Medical Abortion
See also the fact-sheet: [download pdf ]
Progesterone, also called courpus luteum hormone is essential for the normal development of a pregnancy. Mifepristone is a drug which inhibits the function of progesterone selectively. By taking Mifepristone a pregnancy is terminated, similarly to an early spontaneous abortion. Another hormone, prostaglandin, has to be taken two days after Mifepristone to assure expulsion of the gestational sac. If the patient wishes to see the expulsed gestational sac they have to take a close look into their pads or into the lavatory.
Taking Mifepristone and a prostaglandin is a very safe and effective method which leads to a successful abortion in 98% of cases. Taking the prostaglandin may cause menstrual disorders like cramping in the lower abdomen; taking paintreatment might therefore be necessary. We offer you to stay in the clinic for a couple of hours after intake of the prostaglandin. If you prefer to take the prostaglandin tablets at home, you should have painkillers on hand.
In most European countries this method is approved up to the 9th week of pregenancy (weeks are counted from the first day of the last menstrual bleeding).
The medical abortion with Mifegyne® takes a couple of days. It allows you to keep control over your body and to experience the treatment. Therefore you may be able to review misconceptions about the process.
If mifepristone/Mifegyne® is not available abortion can also be induced with misoprostol alone. This regimen is slightly less effective and more painful than the combined regimen with mifepristone. Details can be found on the following website: gynuity.org
Comparison of surgical and medical abortion
For further information visit gynmed.at
