Medical termination refers to the process of inducing a miscarriage using a combination of drugs (the 'abortion pill'). These drugs replicate hormonal changes similar to those experienced in a natural miscarriage to terminate a pregnancy without surgical intervention. It is a very safe and effective method, however it does have time constraints regarding when it may be used. In our clinic, most women choose surgical abortion over medical abortion after they have been given full information and reached an understand the method.
Contraceptive Services use a drug combination recognised by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration), WHO (World Health Organisation) and other medical bodies.
Medical Termination (Abortion Pill)
What is it?
When can it be used?
Medical terminations can be performed safely with a high success rate up to 9 weeks following your last menstrual period. We set a limit at this time to prevent increased levels of bleeding and discomfort in the form of cramps and pain for our patients, as well as to reduce ineffective termination.
If this method is chosen following your counselling session, we will schedule you in for a follow up visit to monitor progress. The time frame for medical abortion is generally one to two weeks, however it can vary up to three to four weeks.
Statistically, 70% of patients achieve successful termination in the first week,
90% by the second week, and
90-95% by the third and fourth weeks.
It is important to know that the method is not fail proof, and may require surgical intervention should the medication not succeed. However, your progress will be explained at the end of each check up with your doctor, and you will always be presented with any relevant information.
- Medical abortion is a process of inducing miscarriage through medication, which involves taking two different medications spaced 1-2 days apart.
- It is an alternative to the procedural option available for pregnancies up to 9 weeks from the beginning of your last period.
- After the initial consultation, assessment, and ultrasound examination at the clinic, you take the first medicine, which stops the progression of the pregnancy.
- The second medicine is taken 1-2 days after the first one, usually at home. This medicine initiates the process of expelling the pregnancy, causing heavy vaginal bleeding and cramping.
- This stage usually lasts 3-4 hours and can be quite uncomfortable. You can take painkillers to help manage the pain.
- It is recommended to stay at home on the day you take this medicine.
- Side effects could be nausea, diarrhoea, hot flushes, abdominal pain, heavy bleeding and feeling dizzy.
- From the next day onwards, most people manage to go back to their usual -routines (physical activities, work etc).
- We recommend a follow up visit back in the clinic, a week after the initial visit, to check the progress (this may include an ultrasound as well).
- If the medical progress is not satisfactory, an additional medication can be given to expedite the process.
- If attending the follow up visit in person is not practical for you, a teleconsultation can be arranged with the doctor.
- The overall success rate of medical abortion after three weeks is around 95-97%.
In our clinic, 70% of eligible patients choose the surgical option while 30% choose the medical option.
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