Medical Abortion: Possible Complications and Outcomes

Medical abortion early in pregnancy was developed as a safe alternative to surgical instrumental abortions: curettage (cleaning) vacuum aspiration (mini-abortion).

Despite its claimed safety and high effectiveness, this method can have complications and consequences of any other medical intervention. Indeed, the complication rate for medical abortion is much lower than for surgical techniques.

The declared and proven efficiency of 92-94% (our statistics show the efficiency of 99.6%) is only achieved in strict adherence to the Mifepristone and Misoprostol dosage and regimen, provided that the procedure is done with preparations purchased from our pharmacy.

Numerous authoritative studies have determined the optimal dose for drugs with high efficacy and the lowest incidence of complications and side effects (WHO, 2012).

These doses are Mifepristone 200 mg + Misoprostol 800 µg.

It should be noted that even with adherence to these dosages and recommendations for medical abortion, the poor outcomes’ possibility cannot be completely ruled out.

Mifepristone and Misoprostol are rapidly eliminated from the body and have no residual effect.

We offer a FULL guarantee’ of the medicines’ quality and authenticity. We cannot guarantee a positive outcome in all cases because each body is different (individual reactions to drugs are possible). Although relatively safe, medical abortion is still an abortion (although relatively safe), and the procedure is a serious medical intervention.

If someone gives medical a positive outcome, a 100% guaranteed abortion, do not believe me; it is not the truth!

Among the possible complications are the following:

1. Incomplete abortion;
2. Heavy bleeding;
3. Severe pain;
4. Dyspeptic conditions: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting.
5. Allergies;
6. Dizziness, headache;
7. Fever, hot flashes;
8. Menstrual disorders.

1. Incomplete abortion

The primary medical abortion and perhaps the most severe complication is that part,’ or the gestational sac, all remain in the uterine cavity or, less commonly, as pregnancy progresses. This situation is called an Incomplete abortion. The incidence of this complication varies from 1.5-2 to 3-4% and is directly related to the gestational age: the longer the gestation, the higher the incidence.

What to do in an incomplete abortion case? See here…

2. Heavy bleeding

Heavy bleeding (hemorrhage) occurs in between 1 and 2.5% of cases that require intrauterine intervention. What to do in this case?

3. Intense pain during pregnancy

Frequent and very intensive (painful) uterine contractions (contractions) occur in 10-25% of cases. Read more about the pain during MTP here.

4. Dyspeptic complaints: nausea, vomiting

Dyspeptic complaints (gastrointestinal motility disorders) such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea occur in 2-5% of cases.

Metoclopramide (Reglan) is given in individual dosages.

5. Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions to the medication in the hives and other rashes occur in 1.5-3% of cases. If this happens, we recommend

Claritin (Laritidine) 1 tablet 10 mg, 1 p/day.

6. Dizziness and headache

Dizziness, headaches, and general malaise affect women between 5-12.5%. There is no need for extraordinary measures. If the headaches are unbearable, the blood pressure should be checked. In normal arterial blood pressure, headache can be treated with the patient’s usual analgesic, but this will reduce the Misoprostol effects.

7. Fever, chills

A short-term (1-2 days) fever, hot flashes, and chills should not be considered an infection sign. This occurs in 1-2% of cases with medication. Figures usually do not exceed sub-febrile (below 37.4 degrees C or 99,32 F).

If the temperature is below 37.5 degrees (99,5 F), nothing needs to be done – monitor the temperature every 3–4 hours. Contact your gynecologist or refer to a specialized medical facility if the temperature exceeds 37.5 (99,5 F) degrees (or over two days). Read more…

8. Disruption of the menstrual cycle

Among medical abortion, delayed effects are menstrual irregularities. Disorders may appear both in the long light (or moderate) bleeding form and in the menstruation absence form for 2–3 months.

See «Periods after Medical Abortion» for these conditions’ management»; «Contraception after Medical Abortion»

Conclusion

Despite the above possible complications of medical abortion, the complication rate is very low, and the procedure itself is considered safe and reliable. There is a misconception that medical abortion leads to long-term health complications such as infertility or an increased risk of breast cancer.

Author

Dr. Kopp Kallner. M.D. in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University Medical School.