Medical Abortion - 5 to 8 Weeks

We offer a medical abortion option for women whose pregnancy measures by ultrasound 5 weeks to less than 8 weeks from the last normal menstrual period. A non-surgical abortion is one that is brought about by taking medications which cause
the body to abort or expel the pregnancy rather than the traditional alternative of surgical abortion which ends the pregnancy by emptying the uterus with the use of special instruments.

A medical abortion is less invasive and allows women to be in her own home when the
abortion occurs. Women who are considering this option should be aware that the process can take from 3 days to 35 days and may require up to 4 additional follow-up visits.

Medications

Mifepristone (Mifeprex, or RU-486) is a medication that blocks the action of progesterone; a hormone needed to maintain pregnancy. It alters the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, causing an early pregnancy to detach from the uterine wall. It also helps to soften and dilate the cervix. While you are at the clinic you will take 200 mg of Mifepristone.

Misoprostol is the second medication that you will receive. Misoprostol is very effective at causing the uterus to contract (cramp) and thus expelling the pregnancy. 800mcg of Misoprostol will be sent home with you, along with instructions to take this medication 24 to 36 hours after the Mifepristone.

Fees

Please call for current prices and information.

Other requirements

While the medical abortion is 95% effective, there is a 2-5% failure rate. If you choose to have a non-surgical abortion, you must also be willing to have a surgical abortion if needed.

Because the medications used are toxic to the pregnancy, a medical abortion failure will require a surgical aspiration.

You may request a surgical abortion at any time during your treatment.

Instructions

Bleeding – For most women, bleeding will occur within hours of using the misoprostol. Expect moderate to heavy bleeding for the first 1-2 days. Some women experience a second episode of heavy bleeding a few days after the initial bleeding if the abortion was not complete. Use pads or panty liners and not tampons for any bleeding. You may continue to experience light bleeding for up to three weeks.

• During the abortion process you may eat and drink normally. It is best to avoid strenuous activity, avoid lifting over 10 pounds, and avoid spending a lot of time on your feet. Be guided by how you feel.
• Please put NOTHING in the vagina until after the follow-up exam has determined the abortion is completed.
• Do not have intercourse.
• Do not use tampons- sanitary pads only.
• Do not douche, go swimming, or take a tub bath- showers are fine.
• Take your temperature twice a day for one week. If your temperature is over 100.4 degrees, please call us.
• For 7 days you will be taking Doxycycline (100mg) or another antibiotic. Take as directed and avoid heavy exposure to sunlight, antacids, iron and alcohol.

Non-surgical abortion has some side effects that can be uncomfortable. These include: nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fever/chills, and fatigue. You may not experience all of these, but you should be prepared just in case. Uterine cramping is expected with this treatment and it can be painful.

Our doctor will prescribe a medication to help with pain and nausea, although this medication may not relieve pain completely. Bleeding is also expected and can be heavy. The counseling staff carefully reviews instructions with you to prepare you for these side effects, should they occur.

You will have an appointment scheduled for your check-up two weeks after your abortion.

Be sure to report if:

• Your bleeding is excessive(soaking 4 pads over 2 hours).
• You experience severe abdominal pain.
• Your temperature is ever 100.4 degrees or more.
• You have any foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• You have severe fatigue, or extreme malaise.
• You have severe nausea or vomiting.