Medically Assisted Abortions and What to Expect During The Procedure

Contacting your doctor for a medical abortion to end an unwanted pregnancy or complete a miscarriage is a personal decision. The decision will not require anesthesia or surgery and is most effective in your first trimester. Are you looking for the best obstetrics & gynecology in Forest Hills? The professionals at the office of Yakov Levy MD PC take a personalized approach to ensure you go through a safe abortion. 

What medications will your doctor use during the procedure?

• Oral mifepristone (Mifeprex) and oral misoprostol (Cytotec). Your doctor will request you to take the pills within seven weeks of your pregnancy. The mifepristone drug blocks your progesterone hormone, causing your uterine lining to thin. As a result, your embryo will find it impossible to stay implanted and grow. On the other hand, misoprostol will force your uterus to contract and expel your uterus’ contents through your vagina.
• Oral mifepristone and vaginal, sublingual, or buccal misoprostol. This type uses the same oral medical combination of mifepristone and misoprostol but with an extra gradual-dissolving misoprostol tablet in your vagina. Your doctor will expect you to take the pills within nine weeks of your last period.
• Methotrexate and vaginal misoprostol. Though the procedure is not standard in elective abortion, your doctor will prefer the treatment when you have an ectopic pregnancy. Your gynecologist will give you methotrexate vaginally or as a shot and the misoprostol later at home. Your doctor will recommend the treatment within seven weeks after your last period.
• Vaginal misoprostol. The medication is most effective when your embryo’s gestation is less than nine weeks.

What should you expect after a medical abortion?

After the procedure, you will require a regular follow-up with your gynecologist. Your care provider will also need to evaluate your uterus, bleeding, and possible infection signs. The professional will also discourage you from vaginal intercourse or using tampons for the first few weeks to minimize your infection risks. If your gynecologist suspects an incomplete abortion, he will request an ultrasound to ascertain your symptoms and perform a surgical abortion if necessary.

You will likely go through emotional turmoil with possible feelings of sadness and guilt after an abortion. Therefore, you might consider talking to a psychologist for professional help.

How can you prevent future unwanted pregnancies?

You will most likely have an ovulation a few weeks after a medical abortion and getting pregnant before your next period’s onset is possible. You can talk to your gynecologist about contraception and the best viable option you can use after the procedure. Your contraception choice will depend on your preference, medical history, and whether you had complications during your abortion process.

If you do not have complications or risks from using specific methods, your gynecologist will advise you to use any form right away to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Should you opt for hormonal birth control and start on it days after your procedure, your doctor will suggest using an additional contraception form like condoms or avoiding sexual intercourse for a while.

Whatever reason you have for wanting an abortion, you can always talk to your gynecologist. Contact your doctor when you suspect you are pregnant but are not ready to carry it to term. 

Kamlesh Bakshi