Medical abortion

Medical abortion is a non-invasive method of terminating an early pregnancy (up to 9–10 weeks of gestation) using specific medications. This method is an alternative to surgical abortion and allows pregnancy termination without surgical intervention. Medical abortion is performed under medical supervision and involves the use of prescribed pharmaceutical agents.

It is essential that a woman is fully informed about the procedure and receives prior consultation from a physician. Termination of pregnancy with medications requires careful medical assessment and follow-up.

Contraindications to medical abortion

Medical abortion has a number of contraindications in which this method cannot be used:

1. Pregnancy beyond 10 weeks of gestation. After this period, the effectiveness of medical abortion decreases and the procedure may become unsafe.
2. Ectopic pregnancy. Medical abortion is not suitable for terminating an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo develops outside the uterine cavity.
3. Severe medical conditions. Medical abortion may be contraindicated in women with serious liver, kidney, cardiovascular diseases, or coagulation disorders.
4. Allergy to medication components. If a patient has a known hypersensitivity to the drugs used, medical abortion is not performed.
5. Use of systemic steroid therapy. Women receiving long-term corticosteroid treatment (for example, for chronic conditions) may not be eligible for the procedure.

Recovery after medical abortion

Most women recover quickly after a medical abortion. However, it is important to follow medical recommendations:

1. Avoid intense physical activity for several days following the procedure.
2. Avoid the use of tampons, sexual intercourse, and vaginal douching for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of infection.
3. Follow-up examination. A medical check-up is required 1–2 weeks after the procedure to confirm complete termination of pregnancy.

Medical abortion is an effective method of early pregnancy termination. Nevertheless, it requires medical supervision, appropriate diagnostics, and monitoring for potential complications. It is essential to discuss all aspects of the procedure with a physician and strictly follow medical advice to ensure safety.