Misoprostol Alone vs. With Mifepristone for Medical Abortion

Medical Abortion: How It Works?

Taking medicine to terminate an early pregnancy (often up to 10–12 weeks) is known as a medical abortion. The process goes as follows – pregnancy hormones are blocked, preventing the embryo from growing further and inducing contractions in the uterus to release the pregnancy tissues. Misoprostol alone or in combination with Mifepristone can make this possible. Your choice between the two methods may be based on personal choice, abortion pill availability, local regulations, etc.

•  Mifepristone + Misoprostol (Combined Method)

This is the most widely used and recommended medical approach, particularly in nations where both medications are lawfully accessible. Mifepristone 200mg should be taken orally with water on day 1. Progesterone, a hormone required to maintain pregnancy, is blocked by this pill. 800mcg of Misoprostol (often four 200mcg tablets) should be taken either buccally (in the cheek), sublingually (under the tongue), or vaginally (inserted into the vagina) after 24 to 48 hours. When taking Misoprostol, the uterus contracts, causing the pregnancy to be expelled.

After taking Misoprostol, cramping and bleeding usually start 1 to 4 hours later. When properly taken in the first 10 weeks, this approach has a 95% to 98% effectiveness rate. Using this medical abortion method, there is a reduced chance of complications and incomplete abortion or the necessity for follow-up surgery.

• Misoprostol Alone

Misoprostol is used alone in certain circumstances, such as in nations where Mifepristone is prohibited or unavailable. Even though it may need higher doses and is not as successful, the WHO nonetheless approves this approach for early abortion. Misoprostol 800mcg (4 pills) can be taken vaginally, under the tongue, or in the cheek. Repeat the dosage if the abortion has not happened in three hours. Until the procedure is finished, you might require a total of three doses, taken every three hours. Cramping may begin 1 to 4 hours after the first dose.

Bleeding is heavier and prolonged compared to the Mifepristone + Misoprostol method. Side effects can include fever, chills, nausea, or diarrhea. About 85% to 90% of pregnancies under 10 weeks are successful with this type of medical abortion. However, this approach is less efficient than the combined method, but it is safe and used by women. There is a slight risk of additional Misoprostol dosage or a follow-up invasive process to empty the uterus.

Choosing Between the Two Medical Abortion Processes

You can experience a successful pregnancy termination if you undertake any of the above-mentioned procedures. However, if you do get the chance to use Mifepristone and Misoprostol pills together, then go for it. But you can also choose Misoprostol pills alone to initiate the abortion at home. Remember the administration process of the pills. For instance, Mifepristone is for oral intake. You must not break, chew, or powder the medicine. Misoprostol is safe to take buccally and vaginally when the pregnancy is within 6 weeks.

However, once the pregnancy is beyond 6 weeks, you must take Misoprostol buccally rather than vaginally. Even though you can still place the pills in the vagina, there is a greater risk of uterine contractions and bleeding. So, depending on your tolerance, you can select the medication intake method as well. To summarize, whichever medicines are available according to your convenience, you may go for it.

You can buy abortion pills online, either Mifepristone and Misoprostol separately. Or, you can obtain both types of medication in the MTP Kit or Abortion Pill Pack. MTP Kit contains one Mifepristone 200mg and Misoprostol 4 pills x 200mcg. The Abortion Pill Pack contains the pills present in the MTP Kit online, as well as other medicines to manage side effects. The purchase is affordable and accessible worldwide, with package delivery at your doorstep.

Conclusion

Medical abortion is a safe and efficient method of terminating an early pregnancy, whether you use Misoprostol alone or with Mifepristone. Effectiveness, accessibility, and the number of tablets you require are the main distinctions between these two procedures of conducting a medical abortion at home. Because of its higher success rate, the combined approach is the usual recommendation whenever possible; nonetheless, Misoprostol by itself is still a dependable substitute. Making an informed decision based on your requirements, health, and circumstances is the most crucial aspect.