifepristone and Misoprostol is most commonly used to terminate pregnancies within the first 11 to 12 weeks.

The success rate using the combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol is 98 to 99%.

The combination can be used to terminate pregnancies in the second trimester of pregnancy up to 24 to 28 weeks and even in the third trimester of pregnancy (28 weeks or further) if medically necessary with minimal to no complications.

Medical Abortion with Methotrexate and Misoprostol:

Methotrexate is a medication that is used to treat certain cancers (head and neck, choriocarcinoma) and other diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Connective Tissue processes).

In medical abortions, Methotrexate is injected Intramuscularly (into the muscle) or taken orally. The medication interferes with the growth of cells that support growth of the pregnancy and causes the pregnancy to be expelled.

The use of Methotrexate to end a pregnancy alone is only effective in the first 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. After taking methotrexate, the pregnancy is generally expelled within 2 to 4 weeks.

When the combination of Methotrexate and Misoprostol are used together, there is a 88 to 94 percent of the abortion being successful up to 9 weeks pregnant.

In Conclusion

Medical abortion is a safe and effective method of ending a pregnancy. Both medical abortion with Mifepristone and Cytotec or medical abortion with Methotrexate and Misoprostol have been proven to be effective and have a low risk of complications.

It is very important to consult a healthcare provider to determine which type of medical abortion is right for you and to ensure the best possible outcome.

There are several types of medical abortions. They each have their own set of benefits and drawbacks.  Remember, you have a choice in what happens to your body and no one else can make that decision for you.

The Fort Lauderdale Women’s Center is Offering The One Hour Abortion Pill Procedure – 3 to 14 Weeks. Patients who qualify may receive a significant discount in the price of the procedure if they meet certain criteria.

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Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center | Abortion Pill Clinic | Articles On Abortion