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20 - Medicaltermination of pregnancy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 August 2013

By
Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
Edited by
Paula Briggs  and
Gabor Kovacs
Edited in consultation with
John Guillebaud
Paula Briggs
Affiliation:
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust
Gabor Kovacs
Affiliation:
Monash University, Victoria
John Guillebaud
Affiliation:
University College London
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Summary

This chapter provides basic information on regimens recommended for early medical abortion up to 63 days of gestation. Mifepristone is the only anti-progestin approved for the induction of abortion. The levels of mifepristone found in breast milk from lactating women following the intake of a single dose of 200 mg are low or immeasurable. The combined regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol has success rates, measured as complete abortion without the need for surgical intervention or additional drug administration, of 95-99%. The side effects of medical abortion are similar to those experienced with miscarriage, with the most frequently reported adverse events being pain (caused by uterine contractions) and vaginal bleeding. Postponing contraception is associated with the highest rate of repeat abortion. Globally, approximately 13% of all maternal deaths are due to complications of unsafe abortion and the proportion of unsafe abortion increases.

Keywords

uterine bleedingendometriumlevonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systemprogestogen-only pillsdysmenorrhoeaamenorrhoeacontraception
Type
Chapter
Information
Contraception
A Casebook from Menarche to Menopause
 , pp. 181 - 191
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2013

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