Medical Abortion in Melbourne
Medical termination of pregnancy, or medical abortion, uses medication to end early pregnancies. Deciding on a medical termination can be an incredibly personal and emotional journey. Dedicated GP's at Healthy Haven Family Clinic are here to guide you through the process of a medical abortion in Melbourne. Expect a compassionate approach, ensuring you’re fully informed and comfortable with every step of the process.
Caring support for medical abortions
- Medical abortion utilises the medications mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate early pregnancies, typically effective up to nine weeks.
- Risks include heavy vaginal bleeding, infection, and incomplete abortion, but these risks are relatively low when done under medical supervision.
- Emotional support is vital during recovery. Women with an unwanted pregnancy may experience mixed emotions, and access to counselling and peer support is recommended.
Understanding medical abortions
A medical abortion is a legally recognised and accessible method for ending an early pregnancy. Medical abortions do not require a referral, unlike surgical abortions, making them more accessible. This method involves taking medications, specifically mifepristone and misoprostol, to induce the termination of the pregnancy.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists endorses medical abortion as a safe and effective method for terminating pregnancies. Here we'll outline what to expect from preparation to recover
What is a medical termination of pregnancy?
A medical abortion terminates an early pregnancy using medications rather than surgical procedures. This method is effective for pregnancies up to nine weeks, involving two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone, the first medication, blocks progesterone, leading to the thinning of the uterine lining. 24 to 48 hours later, misoprostol is taken to induce uterine contractions and expel pregnancy tissue. This combination effectively ends the pregnancy and initiates a process similar to an early miscarriage.
Medical abortion is generally considered safe, though risks include heavy bleeding, infection, and incomplete abortion. These risks are relatively low when the procedure is performed under medical supervision. Following the prescribed steps and attending follow-up appointments ensures the abortion is complete and addresses potential issues.
How to prepare for a medical termination
Preparing for a medical termination involves several crucial steps. First, a consultation with a healthcare provider determines eligibility and explains the process. During the consultation, your medical history is reviewed to ensure medical abortion is appropriate for your situation.
Once eligibility is confirmed, preparation includes confirming the pregnancy through urine or blood tests and possibly an ultrasound to determine gestational age. This step ensures the pregnancy is within the nine-week limit for a medical abortion. Following these steps helps ensure the procedure’s success and safety.
The procedure step-by-step
The procedure begins with taking mifepristone orally. This medication blocks progesterone, necessary for pregnancy continuation. After taking mifepristone, instructions on when to take misoprostol, usually 24 to 48 hours later, will be provided.
Misoprostol completes the abortion process by causing uterine contractions. This stage can involve significant cramping and bleeding, similar to a heavy menstrual period.
Following the prescribed steps and guidelines from your healthcare provider ensures the procedure’s success.
Follow-up care and recovery
Follow-up care is crucial for recovery after a medical abortion. Follow up with your GP via telehealth immediately after termination and then 1 week later to repeat blood pregnancy test, counselling and discuss contraception.
Regular follow-ups help identify any retained tissue or ongoing pregnancy tissue remaining. Some discomfort and light bleeding may continue for two weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if bleeding becomes excessively heavy or pain worsens
Managing pain and side effects
Managing pain and side effects is crucial during the medical abortion process. Pain, often similar to strong menstrual cramps, can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol, ibuprofen and sometimes codeine. Taking a pain reliever half an hour before misoprostol can alleviate discomfort.
Heat packs and rest may help to effectively manage pain. Seek medical help promptly if you experience severe pain or any unusual symptoms.
Risks and complications
Though generally safe, medical abortion has risks and complications. Heavy bleeding, sometimes with large clots, may occur shortly after taking misoprostol. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience heavy bleeding, defined as soaking through two or more pads in an hour for two consecutive hours.
Infection is another potential risk. Symptoms of infection include fever, chills, and foul-smelling or abnormal vaginal discharge. Persistent dizziness, light-headedness, or signs of significant blood loss require prompt medical assessment.
Incomplete abortion can lead to ongoing symptoms and may require further medical intervention.
Comparing medical and surgical abortion
Medical abortion, often referred to as a medication abortion, is a secure and non-surgical method for terminating a pregnancy within the first nine weeks. This method involves taking two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, as well as the abortion pill, to end the pregnancy. The process is relatively private and can be completed at home, which many find preferable to a clinical setting.
In contrast, surgical abortions involve a minor surgical procedure to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. This procedure is typically performed in a clinic or hospital and can be completed in a single visit. The choice between medical and surgical abortion often depends on individual circumstances, preferences, and the gestational age of the pregnancy.
Medical abortion is ideal within the 5 to 7-week range but can be done up to 9 weeks. Surgical abortion can be performed later in the pregnancy and may be recommended in cases where medical abortion is not suitable or if there are complications requiring surgical intervention. Understanding the differences in procedures and preparation is crucial for making an informed decision about which method is best for you.
Emotional and psychological support
Supportive healthcare professionals can offer essential guidance and help navigate the emotional aspects. Access to support communities allows individuals to connect with others who have undergone similar experiences, fostering shared understanding and healing.
Engaging in self-care activities and talking with trusted individuals can also help cope with post-abortion feelings. Remember, it’s crucial to reach out to crisis support services if you feel in crisis after the procedure.
Cost and insurance coverage
The cost of a medical termination can vary, particularly for patients who do not have Medicare coverage. The MS-2 Step method is partially covered by the Federal Government, which can help reduce overall costs. For those with a Medicare card, the cost of medical and surgical abortion can be significantly lower due to available rebates.
Private health insurance may also cover abortion services, but it’s important to confirm coverage details with your insurer. Understanding the financial aspects and available rebates can help you make an informed decision about your reproductive health options.
Cost and insurance coverage
The cost of a medical termination can vary, particularly for patients who do not have Medicare coverage. The MS-2 Step method is partially covered by the Federal Government, which can help reduce overall costs. For those with a Medicare card, the cost of medical and surgical abortion can be significantly lower due to available rebates.
Private health insurance may also cover abortion services, but it’s important to confirm coverage details with your insurer. Understanding the financial aspects and available rebates can help you make an informed decision about your reproductive health options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical abortion is generally safe when conducted under proper medical supervision, although it carries some risks and potential complications. It is essential to have the procedure supervised by qualified healthcare professionals to ensure safety.
In a medical abortion, two main medicines are used: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks a hormone called progesterone, which is needed to keep the pregnancy going. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and the pregnancy can't continue. Then, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and push out the pregnancy tissue.
Bleeding after a medical abortion typically lasts for two weeks, with the heaviest bleeding occurring within the first one to two days. It is important to monitor the bleeding during this time.
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection like fever or foul-smelling discharge after a medical abortion. Prompt care can ensure your safety and well-being.
To access medical abortion services, visit Healthy Haven Family Clinic where experienced GP's can provide medical management of abortion and support you through the process. We can also provide family planning services and ongoing contraception advice to help prevent a future unplanned pregnancy.